Hand & Machine Laid Tarmac
At JC Surfacing, we provide professional hand and machine laid tarmac services for both domestic and commercial projects across the UK. With decades of industry experience, a skilled workforce, and advanced paving equipment, we deliver smooth, durable, and long-lasting surfaces for driveways, roads, car parks, and more. Whether you need the precision of hand-laid tarmac or the efficiency of machine application, our team ensures every surface is finished to the highest standard.
What is Hand & Machine Laid Tarmac?
Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is a blend of aggregates bound together with bitumen to create a robust and weather-resistant surface. The application method depends on the size, complexity, and intended use of the project:
- Hand Laid Tarmac – Ideal for smaller or intricate spaces, such as residential driveways, garden paths, courtyards, and decorative areas. It allows for fine detailing, seamless edges, and careful work around obstacles.
- Machine Laid Tarmac – Suited to larger areas like highways, car parks, playgrounds, and industrial yards. Paving machines ensure perfect levels, faster installation, and consistent compaction across large surfaces.
Benefits of Tarmac Surfacing
- Durability – Handles heavy loads, frequent traffic, and all UK weather conditions.
- Cost-Effective – Affordable to install with minimal long-term maintenance costs.
- Quick Installation – Reduces disruption and allows large areas to be surfaced efficiently.
- Low Maintenance – Simple to clean, repair, and restore over its lifespan.
- Versatile – Works for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications.
- Attractive Finish – Can be customised with decorative edging, borders, or coloured surface dressing.
Our Proven Process
- Initial Site Survey – We assess the site, measure dimensions, check access, and discuss your needs.
- Planning & Material Selection – Choosing the right tarmac mix, aggregate size, and layer thickness for the intended use.
- Surface Preparation – Removing old materials, levelling, and installing drainage where needed.
- Edging & Kerbing – Strengthening boundaries with kerbs or decorative blocks to retain shape and add style.
- Laying the Base Layer – Applying a binder course to provide stability and load-bearing strength.
- Applying the Surface Layer – Using either hand-laying or machine paving methods for a flawless top layer.
- Compaction – Using rollers to achieve perfect density and smoothness.
- Finishing Touches – Adding line markings, borders, or textures if required.
- Final Inspection – Ensuring every aspect meets our strict quality standards before handover.
Domestic Applications
- Driveways
- Garden paths and patios
- Courtyard surfacing
- Shared access roads
- Decorative tarmac with block borders
Commercial Applications
- Car parks and forecourts
- Highways and estate roads
- Industrial yards and loading bays
- School playgrounds and sports courts
- Public footpaths and cycle routes
Materials & Techniques
We only use premium-grade aggregates and bitumen to ensure a long-lasting surface. Our tarmac mixes are tailored to the intended use — whether it’s fine-graded for a smooth driveway or coarse-graded for high-traffic industrial yards. We also offer coloured tarmac and resin-bound overlays for decorative finishes.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
All our work complies with UK surfacing regulations and relevant British Standards (BS EN 13108). We operate in line with health and safety legislation, including the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), and apply sustainable practices where possible, such as recycling planed material for reuse.
Maintenance & Aftercare
- Regular sweeping to remove debris and prevent moss growth.
- Prompt repairs to cracks or potholes to stop water ingress.
- Periodic surface dressing to refresh appearance and extend life.
- Professional cleaning for stubborn stains or oil spills.
Case Studies
Residential Driveway – Newark
We replaced a gravel driveway with hand-laid tarmac bordered by decorative blocks. The surface is now low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and visually appealing.
Retail Park Car Park – Nottinghamshire
Our team resurfaced a 6,000m² car park using machine-laid tarmac over three nights to minimise business disruption, achieving perfect levels and durability.
School Playground – Lincoln
We resurfaced a playground using both machine and hand-laying techniques, then applied sports court markings for multi-use play areas.
FAQs
- How long before I can use my new tarmac? Typically 24–48 hours, although full curing takes several months.
- Can tarmac be laid over concrete? Yes, provided the concrete is sound and drainage is adequate.
- Is coloured tarmac available? Yes — we offer red, green, and other colour options.
- How long will it last? With proper maintenance, 15–20 years or more.
- Do you handle drainage? Yes, we install drainage solutions to protect your new surface.
Why Choose JC Surfacing?
- Decades of proven experience
- Fully trained and insured team
- State-of-the-art paving equipment
- Competitive, transparent pricing
- Commitment to customer satisfaction
Get Your Free Quote
Call us on 01636 679537 or email info@jcsurfacing.co.uk to arrange your free, no-obligation site survey today.
