Engineered Asphalt & Tarmac Systems · Specialist DivisionTARMAC by Hinchliffe
Machine-laid tarmac done to a proper commercial standard. Domestic driveways, private roads, farm roads, estate roads and car parks.
Every tarmac by hinchliffe install is engineered using recognised pavement-construction principles and relevant BS 7533 guidance, survey, engineered sub-base, edge restraints and approved surface systems.
Traditional black-top surfacing for driveways, private lanes, farm yards and commercial hardstandings. We lay tarmac hot, roll it properly and cut sharp edges, no cold joints, no soft edges, no shortcuts.
Best for
- →Long driveways and shared accesses
- →Commercial hardstandings and yards
- →Cost-effective large-area surfacing
Engineered asphalt & tarmac surfacing
Asphalt is specified in two fundamentally different ways. Full reconstruction builds the pavement from the formation upward. Resurfacing works with an existing structurally sound pavement. The right route is decided at survey, not assumed.
Full reconstruction
Where the existing construction is unsuitable, failed, or does not exist.
- 1Formation, existing construction removed to the required depth
- 2Ground preparation and geotextile separation where required
- 3Structural sub-base, granular construction compacted in layers
- 4Edge restraints and kerbing
- 5Asphalt binder course
- 6Asphalt surface course
- 7Final compaction and detailing
Actual thicknesses and materials depend on loading, ground conditions and specification.
Resurfacing / overlay
Where assessment confirms the existing pavement is structurally sound and suitable to be overlaid.
- 1Assessment of the existing pavement condition and levels
- 2Localised repairs where required
- 3Preparation or planing where required
- 4Bond or tack coat as specified
- 5Regulating course where necessary to correct levels
- 6New asphalt surface course
- 7Compaction and detailing
Applications
Machine-laid residential surfacing with defined edge detail and falls set before the surface is laid.
Shared access and estate roads constructed for repeated vehicle movements and turning loads.
Bay layouts, falls, drainage interfaces and kerbing coordinated as one construction.
Yards, hardstanding and service areas specified around anticipated loading and use.
TARMAC by Hinchliffe, your questions.
Is tarmac built to BS 7533?
Our tarmac and asphalt construction is specified around anticipated loading, formation condition, drainage, layer thickness and appropriate asphalt materials.
How long does a tarmac driveway last?
A machine-laid tarmac driveway on a correctly constructed structural sub-base can provide many years of service before a wearing-course overlay is required, depending on loading, drainage and maintenance. Hand-tamped tarmac over a weak base rarely makes it past five winters, the build-up matters more than the surface.
What's the difference between machine-laid and hand-laid tarmac?
Machine-laid tarmac is fed hot from a paver and rolled to a uniform density, giving a tight, long-lasting surface. Hand-laid tarmac cools before it's compacted, leaving loose material and weak edges. We machine-lay wherever access allows.
Can you resurface an existing tarmac driveway?
Yes, if the base is structurally sound we can overlay it with a new wearing course, saving cost versus a full excavation. If the base is cracked, sinking or holding water, an overlay just hides the problem; we'll say so honestly and price a full rebuild instead.
How soon can I drive on new tarmac?
You can walk on it once it's cooled (a few hours). Light vehicle use is fine after 24 hours. Avoid sharp turning on the spot, jacks, and prop stands for the first 2–3 weeks while it fully hardens.
Is tarmac suitable for driveways and just for roads?
Tarmac is excellent for residential driveways, private lanes, farm accesses and commercial yards. It's the most cost-effective surface for larger areas and takes heavy loads. For smaller drives where kerb appeal matters, resin or block often suits better.
Tarmac and asphalt
- Excavation
- Disposal of arisings
- Formation assessment
- Geotextile where specified
- Type 1 sub-base constructed in controlled layers
- Required edge restraints
- Asphalt binder course
- Asphalt surface course
- Rolling and compaction
- Completion inspection
Rate depends materially on total area, access for paving equipment, asphalt quantity, haulage, edge detailing, drainage and whether machine laying is practical.
Only available where the retained pavement is structurally suitable. Planing, regulating material, failed-edge reconstruction, ironwork adjustment and extensive local repairs are additional.
Recommended minimum tarmac project value: £5,000 plus VAT
The rates above cover the surfacing system itself. Everything below the surface, and everything site-specific, is measured and calculated separately in the Hinchliffe Project Builder™ process.
- Excavation, formation preparation and compaction
- Spoil removal, haulage and tip disposal
- Sub-base supply, laying and testing
- Drainage, soakaways, linear channels and SUDS provision
- Kerbs, edgings, retaining structures and level changes
- Service covers, utility alterations and manhole adjustment
- Restricted access, plant hire and site complexity allowances
- Mobilisation, welfare, traffic management and risk allowances
Guide prices are not quotations or contractual offers. Final pricing is issued only after site assessment, measured quantities and confirmation of the construction specification. Prices exclude VAT unless expressly stated otherwise. Unforeseen ground conditions, concealed services, contamination and client-requested changes are managed under the written contract and variation procedure.
Request a measured site assessmentTarmac Driveways by town
Ground conditions change from one Cheshire town to the next. Pick your area to see how we build there, what we typically find below the surface and what it usually costs.
Customer proof
"We were really impressed with the project management, the team kept the neighbours informed throughout the job and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. A five-star service."
"Dan and the team were professional from start to finish. The workmanship was outstanding and the driveway has completely transformed our home. Highly recommend."
"Excellent communication throughout the project. Everything was completed exactly as promised and to a very high standard."