How much does a tarmac driveway cost per square metre in Scotland?

Most residential tarmac driveways in Scotland cost £45 – £70 per square metre fully installed, including excavation, MOT type 1 sub-base, base course and wearing course. Simple overlays on a sound existing base start around £25 – £40 per square metre.

Is tarmac cheaper than resin?

Yes. Tarmac is normally the most cost-effective option, around half the cost of resin bound for the same area, while still lasting 15 – 20 years when laid properly.

How long does it take to lay a tarmac driveway?

A typical two-car driveway takes two to three days: one day for excavation and sub-base, one day for edging, and one day for laying and compacting the tarmac. Larger commercial car parks are phased to keep access open.

Do I need planning permission for a tarmac driveway?

In Scotland you generally do not need planning permission if the surface is permeable or if surface water is directed to a soakaway or lawn rather than the public road. We design drainage to meet those rules as standard.

When can I drive on a new tarmac driveway?

You can walk on it the same day and drive on it after 24 – 48 hours. Avoid turning the wheels of a stationary car and keep heavy loads or trailers off it for the first two to three weeks in warm weather.

What is included in your quote?

Excavation and spoil removal, geotextile membrane, compacted MOT type 1 sub-base, edging, base and wearing course tarmac, compaction and a full site clean. The price is fixed in writing after a free site survey — no hidden extras.

Tarmac Driveway Cost in Scotland: 2026 Price Guide

A new tarmac driveway in Scotland typically costs £45 – £70 per square metre, which puts a standard two-car driveway at roughly £1,900 – £3,200 fully installed. Below we break down what drives that price, what a proper installation includes, and how to compare quotes without getting caught out.

Tarmac driveway prices at a glance

Project	Typical cost	Notes
Small driveway (up to 25 m²)	£1,300 – £1,900	One car, straightforward access
Average driveway (25 – 50 m²)	£1,900 – £3,200	Two cars, new sub-base and edging
Large driveway (50 – 100 m²)	£3,200 – £6,000	Wider frontage, drainage and kerbs
Shared access / long drive (100 m²+)	From £6,000	Rural drives, farm access, estates
Resurfacing / overlay only	£25 – £40 per m²	Sound existing base, new wearing course
Pothole & patch repairs	£150 – £600 per visit	Depends on number and depth of repairs

Prices are indicative for Scotland in 2026 and include labour, materials and waste removal. See the full range of work we cover on our driveway and surfacing services page.

What affects the cost of a tarmac driveway?

Size and shape

Square metre rates fall as the area grows — mobilising plant and a crew costs the same for 20 m² as for 60 m². Awkward shapes with lots of hand-cutting add labour.

Excavation depth and ground conditions

Soft or waterlogged Scottish ground needs deeper dig-out and more MOT type 1 sub-base. Spoil removal is charged by the tonne.

Drainage

Since driveways draining onto the highway need permeable design or a drainage solution, an ACO channel, soakaway or linear drain typically adds £250 – £900.

Edging and kerbs

Granite setts or concrete kerbing frame the drive and stop the tarmac edge failing. Budget £30 – £60 per linear metre.

Access for plant and lorries

Tight lanes, terraced streets and long barrow runs mean more hours on site and smaller loads of hot material.

Finish

Standard black 6 mm tarmac is the most economical. Red tarmac, resin bound and decorative surface dressing all carry a premium.

What a proper installation includes

01Excavate to 150 – 250 mm depending on ground conditions and remove spoil.
02Lay a geotextile membrane to stop the sub-base sinking into soft ground.
03Install and whacker-compact MOT type 1 sub-base in layers.
04Set kerb edging on a concrete haunch to hold the tarmac.
05Lay a 40 – 50 mm base course, then a 20 – 25 mm 6 mm wearing course.
06Roll and compact hot, seal the joints with bitumen and clean the site.

You can see this build-up in real Scottish projects in our recent projects gallery.

Tarmac driveway cost FAQs

Explore the driveway, tarmac and groundworks services behind this guide, and see the finished work we have completed for homes and businesses across Scotland.