The short answer
Block paving is usually the more expensive option to install, but it is easier to repair and tends to look more finished. Tarmac is usually cheaper and quicker to lay, and it suits larger or plainer driveways where budget matters most. If you want a driveway you can patch neatly and that adds to your home's appearance, block paving is normally the better choice. If you want a solid, practical surface at a lower cost, tarmac usually wins. You can see what other homeowners actually paid for each on this page.
How they differ
Block paving is made of individual concrete or clay blocks laid on a compacted stone base and a layer of sand. The gaps are filled with jointing sand, and the blocks are held in place by an edge restraint. You can choose from many colours, shapes and laying patterns.
Tarmac (also called asphalt or bitumen macadam) is a hot mixture of stone and bitumen. It is rolled flat over a compacted stone base and sets into one continuous surface with no joints. Colour choice is limited, mostly black or dark grey, though some installers offer other finishes.
The main practical difference is that block paving is a surface made of many small parts, while tarmac is one sheet. That affects how each one looks, how it handles water, how it ages and how it is repaired.
Drainage matters with both. Planning rules in England can apply to paving over a front garden, particularly if rainwater runs onto the road. Block paving with gaps between the blocks can make it easier to use a permeable design. Tarmac can also be laid in a permeable form, but standard tarmac is not permeable. Check current rules with your local council or ask your installer. If you need a dropped kerb to reach the road, that needs separate permission from the council.
Cost: what makes each more or less expensive
In general, tarmac costs less than block paving for the same area. Tarmac is laid by machine and roller in a short time, with less material handling and less labour. Block paving takes longer because each block is laid and cut by hand, and edges and curves need careful finishing.
Factors that push the price up for either surface:
- Size and shape. Larger areas cost more overall, but the price per square metre sometimes comes down. Curves, angles and cutting around obstacles add labour, especially with blocks.
- Ground preparation. Removing an old driveway, digging out soft ground and disposing of waste all add cost. A deeper or stronger base is needed if heavy vehicles will use it.
- Drainage. Gullies, channel drains, soakaways or permeable construction add materials and labour.
- Materials. For block paving, the type of block makes a big difference. Plain concrete blocks cost less than natural stone or premium designs. For tarmac, a decorative finish or colour costs more than standard black.
- Edging and extras. Kerbs, borders, steps and retaining walls are priced separately in most quotes.
- Access. Narrow access that stops machinery reaching the site increases labour time, particularly for tarmac, which relies on rollers and delivery trucks.
Over the long run, block paving can narrow the gap because small repairs are easier and cheaper. Tarmac that has failed in one area may need a larger section replaced or a full resurface. The real prices on this page show how much people actually paid, which gives a better guide than a general rule.
Lifespan and upkeep
Both surfaces can last many years if the base is built properly. Most problems come from poor groundwork rather than the surface itself, so the quality of the sub-base matters more than the choice of material.
Block paving needs occasional upkeep. Weeds and moss can grow in the joints, so you may need to brush in fresh jointing sand and clean the surface now and then. Blocks can sink or shift if the base was poor, or if tree roots or heavy loads push on them. The advantage is that you can lift individual blocks and relay them, so repairs are usually neat. Oil stains can mark blocks, but sealing helps resist stains and keeps the colour, though sealant needs reapplying over time.
Tarmac needs less routine cleaning because there are no joints for weeds. Over time it can fade, develop cracks, soften in very hot weather, or break at the edges if they are unsupported. Standing water and tree roots can cause damage. Small cracks can be sealed, and a worn surface can sometimes be resurfaced with a new top layer. Patch repairs tend to remain visible, as new tarmac does not blend with old. Oil and diesel can also damage the surface.
If you do not like maintenance, tarmac is simpler day to day, but when it does fail it is harder to repair neatly. Block paving asks for more regular attention but is easier to fix.
When to choose Block paving driveway
Block paving is likely the better choice if:
- You care about appearance and want a choice of colours, patterns and borders that suit the house.
- You expect to need access to pipes or cables underneath, since blocks can be lifted and put back.
- You want repairs that blend in rather than leave visible patches.
- You are happy to spend more at the start for a surface that is easier to repair.
- Your driveway has curves or a shape that suits laying by hand.
- You are comfortable with some weeding and cleaning, and with topping up the joint sand.
Block paving is less suitable if you have a very tight budget, a large plain area, or you want the lowest maintenance possible.
When to choose Tarmac driveway
Tarmac is likely the better choice if:
- Keeping the initial cost down is the priority.
- You have a large, fairly straightforward area, such as a long driveway or shared access.
- You want the work finished quickly with little disruption.
- You prefer a smooth surface with no joints to weed or clean.
- A plain, practical appearance suits the property.
Tarmac is less suitable if you want a decorative finish, if you may need to dig up the surface later, or if you dislike the idea of visible patch repairs. Be wary of low quotes that skimp on the base or laying depth, since a thin or poorly compacted tarmac surface tends to crack early.
Questions to ask a tradesperson
- What base depth and materials will you use, and is that suitable for the vehicles I own?
- How will rainwater drain, and does my driveway need a permeable design or planning permission?
- Do you handle the dropped kerb application, or is that my responsibility?
- What does the quote include: excavation, waste removal, edging, drainage and finishing?
- For block paving, what type of block, edge restraint and jointing sand will you use, and will it be sealed?
- For tarmac, what thickness will it be, how many layers, and how will edges be supported?
- Can I see examples of driveways you laid some years ago?
- What guarantee do you give, and what does it cover?
- How long will the work take, and when can I walk and park on it?
- Who deals with any utility covers or services in the way?