How Much Does a Tar and Chip Driveway Cost in 2025?
A tar and chip driveway costs an average of $1,600
The average cost of a tar and chip driveway is $1,600, with most homeowners spending between $360 and $2,900.
Factors like project size and material prices affect your overall cost for installing a tar and chip driveway.
By installing a tar and chip driveway, you’ll benefit from improved traction, moisture protection, and durability
Hiring a paving professional to install your tar and chip driveway ensures that the job is completed properly and has long-lasting results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, homeowners spend $1,600 on building a tar and chip driveway, with most paying between $360 and $2,900. Depending on the materials and the size of your driveway, costs can be as low as $200 or as high as $4,300. The average cost per square foot is $3.
Factors like the size of your project, the condition of your site, local labor and material prices, and even fluctuating oil prices can affect 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. Here 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 common sizes for single and double cars.
| Driveway Size (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10x12 | $360 |
| 12x12 | $430 |
| 12x20 | $720 |
| 16x20 | $960 |
| 20x20 | $1,200 |
| 20x40 | $2,400 |
| 24x40 | $2,900 |
Environmental and Site Considerations
It's best to install a tar and chip driveway during hot, dry weather since the stones adhere better to warm asphalt. This type of driveway is ideal for rural areas, low-traffic roads, and places where vehicles don't travel at high speeds, minimizing the chance of loose stones causing damage.
Slope and Pitch
Your driveway should slope away from your home to ensure proper drainage. If your property has a steep incline, it might increase the project's cost, so it's something to consider during planning.
Licenses and Regulations
Depending on where you live, you might need a permit to install your tar and chip driveway, especially if it connects to a public road. Permit costs range from $500 to $2,000, averaging $1,100. Be sure to check with your local municipality or your tar and chip driveway professional to find out what's required.
Site Prep and Grading
Preparing your tar and chip driveway site is crucial for a successful installation. Grading and leveling the land costs between $5 and $8 per square foot. If you need to clear land first, that can range from $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. But choosing local stones can help keep costs down and still give you a great look.
Overlaying an Existing Driveway
If you have an existing driveway, you might be able to install a chip-seal layer over it. However, if there are any repairs needed, you'll want to address those first, which can cost between $300 and $4,500.
Double-Chip Seal
If you're looking for extra durability for your tar and chip driveway, a double-chip seal might be the way to go. Priced at $3 per square yard, this method involves applying two layers of chip seal in succession. The benefits of a double-chip seal include:
Improved surface texture, offering better skid resistance and traction.
Enhanced protection against moisture and oxidation, effectively doubling the lifespan of the seal.
Increased resilience against damage from snowplows and harsh weather conditions.
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
While some DIY projects can be rewarding, installing a tar and chip driveway is best left to paving professionals. They have the expertise and equipment to handle hot asphalt safely and ensure everything is done correctly. By hiring a local driveway paving professional, you can have peace of mind knowing your driveway will be installed efficiently and will stand the test of time.
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
A tar and chip driveway will last about 10 years with minimal maintenance. In fact, small cracks often self-heal over time. After around 10 years, you can add an additional seal layer to extend your tar and chip driveway’s lifespan and keep it in top shape without having to pay for a full driveway replacement.
You have plenty of options when it comes to the look of your tar and chip driveway. Tar and chip driveways can come in colors like black, gray, beige, red, green, and more. The color depends on the stones and additives used. This means you can choose a look that perfectly matches your home's style and boosts your curb appeal.
With chip seal, layers of hot liquid asphalt and loose stones are applied separately at your site. In contrast, asphalt paving uses a pre-mixed blend. Chip seal creates a naturally textured and durable surface with great traction. The process involves careful layering and compacting on-site to lock everything in place.
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