Tarmac Removal Costs at a Glance
£30-60
Per m² (inc. disposal)
£1,000-3,000
Typical driveway (30-50m²)
1-2 days
Average job duration
Why Remove Tarmac?
Common Reasons
- • Installing a new driveway surface
- • Creating a garden or lawn
- • Building an extension
- • Improving drainage
- • Repairing sunken or cracked areas
Signs It's Time
- • Large cracks throughout
- • Significant potholes
- • Water pooling on surface
- • Edges crumbling
- • Surface lifting or heaving
Removal Methods
Machine Breaking (Recommended)
Using a mini excavator with a breaker attachment is the fastest and most efficient method for larger areas.
Pros
- • Fast - large areas in hours
- • Less physical labour
- • Can handle thick tarmac
- • Excavator can also load waste
Cons
- • Needs machine access
- • Can damage sub-base if not careful
- • Hire or contractor cost
Hand Breaking
Using a jack hammer, kango, or pick axe. Suitable for small areas or where machine access isn't possible.
Pros
- • Can reach tight spaces
- • More control near walls/edges
- • Lower equipment cost
Cons
- • Very labour intensive
- • Slow for large areas
- • Physically demanding
Saw Cutting
A floor saw cuts clean edges before breaking. Essential for partial removals or neat edges against buildings.
Cost: Add £100-200 for saw cutting to create clean edges.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Area Size | Estimated Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 20m²) | £600 - £1,200 | Half day |
| Medium (20-50m²) | £1,000 - £3,000 | 1 day |
| Large (50-100m²) | £2,500 - £5,000 | 1-2 days |
| Very large (100m²+) | £4,000+ | 2+ days |
What's Included
Our quotes include breaking, loading, transport, and disposal at a licensed facility. Waste transfer notes provided.
Factors Affecting Cost
Tarmac Thickness
Typical driveways are 50-75mm thick. Older or commercial surfaces can be 100-150mm+, significantly increasing breaking time.
Sub-base Condition
If the sub-base is concrete rather than crusite/MOT, removal takes longer. We'll advise during the quote.
Access
Easy machine access keeps costs down. Restricted access may require hand breaking or smaller equipment.
Waste Volume
Tarmac is heavy - a 30m² driveway can produce 3-4 tonnes of waste. Disposal is a significant cost factor.
DIY vs Professional Removal
DIY Might Work If...
Small area (under 10m²)
Thin tarmac (under 50mm)
You can hire a kango hammer
You can arrange waste removal
You're physically fit
DIY cost estimate: £100-300 for tool hire + £150-400 for skip
Hire Professionals If...
Area over 20m²
Thick tarmac or concrete base
You want it done quickly
Underground services present
You need proper disposal docs
We complete most driveway removals in a single day.
Important Considerations
Underground Services
Always check for underground pipes and cables before breaking. Request utility plans or use a CAT scanner to locate services.
Waste Disposal
Tarmac and asphalt must be disposed of properly at a licensed waste facility. We provide waste transfer notes as proof of legal disposal.
What's Left Behind?
After removal, you'll have exposed sub-base (usually crushed stone or hardcore). This may need levelling or additional preparation depending on your next steps.
Need Tarmac or Asphalt Removed?
Get a free quote for your driveway or surface removal project.