If you’re planning a new driveway, block paving and tarmac are two of the most common options you’ll come across. Both are popular, both are durable, and both have their advantages — but they suit very different budgets, properties, and priorities.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between block paving and tarmac to help you make an informed decision before requesting quotes.
What Is Block Paving?
Block paving is a driveway surface made from individual interlocking blocks — typically manufactured from concrete or clay — laid on a compacted sand and hardcore base. Blocks are available in a wide range of colours, shapes, and textures, and can be laid in various patterns including herringbone, stretcher bond, and basket weave.
Block paving is one of the most popular driveway surfaces in the UK and is particularly common across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, where homeowners value its durability, kerb appeal, and long service life.
What Is Tarmac?
Tarmac — short for tarmacadam — is a bound surface made from crushed stone coated in bitumen, laid hot and compacted to form a smooth, seamless driveway. It’s one of the most cost-effective driveway surfaces available and can be installed relatively quickly, making it a popular choice for homeowners on a tighter budget or with larger areas to cover.
Block Paving vs Tarmac — The Key Differences
Cost
Tarmac is generally the more affordable option upfront. A standard two-car tarmac driveway in Oxfordshire typically costs between £1,500 and £3,500 depending on size and ground conditions. Block paving for the same area typically ranges from £3,500 to £7,000.
However, upfront cost tells only part of the story. Tarmac driveways require resurfacing every 10–15 years and are more susceptible to surface damage from oil spills and heavy vehicles over time. Block paving, when properly installed, can last 20–30 years with minimal intervention — making it the more cost-effective option over the full lifetime of the driveway.
Appearance
Block paving offers significantly more design flexibility. With dozens of colours, textures, and laying patterns available — including contrasting borders and feature inserts — block paving can be tailored to complement any property style, from traditional Cotswold stone to modern new builds.
Tarmac is black, smooth, and uniform. It’s a clean, functional finish, but it offers very little in the way of design flexibility. Some contractors offer a resin-bonded gravel top coat to improve appearance, but this adds to the cost and maintenance requirements.
If kerb appeal and property presentation matter to you, block paving is the stronger choice.
Durability & Lifespan
Both surfaces are durable when correctly installed. However, tarmac is more vulnerable to:
- Surface cracking in prolonged hot weather (the bitumen softens)
- Oil and fuel staining, which can permanently mark the surface
- Edge deterioration, particularly without proper edge restraints
- General surface wear on heavily used areas
Block paving is harder-wearing, more resistant to staining, and performs better in both hot and cold conditions. Frost-thaw cycles — common in Oxfordshire winters — can cause tarmac to crack over time if the sub-base isn’t perfectly prepared.
Repairability
This is where block paving has a clear advantage. If a section of block paving sinks, cracks, or becomes damaged — perhaps due to a drainage issue or ground movement — individual blocks can be lifted, the underlying cause addressed, and the blocks re-laid without any visible evidence of the repair.
Tarmac repairs, by contrast, are almost always visible. Patched tarmac rarely blends in with the original surface, particularly as the existing tarmac weathers and the patch remains darker. Over time, a repaired tarmac driveway can begin to look untidy even if the repair itself is sound.
Maintenance
Both surfaces require some maintenance, but in different ways:
Block paving maintenance:
- Annual weed treatment and sand repointing (every few years)
- Occasional resealing to maintain colour and surface protection
- Individual block replacement if damage occurs
Tarmac maintenance:
- Regular sealing to prevent surface oxidation and cracking
- Full resurfacing every 10–15 years
- Prompt treatment of oil stains to prevent permanent marking
Block paving maintenance is generally more straightforward and lower cost per visit, though repointing and resealing require periodic professional attention for best results.
Drainage & Planning Permission
Under current UK Government permitted development rules, driveways over 5m² using an impermeable surface require drainage to be directed to a lawn, border, or soakaway within the property boundary. Standard tarmac is impermeable, meaning drainage must be carefully managed. Block paving with permeable jointing can satisfy drainage requirements without additional drainage infrastructure in many cases.
If you’re in a conservation area — which applies to several parts of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire — there may be additional restrictions on driveway surfaces. We advise on this during every free site visit.
Which Is Better — Block Paving or Tarmac?
There’s no single right answer, but here’s a simple summary to help guide your decision:
Choose block paving if:
- Kerb appeal and property aesthetics are a priority
- You want a surface that will last 20–30 years with minimal replacement cost
- You value repairability and long-term flexibility
- You’re looking for a surface that adds value to your property
Choose tarmac if:
- Budget is the primary consideration
- You have a very large area to cover and cost per m² is the deciding factor
- You need the driveway installed quickly with minimal disruption
- Appearance is less of a priority
For most homeowners across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, block paving represents the better long-term investment — particularly when you factor in the full 20–30 year lifecycle rather than just the upfront installation cost.
Thinking About a New Driveway in Oxfordshire?
Parklane Driveways are Brett Paving-approved specialists based in Wantage, serving Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, Bicester, and the surrounding areas since 2014. We install block paving driveways and patios with no sub-contractors, a 5-year guarantee, and a free no-obligation site visit.
Get in touch today to arrange your free quotation — we cover all of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and can usually arrange a visit within a few days.