Block Paving vs Tarmac: Which Driveway Is Right for Your Property?

A new driveway can improve access, create practical parking space and significantly change the appearance of a property.

Two of the most common options are block paving and tarmac. Both can provide a durable and attractive surface when installed on properly prepared foundations, but they differ in appearance, maintenance, installation and overall character.

At RGS Renleys Groundwork Services, we complete driveway preparation, excavation, block paving and tarmac projects for customers across the North East.

This guide explains the main differences between the two surfaces and the factors worth considering before choosing your new driveway.

What Is a Block-Paved Driveway?

Block paving is created using individual concrete or clay blocks installed in a planned pattern over a prepared foundation.

Common layouts include:

• Herringbone
• Basketweave
• Stretcher bond
• Mixed-size patterns
• Contrasting borders

Different block colours, sizes and edging details can be combined to create a driveway that complements the property.

Block paving is often chosen by homeowners who want a defined, decorative finish with more opportunities for personalisation.

What Is a Tarmac Driveway?

A tarmac driveway uses a smooth, compacted surfacing material laid over a properly prepared base.

It creates a clean and continuous surface without the visible joints found in block paving. Tarmac is widely used for residential driveways, access routes, parking areas and larger commercial surfaces.

It is generally chosen for its practical appearance, efficient installation and suitability for areas that experience regular vehicle use.

Appearance

The visual difference between block paving and tarmac is usually the first thing customers notice.

Block Paving

Block paving offers more design flexibility.

Homeowners can choose different:

• Block colours
• Patterns
• Borders
• Edging styles
• Layouts

It can be used to create a traditional, contemporary or understated finish depending on the property and materials selected.

A contrasting border can define the driveway and provide a clear separation from paths, gardens or neighbouring surfaces.

Tarmac

Tarmac creates a simpler and more uniform appearance.

Its dark finish can work particularly well against:

• Red-brick properties
• Light paving
• Block-paved edging
• Modern exterior finishes
• Landscaped borders

It is a strong option for customers who prefer a straightforward driveway without decorative patterns.

Ground Preparation

Regardless of which surface is selected, the groundwork beneath the driveway is essential.

A professional installation may require:

• Removal of the existing surface
• Excavation to an appropriate depth
• Disposal of unsuitable material
• Installation of a compacted sub-base
• Correct levels and falls
• Suitable drainage
• Secure edging
• Careful surface installation

The visible driveway can only perform properly when the foundation underneath it is stable and suited to the expected vehicle traffic.

Poor preparation may eventually contribute to:

• Sinking
• Movement
• Cracking
• Uneven areas
• Standing water
• Failed edges

At RGS Renleys, preparation is treated as a core part of the project rather than something hidden beneath the final finish.

Durability

Both block paving and tarmac can provide a dependable driveway when installed correctly.

Block-Paving Durability

The individual blocks create a strong interlocking surface. If movement or damage occurs in a specific area, individual blocks can often be lifted and replaced without renewing the entire driveway.

The blocks themselves are durable, but the finished driveway still depends on:

• A stable foundation
• Correct compaction
• Strong edging
• Consistent levels
• Proper jointing

Tarmac Durability

Tarmac creates a continuous surface capable of handling regular vehicle movement.

It is commonly used on roads and access areas because of its practical strength. Residential tarmac driveways still require suitable foundations and edging to prevent deterioration around the perimeter.

The expected lifespan of either driveway will depend on its construction, usage, drainage and ongoing care.

Maintenance

Every outdoor surface requires some level of maintenance.

Maintaining Block Paving

Block paving may need:

• Occasional sweeping
• Removal of weeds or growth from joints
• Replacement of jointing sand where necessary
• Cleaning to remove dirt and staining
• Individual block replacement if damaged

Because the surface contains many joints, it may require more routine attention than tarmac.

However, its repairability is a major advantage. Localised sections can often be addressed without replacing the complete driveway.

Maintaining Tarmac

Tarmac generally has fewer joints and is relatively straightforward to keep clean.

Maintenance may include:

• Sweeping away loose debris
• Cleaning spills promptly
• Repairing small damaged areas
• Protecting vulnerable edges
• Addressing drainage issues early

Because tarmac is one continuous surface, local repairs may remain more visible than a replaced block within a paved driveway.

Drainage

Drainage should be considered before either surface is installed.

Water needs to move safely away from the property without creating standing water or directing excess runoff towards neighbouring land.

The correct solution may involve:

• Establishing suitable falls
• Installing drainage channels
• Connecting to an appropriate drainage point
• Using permeable materials where suitable
• Creating a soakaway where appropriate
• Leaving suitable landscaped drainage areas

The exact approach depends on the property, driveway size, levels and local requirements.

Drainage should be planned during the groundwork stage, not after the finished surface has been installed.

Installation Time

Project timescales vary depending on:

• The size of the area
• Existing surface removal
• Excavation requirements
• Access
• Ground conditions
• Drainage work
• Weather
• Material availability
• Complexity of the finish

Tarmac can sometimes be installed more efficiently across a large prepared area because it does not require each unit to be laid individually.

Block paving generally involves more detailed installation because every block must be positioned, aligned and compacted.

However, the preparation required beneath both surfaces can represent a significant part of the overall project.

Which Is Better for a Large Driveway?

Tarmac can be an effective option for larger driveways and access areas because it creates a clean, continuous surface.

Its understated appearance can prevent a large area from feeling overly patterned or visually busy.

Block paving can also work across larger driveways, particularly when:

• Different areas are divided using borders
• A restrained block colour is selected
• The pattern suits the scale of the space
• Landscaping softens the surrounding area

The best option depends on the desired appearance, site layout and intended use.

Which Is Better for a Smaller Driveway?

Block paving can add detail and definition to a smaller frontage.

Borders, patterns and carefully selected colours can help the driveway feel integrated with the property.

Tarmac can make a compact driveway feel clean and uncluttered, particularly when combined with block-paved edging or a paved entrance strip.

Neither option is automatically better. The decision should reflect the property and the customer’s priorities.

Can Block Paving and Tarmac Be Combined?

Yes. Combining the two materials can create a practical and visually balanced finish.

A common design uses:

• Tarmac across the main driveway
• Block-paved edging
• A paved entrance apron
• Contrasting paths
• Defined borders around planting

This gives customers the smooth practicality of tarmac with some of the detail associated with block paving.

The transitions between materials must be installed properly so that edges remain stable and the finished levels align correctly.

Block Paving May Be Right for You If:

Block paving may suit your project when you want:

• A decorative driveway
• A choice of colours and patterns
• Defined borders
• A finish that complements existing paving
• The ability to replace individual damaged blocks
• A more traditional or detailed appearance

Tarmac May Be Right for You If:

Tarmac may suit your project when you want:

• A clean and practical surface
• A simple, consistent appearance
• A driveway suited to regular vehicle use
• Efficient coverage across a larger area
• Fewer visible joints
• The option to combine it with block-paved borders

Domestic and Commercial Driveway Projects

RGS Renleys supports both domestic and commercial surfacing projects.

Domestic work may include:

• Front driveways
• Shared access areas
• Side access routes
• Parking spaces
• Driveway extensions
• Paths and entrance areas

Commercial work may include:

• Parking areas
• Access roads
• Yard surfaces
• Site entrances
• Service areas
• General groundwork and preparation

Each site is assessed individually before the required preparation and surface are recommended.

Why Professional Installation Matters

A driveway is exposed to vehicle weight, rainfall, temperature changes and daily use.

Professional installation helps ensure that:

• Excavation is completed to an appropriate depth
• Unsuitable ground is addressed
• The sub-base is installed and compacted
• Levels connect correctly with the property
• Drainage is considered
• Edges are secured
• The finished surface is installed consistently

Choosing an attractive material is important, but the preparation and installation determine how well it performs.