Can You Customise the Look of Tar & Chip? Yes—Here’s How

Tar and chip surfacing, also known as chip seal, is often chosen for its cost-effectiveness and durability. But there’s a common misconception that this type of surface is limited in terms of appearance. In reality, modern tar and chip installations offer far more aesthetic flexibility than many realise. At Gillingham Driveways in Gillingham, Kent, we help homeowners and businesses transform their outdoor spaces with tailored tar and chip finishes that deliver both style and function.

Why Consider Tar & Chip?

Before exploring the customisation options, it’s important to understand why so many clients choose tar and chip for their driveways, farm roads, and pathways. This surface combines hot liquid bitumen with layers of stone aggregate, which are compacted to create a textured, slip-resistant finish. It’s highly durable, handles heavy traffic well, and requires less maintenance compared to traditional block paving or plain tarmac.

What’s more, the rustic charm of a tar and chip surface blends naturally with rural properties and countryside homes—something that’s particularly valued in areas like Kent.

How You Can Customise Tar & Chip

Contrary to popular belief, tar and chip is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s how you can personalise the look of your driveway or path:

1. Choose from a Range of Stone Colours
One of the most effective ways to customise tar and chip is by selecting a specific aggregate colour. The final appearance is largely determined by the type of stone used, which can range from soft greys and golden browns to reddish or darker tones. This allows you to complement the colours of your home, garden features, or boundary walls.

2. Mix Aggregate Sizes for a Unique Texture
You can also choose different stone sizes to create a bespoke texture. Finer aggregates offer a more compact, smoother finish, while larger stones deliver a bolder, more rugged surface. Combining sizes can create a layered look that adds visual depth and interest.

3. Layering Techniques for Decorative Borders
For homeowners seeking more definition, we can create borders or patterns by varying the aggregate type along the edges or central strip of the driveway. This subtle design trick frames the surface and gives a refined, finished appearance that mimics more expensive paving options.

4. Blend with Natural or Heritage Surroundings
In a location like Gillingham, many clients want their driveways to blend seamlessly with existing garden features, listed properties, or nearby woodland areas. With tar and chip, you can tailor the colour and texture of the surface to mirror the surroundings, preserving the character of the property while improving functionality.

5. Add Kerbs or Edging for Clean Lines
Although the tar and chip surface itself is textured and traditional, you can add a crisp finish with edging stones, block kerbs, or rustic timber borders. These design features not only enhance visual appeal but also help contain the driveway surface and prevent spreading.

Why It Pays to Use Experienced Installers

Customising tar and chip requires knowledge of materials, careful application, and the right equipment. Choosing the right type and quantity of aggregate, as well as managing heat and application timing, are all critical to achieving a durable and attractive finish.

At Gillingham Driveways, we’ve delivered countless bespoke tar and chip installations across Kent. We take the time to understand your style preferences and the demands of your property, offering expert advice on everything from stone selection to surface layout.

Conclusion

Tar and chip is no longer just the practical, no-frills choice it used to be. With the right approach, it can become a visually impressive part of your outdoor space—one that reflects your taste and enhances kerb appeal. If you’re considering a durable, low-maintenance surface that doesn’t compromise on style, speak to the team at Gillingham Driveways in Gillingham, Kent. We’ll help you design a tar and chip driveway that’s anything but ordinary.

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