Block Paving vs Tarmac

Are you a homeowner considering options for resurfacing your driveway or patio this summer? If so, then you’ve probably heard of block paving and tarmac. But what exactly is the difference between these two materials? Here, we’ll explore the differences between block paving and tarmac, including their look, application process, cost, maintenance requirements, and more.

Appearance

Block paving is made up of individual blocks that are laid in a variety of patterns to create an attractive surface. It comes in an array of colours and shapes – from reds and yellows to blues and greens – giving homeowners plenty of flexibility when designing their driveways or patios. Tarmac is typically a black material made from bitumen that’s mixed with either sand or gravel aggregate. Some coloured tarmacs are available but usually require special orders.

Application Process

Installing block paving requires more work than installing tarmac since it involves laying each individual paver one by one. This can be done in a variety of patterns to give your driveway or patio a unique look. Tarmac requires less labour since it involves simply pouring the material onto the desired surface area before levelling it out with rollers. However, this can be difficult if there are any irregularities on the existing surface that need to be filled or levelled out first.

Maintenance Requirements

Both materials require regular maintenance such as sweeping away dirt or debris that accumulates over time as well as occasional power-washing if needed. But since block paving consists of individual pieces rather than one solid sheet like tarmac does – which means that weeds may grow in between them – it requires slightly more upkeep depending on how often weeds sprout up in your particular area.

As you can see, there are distinct differences between block paving and tarmac when it comes to appearance, application process, cost, and maintenance requirements. Depending on what kind of look you want for your driveway or patio as well as how much money you're willing to spend on installation costs and upkeep, either option could be right for you! Ultimately though, only you can decide which material best suits your needs so make sure to do your research before making any decisions!