Tarmac vs. Block Paving: Which Driveway Surface Is Right for Your Devon Home?

Choosing a new driveway surface is more than an aesthetic decision — it affects drainage, maintenance, durability, cost, and how your property looks from the road for the next 20 years. Two options come up more than any other in the South West: tarmac and block paving. Here’s an honest comparison.

Tarmac Driveways: The Case For

Tarmac (asphalt) has a long track record for a reason. A properly laid tarmac driveway is durable, low-maintenance, quick to install, and handles the freeze-thaw cycles of Devon winters without cracking under normal use. It’s also typically the most cost-effective option for larger driveways.
Modern tarmac driveways don’t have to look industrial. Coloured tarmac aggregate, resin bonded surfaces, and contrasting border edging can produce a smart, distinctive finish that complements the property. The key is preparation — a properly compacted sub-base is what determines whether a tarmac driveway lasts 15–20 years or develops problems after two.

Block Paving: The Case For

Block paving is the premium choice for many Devon homeowners, and it has genuine advantages. The surface is visually versatile — patterns, colours, and border treatments give enormous design flexibility. Individual damaged blocks can be replaced without disturbing the entire surface. Block paving also manages drainage well when laid on a semi-permeable base, which is increasingly important as local planning requirements around surface water tighten.
Kerb appeal is a genuine factor. A well-laid block paved driveway adds meaningfully to property value, and in competitive Devon property markets, the quality of the driveway is noticed.

The Cost Comparison

As a rough guide for a typical Devon property driveway of around 40 square metres:

• Standard tarmac: £3,000–£5,000
• Coloured or pattern-imprinted tarmac: £5,000–£8,000
• Block paving (mid-range): £6,000–£10,000
• Premium block paving (granite, natural stone): £10,000–£16,000+

These figures include sub-base preparation, edging, and drainage — which they should always include. Be cautious of quotations that are significantly lower, as shortcuts on preparation are where driveway problems originate.

What About SUDS Regulations?

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) regulations require that hard surfaced driveways over 5 square metres either use permeable materials or include drainage to a lawn or border (not straight to a drain or the road). Both tarmac and block paving can be laid in ways that comply, but it’s worth confirming that your contractor understands the requirements.

Which Is Right for Your Home?

The right answer depends on your budget, your property’s style, the size of the area, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do (block paving requires periodic re-sanding and moss treatment; tarmac is essentially maintenance-free for most of its life).

RM Driveways provides free, no-obligation quotations across Devon, with honest advice on the best option for your property and budget. Contact us to arrange a visit.