This guide uses facts already published on the RKG site: hot-rolled tarmac for residential and commercial work, access roads and commercial yards, block paving 25+ year comparison data, resin and shingle drainage trade-offs, 150mm MOT Type 1 references, edge restraints, measured site visits and fixed written quotes.
Quick answer
For heavier daily use, start the conversation with tarmac or block paving, then check whether the driveway needs permeable drainage, decorative finish options or easier maintenance. RKG's tarmac page describes hot-rolled tarmac as suitable for residential and commercial driveways, courtyards, access roads and commercial yards; its comparison table lists block paving as a 25+ year option. Either choice still depends on a properly specified sub-base, edge restraint and drainage route.
Surface comparison for vans and repeated turning
| Surface | Useful existing RKG facts | Heavy-use checks |
|---|---|---|
| Tarmac | Residential and commercial work, hot-rolled binder and surface courses, 15–20 year lifespan, low maintenance, strong fit for sloped drives. | Confirm sub-base depth, binder/surface build-up, edge restraints, drainage route and curing/aftercare before daily vehicle use. |
| Block paving | Comparison tables list 25+ year lifespan, light maintenance and permeable options. | Ask how excavation, MOT Type 1, compaction, edge restraints, falls and any permeable construction will be specified. |
| Resin bound | Premium, very low-maintenance and SuDS-compliant when correctly specified. | Check whether the base, drainage and turning areas suit regular heavier vehicles before choosing it mainly for appearance. |
| Shingle and gravel | Lower-cost and permeable, with stabilising-grid guidance for slopes and regular raking/top-up maintenance. | Best discussed carefully where vans turn often, because loose stone movement, grids, edging and maintenance become more important. |
What matters below the surface
A heavy-use driveway should not be priced as a thin surface swap. RKG's existing guidance repeatedly points to excavation, MOT Type 1 sub-base, compaction, membranes, edging and drainage as quote-stage details. On tarmac pages, the published build-up includes a heavy-duty membrane, 150mm MOT Type 1 in compacted lifts, edge restraints, a 50–60mm binder course and a 25–40mm surface course.
For vans, the quote should be clear about the areas that take the most stress: entrance apron, wheel tracks, turning points, garage thresholds and any section where delivery vehicles may stop. If those areas are vague, compare the driveway quote red flags before accepting the price.
Drainage and access still decide the specification
A strong surface still needs somewhere for water to go. RKG's drainage guidance covers permeable surfaces, falls, channel drains, soakaways and the 5m² non-permeable front-drive rule. Tarmac can be a practical heavier-use surface, but it is non-permeable, so drainage to a permeable area or designed drainage route needs checking during the visit.
Access also affects the job. Existing RKG guidance says tight access can mean smaller lorry deliveries, more journeys and slower laying. If the site has narrow entrances, shared access, difficult skip placement or a long carry, make sure those assumptions appear in the written quote.
Questions to ask before choosing
- What vehicles will use the driveway? Note vans, work vehicles, turning, deliveries and any regular heavy loading.
- What surface is being recommended and why? Ask whether tarmac, block paving, resin or shingle best fits the load, drainage and maintenance needs.
- What base is included? Check excavation depth, MOT Type 1, compaction, membranes and whether weaker ground needs extra preparation.
- How are edges protected? Kerbs, hidden steel edging or block-paved borders prevent movement and edge failure.
- Where will water go? Confirm falls, permeable borders, channel drains, soakaways or permeable construction where required.
- What happens at handover? Ask about curing, aftercare, paperwork, guarantee and when daily parking should restart.
Related RKG guides
Before booking, compare the tarmac driveway service, block paving service, sub-base preparation guide, drainage solutions guide, access and layout checklist, parking layout guide and handover checklist.