How Much Does a Tar and Chip Driveway Cost in 2025?
The average cost of a tar and chip driveway is $1,600
Tar and chip driveways provide a textured, durable surface for residential properties.
The average project cost is $1,600, with many homeowners spending between $360 and $2,900.
Key cost factors include driveway size, site prep, local labor, and stone type.
Proper planning and professional driveway installation enhance durability and long-term value.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Homeowners spend an average of $1,600 to install a tar and chip driveway, with most projects ranging from $360 to $2,900. The driveway size can range from as low as $200 to as high as $4,300. Factors such as the size of your project, the condition of your site, local labor and material prices, and even fluctuating oil prices can impact the total cost. By planning ahead and hiring a professional, you can ensure a smooth installation process and enjoy your new driveway for years to come.
What Is a Tar and Chip Driveway?
A tar and chip driveway is a type of surface made by pouring hot liquid asphalt over a base layer and then covering it with crushed stone. The stones are then compacted, creating a durable and textured surface before the asphalt hardens. Also known as macadam, chip seal, or oil and stone, this type of driveway combines the affordability of asphalt with the natural appearance of gravel.
Tar and Chip Driveway Cost Factors
Building a tar and chip driveway involves several considerations that can affect the cost and timeline of your project. Below are the main factors to keep in mind.
Driveway Size
The average cost to install a chip-seal driveway is $3 per square foot, but prices range from $1 to $5 per square foot. This cost-effective option offers homeowners a durable and attractive driveway. Below are the average cost ranges for chip-seal driveways in standard sizes for single and double cars.
| Driveway Size (Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10x12 | $360 |
| 12x12 | $430 |
| 12x20 | $720 |
| 16x20 | $960 |
| 20x20 | $1,200 |
| 20x40 | $2,400 |
| 24x40 | $2,900 |
Environmental and Site Considerations
Install tar and chip during hot, dry weather so the stone chips bond firmly to warm asphalt. The surface performs best in rural settings, on low-traffic roads, and in areas where vehicles travel at slower speeds, thereby reducing the risk of loose chips striking passing cars.
Slope and Pitch
Plan for the driveway to slope away from the house to promote drainage. Steep inclines often raise costs, so factor that into your budget early.
Licenses and Regulations
If your driveway ties into a public road, your municipality may require a permit. Building permits cost between $500 and $2,000, with an average price of $1,100. Confirm the requirements with your local office or your chip-seal pro before work begins.
Site Prep and Grading
Proper site prep is critical. Grading and leveling cost $5 to $8 per square foot, while clearing land costs $250 to $2,800 per half-acre.
Stone Type
The type and color of stones you choose can affect the overall cost of your tar and chip driveway. If you opt for stones that aren't readily available in your area, importing them might increase material expenses. However, choosing local stones can help keep costs down while still providing a great look.
While the aggregate form of asphalt is a standard and affordable option for tar and chip driveways, you can also use the process with other gravel varieties. The price of gravel varies based on its availability and durability. For example, crushed granite, limestone, and pea gravel cost between $0.45 and $2 per square foot, whereas lava rock and quartz can push up to $11 per square foot.
Overlaying an Existing Driveway
If you have an existing driveway, you can install a chip-seal layer over it. However, if any repairs are needed, you'll want to address those first, which can cost between $300 and $4,500.
Double-Chip Seal
For extra durability, consider a double-chip seal. At $3 per square yard, the contractor applies two chip-seal layers back-to-back for a tougher finished surface.
Chip-Seal vs. Gravel and Asphalt Driveways
Tar and chip driveways offer a durable surface at a cost-effective price point. Here’s a comparison of tar and chip against other common driveway surface costs.
| Surface Type | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Tar and chip | $1–$5 |
| Gravel | $1–$3 |
| Asphalt | $7–$15 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Paving Professional
Installing tar and chip is a job that should be left to seasoned driveway installation professionals. They have the equipment to handle hot asphalt safely and apply each layer correctly. DIY attempts often result in uneven surfaces, poor drainage, or a finish that doesn’t withstand weather and wear. Hiring a local driveway paving professional ensures an efficient installation and a surface that withstands daily traffic for years.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most tar and chip driveways last close to 10 years with minimal upkeep. Minor cracks usually reseal on their own, but adding another chip-seal layer at the decade mark restores traction and strength. Staying on this simple maintenance schedule keeps the surface sturdy, safe for vehicle traffic, and far less costly than a complete replacement, making chip seal a wise long-term choice.
Tar and chip isn’t limited to the standard gray-black mix. Contractors can source stones and additives in various shades, including black, gray, beige, red, green, and other region-specific colors. Because the hue originates from the aggregate itself, the finish is natural and fade-resistant, allowing you to match your driveway to your home’s exterior and enhance curb appeal without the need for expensive dyes or stains.
Chip seal installation involves applying a layer of loose stones, followed by hot liquid asphalt in separate, distinct passes, which lock the material in place through on-site compaction. In contrast, asphalt paving uses a pre-mixed, poured blend that must be sealed afterward and endures four times longer in service. Chip seal produces a rustic, textured finish with excellent traction and durability.
Tar and chip paving is a specialty service that requires different tools, higher asphalt temperatures, and on-site layering skills. Always ask potential contractors how many chip-seal projects they’ve completed, request references or photos, and verify insurance coverage. Choosing a proven professional protects you from bonding failures and ensures a textured surface that delivers reliable traction and a full 10-year lifespan.
Directly sealcoating a gravel driveway is not possible because sealcoat requires a uniform, cohesive surface that loose gravel does not provide. Instead, tar and chip paving offers an effective alternative by binding the stones with hot liquid asphalt. Additionally, specialized stabilization techniques, such as the use of binding agents or a grid system, further enhance the surface's integrity and durability.
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