Tar: sma or tar and chip driveway

Wquirke1234

Hi

Was thinking of having one of the above done for a driveway. Prices quoted from reputable contractor for 600 m2 area are 10,500, 12000 and 6500 euros.

What's the best value for money in terms of looks and durability?

Thanks

landcrzr

I assume the first two quotes are for sma, and at that I'm assuming 50mm deep. For a small area and assuming hand laid and some prep, cost seems a touch high but not unheard of.
The quote for 6500 must be for surface dressing ( tar and chip as you call it). If laying on cl804, it really needs to be a double dressing, quote is also a bit on the high side.
While I say the quotes are on the higher end of the spectrum, you need to balance this with the reputation and expected quality you'll get.
In terms of which material is best, it depends what will be on it, cars, trucks etc. Sma would generally get my vote.

Wquirke1234

50mm is the depth of tar and sma. 35mm for the tar and chip. No mention of the double dressing.

There is a small incline from entrance into house with a sharp turn. That is my only real concern about the tar and chip, that is surface will loosen quick. I'm guessing the tar and chip surface is very similar to most back country roads. The only heavy machinery is oil truck twice a year and maybe septic tank emptied every few years.

The contractor is highly recommended and has testimonials from the council. If im spending that kind of money I don't wanna go with the cheapest quote from a cowboy that I expect the whole surface will rip up in a few years.

Czhornet

SMA all the way, tarmac is softer and tar and chip is a disaster for turning vehicles, plus every time you open the front door, the house will be covered in chippings, destroying all the timber floors and stairs in the house with scratches!

Thomas Aquinas

When a contractor refers to laying asphalt is he referring to sma, the term used in this thread?

Is it necessary to apply pre emergent weed killer to an area before laying tarmac or asphalt?