Tarmac Driveway | Aylesford, Maidstone
- Location: Aylesford, Maidstone
- Project: Tarmac Driveway
- Duration: 3 days
Towergate Builders & Developers recently completed an extensive 80m² tarmac driveway installation in Aylesford, near Maidstone, Kent. The project involved transforming a large, uneven front garden and driveway area into a spacious, attractive parking surface using 50mm Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA).
The finished driveway provides generous off-road parking while creating a smart, practical entrance to the property. With neatly installed block paving borders, improved ground preparation and a smooth black asphalt finish, the transformation has significantly enhanced the appearance and usability of the outdoor space.
Before
The original front garden and driveway area was uneven, with sections of worn concrete, loose gravel, soil and vegetation.
The lack of a consistent surface made the space less practical for everyday parking and detracted from the property’s overall appearance.
After
The completed driveway now features a generous 80m² black SMA tarmac surface, framed by attractive light grey block paving borders.
The new layout provides plenty of room for parking and manoeuvring vehicles, while the smooth, continuous surface creates a much tidier entrance.
The contrast between the black asphalt and lighter edging gives the driveway a smart, modern finish.
Removing the Existing Driveway & Preparing the Ground
The property originally featured a large, uneven front area consisting of worn concrete, compacted ground, gravel and sections of overgrown garden.
Before installing the new driveway, our team carried out extensive groundwork to create a suitable foundation for the asphalt surface.
Using a compact excavator, we removed the existing surface materials, cleared unwanted vegetation and excavated the driveway area to the required levels.
The project involved preparing approximately 80 square metres of ground, ensuring the new driveway would provide sufficient space for multiple vehicles while maintaining convenient access from the road.
Careful attention was given to the driveway levels and the surrounding property boundaries.
Installing the Driveway Foundations
Once the excavation work was completed, our team began preparing the foundations for the new tarmac driveway.
The ground was graded and levelled before the installation and compaction of the sub-base materials.
A properly prepared sub-base is essential for a driveway of this size, helping to distribute vehicle loads and reduce the risk of movement or settlement over time.
Our team used mechanical compaction equipment to consolidate the prepared surface, creating a firm foundation for the asphalt installation.
The driveway was also carefully graded to provide suitable falls for surface water drainage.
Decorative Block Paving Borders
To complement the new black tarmac surface, we installed attractive light grey block paving borders around the driveway.
These borders provide a neat separation between the asphalt and the surrounding pavement, fencing and garden areas.
The blocks were carefully laid along the driveway perimeter, creating clean, straight edges that define the finished parking area.
As well as improving the overall appearance, the edging helps provide lateral restraint to the asphalt and gives the installation a professional finish.
The contrasting colours work particularly well together, with the light grey paving framing the dark asphalt surface.
Installing 50mm Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)
For this project, the homeowner selected 50mm Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), a durable asphalt material suitable for driveway applications when installed over an appropriately prepared foundation.
SMA is manufactured using a high proportion of coarse aggregate, creating a strong stone-on-stone structure held together with bitumen-rich mortar.
This makes it a popular choice for surfaces requiring durability and resistance to regular vehicle traffic.
Our team installed the 50mm asphalt layer across the prepared 80m² driveway, carefully spreading the material to achieve a consistent surface.
The asphalt was then levelled and compacted to produce a uniform finish.
The finished black surface contrasts beautifully with the light grey block paving borders, creating a smart, contemporary appearance.
Benefits of SMA Tarmac Driveways
Stone Mastic Asphalt offers several advantages for residential driveways:
- Durability: Designed to withstand regular vehicle traffic.
- Attractive finish: Creates a uniform, textured black surface.
- Low maintenance: Requires relatively little routine maintenance.
- Weather resistance: Suitable for the changing British climate.
- Practical parking: Provides a continuous surface without individual paving joints.
- Cost-effective: An attractive option for larger driveway installations.
For this particular property, SMA was an excellent choice due to the size of the driveway and the amount of parking space required.
Tarmac Driveway Installations in Maidstone & Aylesford
At Towergate Builders & Developers, we specialise in professional tarmac driveway installations throughout Maidstone, Aylesford and the surrounding areas of Kent.
Whether you’re replacing an existing driveway, extending your parking area or completely transforming your front garden, our experienced team can undertake the entire project.
From excavation and groundwork to decorative edging and asphalt installation, we provide complete driveway solutions tailored to your property.
Contact Towergate Builders & Developers today for a free quotation on a new tarmac driveway in Maidstone, Aylesford or the surrounding areas.