What Is Tar & Chip—and Why Homeowners Love It

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right surface for your driveway, aesthetics, durability, and cost all play an important role. While block paving and tarmac are common choices across Banstead and the wider Surrey area, there’s one option that often flies under the radar—tar and chip. Also known as chip seal, this surface treatment has become a firm favourite among discerning homeowners looking for a driveway that delivers charm, strength, and value in equal measure.

At NS Driveways Banstead, we’ve seen more and more customers turn to tar & chip as a practical and attractive alternative to more conventional materials. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what tar & chip is, how it works, and why so many homeowners are loving the results.

Key Takeaways

• Tar & chip driveways offer a textured, natural finish that blends beautifully with rural and suburban settings.
  
• A cost-effective alternative to block paving or tarmac without sacrificing durability.
  
• Highly slip-resistant and weather-tolerant, ideal for the British climate.
  
• Low maintenance with long-lasting performance, making it a smart long-term investment.
  
• Customisable with a range of stone colours to suit your property’s character.
  

What Is Tar & Chip?

The Basics of Chip Seal Surfacing

Tar and chip is a multi-layer surfacing method that involves spraying hot bitumen (tar) over a prepared base and then covering it with loose stone chips. These chips are then rolled into the surface, creating a textured, bonded finish that sets firm and is ready for light use within hours.

Unlike poured materials like tarmac or concrete, tar & chip has a more natural, rustic appearance that makes it especially popular for driveways in countryside homes, traditional cottages, and properties where aesthetics matter just as much as functionality.

Why Homeowners in Banstead Are Choosing It

1. Classic Look with Practical Strength

One of the main reasons tar & chip is so well loved is its visual appeal. The exposed stone surface provides a warm, textured finish that complements traditional architecture and landscaped gardens—without looking too industrial or manufactured.

Yet despite its charming appearance, it’s also incredibly strong. Once compacted, the chip-sealed surface can easily handle cars, vans, and regular traffic without shifting or cracking.

2. Cost-Effective and Efficient

Compared to more labour-intensive materials like block paving, tar and chip offers excellent value for money. The installation process is faster and more economical, making it ideal for larger driveways or long private lanes where cost could otherwise spiral.

It’s a clever solution for homeowners who want premium results without the premium price tag.

3. Custom Finishes to Suit Any Home

Homeowners can choose from a range of different stone types and colours to achieve the right look—whether that’s a warm golden gravel, a cool grey granite, or a deeper, more dramatic finish using dark flint or basalt chips.

This level of customisation means you can match the driveway to your home’s exterior, garden design, or surrounding landscape with ease.

4. Safe, Slip-Resistant Surface

Thanks to its rough texture, tar & chip provides excellent traction, even during wet or icy conditions. This makes it a great choice for sloping driveways or areas prone to standing water, where smoother surfaces might pose a hazard.

Families and older residents appreciate the added safety—and there’s no need to worry about slippery algae or moss growth between joints like you get with some block paving.

5. Long-Lasting with Minimal Maintenance

Once installed, a tar and chip driveway requires very little upkeep. It naturally resists water and wear, and because the stone chips are bound into the surface, there’s no shifting, sinking, or individual block movement to worry about.

Over time, the surface can be refreshed with a new layer of chips if needed—but many homeowners find their tar & chip driveways last a decade or more with very little intervention.

Perfect for Surrey Homes

In Banstead and across Surrey, homeowners are often looking for a driveway that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Tar and chip excels here—offering a rustic yet refined look that works well for both rural lanes and suburban front gardens.

Whether you’re restoring a period property or upgrading the driveway on a modern family home, this surface blends form and function in a way few others can.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a new driveway and want something that balances durability, visual appeal, and affordability, tar and chip might just be the perfect fit. With its natural finish, customisable appearance, and robust performance, it’s easy to see why so many homeowners in Banstead and beyond are falling in love with this understated yet high-performing option.

At NS Driveways Banstead, we specialise in professionally installed tar & chip driveways that stand the test of time. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and discover how this smart surface could enhance your property.

Call us on: 01737 926 997
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