Tarmac driveways
New drives and full replacements across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Excavation and groundwork through to the final tarmac finish, with proper sub-base, levelling, edging and drainage underneath.
Your estimate is free, and you pay nothing until the job is finished.
Tarmac driveways built from the ground up
The finish is the part you see, but it’s the sub-base that decides whether a driveway holds up. We carry out the full process, from excavation and groundwork through to the final tarmac finish.
That means proper sub-base installation, levelling, edging and drainage, so the drive is built on a solid foundation. The edges matter as much as the base — held properly, the surface has something to press against instead of crumbling away at the sides.
Done that way a tarmac drive handles daily vehicle use and the demands of a Scottish winter. It stays practical and low-maintenance, and a neat, smooth finish means it complements the look of the house instead of sitting on top of it.
I’m really pleased with the work Tam and his team did tarring my driveway. They were professional, friendly, hardworking, and took great care to make sure everything was done properly. The driveway looks fantastic, and I’m very happy with the finished result. I’d definitely recommend Tam and his team to anyone looking to have their driveway done.
Tarmac driveways built on a solid foundation
Dig out
The old surface comes up and the ground is excavated to depth. Everything is carted away — no spoil left on the verge.
Sub-base & levels
Stone base laid and compacted in layers, falls set so water runs off the drive rather than towards the house.
Edging
Block paving or kerb set on concrete around the perimeter, so the tarmac has a hard edge to be rolled up against.
Lay and finish
The tarmac goes down and the surface is finished smooth, and the site is swept.
Tarmac driveways that we have laid
Frequently asked questions about tarmac driveways
Fifteen to twenty-five years on a properly built sub-base with normal car use. What kills a drive early is a thin base or water sitting on it, which is why we spend more time below the surface than on it.
Sometimes. If the base underneath is sound an overlay is an option and it costs less. If the surface is cracked because the base has failed, laying over it just moves the problem up. We’ll tell you which one you have rather than laying a new surface over a failed base.
Yes, tarmac can be laid through most of the year. We avoid laying in standing water or hard frost and will tell you honestly if a date needs moving.
Only if the drive crosses a pavement and there isn’t already a lowered kerb line. If it does, we prepare and submit the council application and carry out both jobs together.
Tarmac dries in 24 hours, so leave it a day before you drive or park on it.
Yes. Peebles, Innerleithen, Galashiels, Lauder and Melrose are all within range. Send us the postcode when you get in touch and we will confirm before we come out to price it.
Edinburgh first — Morningside, Corstorphine, Leith, Portobello, Colinton, Balerno and the rest of the city — then Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian, and south into the Scottish Borders. If you are not sure your postcode is in range, send it over and we will tell you.
Get a free estimate for your driveway
Send a photo of the area, or just tell us what you need, and we’ll arrange a visit to price the job. Estimates are free, and there’s no deposit.
I was taken aback at how professional, courteous and hard working these guys were. They turned up everyday on time and worked flat out completing my drive within the timeline stated.
I was absolutely delighted with my new driveway and the price quoted.