If you’re looking to have your driveway or paving redone, the first choice you’ll need to make is the type of material you want to use. Concrete and tarmac are both popular types of surface, and each offers benefits. While both are durable and long-lasting, one may be better suited to your drive or paving than the other. 

In this article, we take a closer look at the two materials to help you decide which is the best option for your home. 

How are concrete and tarmac different?

To help you make the right decision for your home improvement project, it’s essential to understand how these two materials are different from each other:

• Concrete is made from mixing water, sand, cement and gravel, which then sets to give you a robust finish. It can be coloured, textured or polished to help you create your desired finish, making it a very versatile material. 
• Tarmac is a mix of tar (or bitumen) with crushed stone and has a smooth black finish. It can be edged with block paving to make it more decorative. It still provides a robust solution for your driveway or paving but typically has a shorter lifespan than concrete. However, its slightly flexible surface can make it less prone to cracking. 

Which one is easier to lay?

Both are quick to lay, but tarmac usually has a faster drying time. It will generally set within a day or two, which is ideal if time is a consideration in your home improvement project. Concrete, on the other hand, takes a little longer to cure and can take up to a week to fully cure and be ready to take significant weight, such as a car. 

How does the cost of a concrete or tarmac driveway compare?

When you factor in the long-term maintenance costs and lifespan, concrete often proves to be more cost-effective overall. 

That’s because tarmac driveways and paving usually require more maintenance than concrete ones. It needs to be resealed every few years to keep it looking good and to stop the surface from cracking or crumbling. But concrete needs much less upkeep to ensure it stays in good condition.

Which material is right for your project? 

If you want a longer-lasting driveway and paving that is more customisable and requires less upkeep in the long run, then your best choice is concrete. But if you need to complete your project on a tight budget or timescale, then tarmac may be the better option for you. 

However, it’s important to remember that the cost of a tarmac driveway or paving will likely be more than that of a concrete one in the long run. Another important point to note is that concrete will last much longer than its tarmac counterpart. 

Are you redoing your driveway or paving?

If you’re looking for high-quality, pumped concrete for your next home renovation project, then please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. Our ready-mixed concrete is available seven days a week, and you only pay for what you use, thanks to our easy-to-use online calculator. Contact Erris Concrete today.