Tarmac vs concrete driveway: which costs less?
Tarmac is the cheaper driveway to lay: about £40 to £65 per m² against £70 to £120 per m² for concrete. Concrete lasts longer and shrugs off fuel spills and heat, so over 25 years the gap narrows, but on upfront cost tarmac clearly wins. Tarmac is quick to lay and good value; concrete is harder-wearing and lower-maintenance for more money.
Tarmac driveway vs Concrete driveway: the cost
| Option | Range | Typical | Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac driveway | £40 to £65 | £50 | per m² |
| Concrete driveway | £70 to £120 | £85 | per m² |
Costwise guide prices, reviewed June 2026, not quotes.
Tarmac driveway vs Concrete driveway: the difference
| Factor | How they compare |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Tarmac about £40 to £65 per m²; concrete £70 to £120 per m². |
| Durability | Tarmac can soften in heat and is dissolved by fuel spills; concrete is harder and more resistant. |
| Look | Tarmac is a plain black finish; concrete can be plain, coloured or imprinted with a pattern. |
| Best for | Tarmac: lowest upfront cost and quick to lay. Concrete: longest life and least upkeep, for more money. |
Common questions
Yes, clearly. Tarmac is £40 to £65 per m² against £70 to £120 for concrete. Concrete lasts longer and resists fuel and heat better, so on a 25-year view the costs converge, but if upfront budget is the deciding factor tarmac is the cheaper surface.
Concrete. A well-laid concrete driveway lasts 25 years or more and shrugs off fuel spills and hot weather, while tarmac is more prone to softening in heat and being dissolved by oil and petrol. Tarmac is cheaper to lay and to patch, but concrete is the longer-lived surface.
These are independent guide prices based on typical UK jobs in 2026. Your actual cost depends on your property, spec, access and where you live. Always get at least three written quotes before committing.