What Is Tar & Chip? A Simple Guide for Homeowners

Introduction

Choosing the right driveway surface for your home is about more than just appearance—it’s also about durability, maintenance, and value. With so many surfacing options available, from tarmac to block paving, it can be easy to overlook alternatives that offer both practicality and style. One such option is tar and chip, a traditional yet highly effective surface that’s become increasingly popular among homeowners in both rural and suburban areas.

At Sittingbourne Driveways, we install high-quality tar and chip driveways throughout Sittingbourne and Kent. In this article, we’ll walk you through what tar and chip actually is, how it’s applied, and why it could be a great fit for your home.

What Is Tar & Chip?

Tar and chip, also known as “chip seal” or “surface dressing,” is a surfacing method that combines hot liquid bitumen (tar) with loose stone chips. It offers the appearance of a gravel drive, with a more solid, bound surface that stays in place under regular use.

The process involves:

1. Laying hot bitumen over a prepared base surface
   
2. Spreading clean, dry aggregate chips evenly across the surface
   
3. Rolling the chips into the tar with a heavy roller to ensure adhesion
   
4. Sweeping excess stone away once the surface sets
   

This method creates a textured, slip-resistant finish that performs well under both vehicle and foot traffic.

The Key Benefits of Tar & Chip Driveways

1. Natural Appearance

One of the most appealing features of tar and chip is its rustic, natural look. Unlike black tarmac or shiny resin, the finish is subtly textured and can blend seamlessly into rural or countryside settings. It’s particularly well-suited to traditional homes or properties with surrounding greenery.

• Complements stone cottages and country homes
  
• Available in various stone colours and sizes
  
• Adds character without looking artificial
  

2. Durable and Hard-Wearing

Despite its more natural appearance, tar and chip is surprisingly robust. Once compacted and set, the surface is more resistant to wear and weathering than loose gravel and less prone to cracks than some alternatives.

• Withstands heavy domestic vehicle use
  
• Holds up in hot summers and frosty winters
  
• Reduces issues like rutting or shifting seen in gravel drives
  

3. Cost-Effective Installation

Compared to some decorative paving options, tar and chip offers an excellent balance between cost and performance. The installation process is efficient and doesn’t involve the complex laying patterns or drying times that come with other materials.

• Quick turnaround on most residential jobs
  
• Lower material costs compared to block paving
  
• Long-lasting results with minimal disruption
  

4. Low Maintenance Requirements

Once installed, tar and chip driveways require very little attention. Unlike gravel, it doesn’t need regular raking, and unlike paving blocks, weeds have fewer places to grow.

• Occasional sweeping removes loose chips
  
• Re-dressing can be done after several years to refresh the surface
  
• No need for sealing or regular cleaning products
  

At Sittingbourne Driveways, we also offer maintenance and resurfacing services to keep your driveway performing at its best for years to come.

5. Improved Grip and Safety

Thanks to its textured surface, tar and chip provides excellent grip underfoot and for vehicles. This makes it a good choice for sloped driveways or areas where slip resistance is important, such as near entrances or steps.

• Reduces risk of slipping during wet or icy conditions
  
• Offers better tyre traction compared to smooth tarmac
  
• Suitable for all-season use
  

Where Is Tar & Chip Best Used?

Tar and chip is a versatile surfacing solution, but it’s especially effective in:

• Rural homes and farm driveways
  
• Private estate roads and long access tracks
  
• Residential properties with large driveways
  
• Homes looking for a traditional finish
  

It may not be suitable for extremely high-traffic urban environments, but for homeowners in Sittingbourne and the surrounding Kent areas, it’s an ideal blend of aesthetics and practicality.

A Few Things to Consider

Before choosing tar and chip, it’s worth understanding a few points to manage expectations:

• The surface is more textured than tarmac or resin
  
• Loose chips may appear shortly after installation but can be swept away
  
• Over time, the colour of the stones may dull slightly with weathering
  

However, these are natural characteristics of the material, and many homeowners find that they add to the charm and appeal of the surface.

Conclusion

Tar and chip is a timeless, cost-effective, and low-maintenance surfacing option that continues to win favour with homeowners across Kent. With its blend of durability, natural aesthetics, and practical performance, it offers a smart alternative to more conventional materials.

At Sittingbourne Driveways, we bring expertise, quality materials, and skilled workmanship to every tar and chip installation. If you’re considering a new driveway or looking to resurface an existing one, our team is here to help. Contact us today to explore whether tar and chip is the right choice for your property and receive tailored advice based on your specific needs.

Call us on: 01795 905 087
Click here to find out more about Sittingbourne Driveways
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your driveways.