Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Tar & Chip for Commercial Projects

Introduction

When it comes to surfacing choices for commercial properties, tar and chip is often underestimated. Business owners across Chertsey and Surrey tend to gravitate towards tarmac or block paving—often overlooking a practical, budget-friendly option that’s been delivering results for decades. At NS Driveways Chertsey, we’re here to change that perception.

Tar and chip surfacing offers more than just a rustic look—it’s tough, slip-resistant, and ideal for large commercial areas. From car parks to private roads, this method combines performance with visual charm, all while keeping costs under control. In this article, we’ll explain why tar and chip deserves a serious look if you’re planning a commercial project—and why dismissing it could be an expensive oversight.

Key Takeaways

• Tar & chip is cost-effective, especially for large commercial surfaces.
  
• Provides superior traction, reducing the risk of vehicle skidding.
  
• Low-maintenance and weather-resistant, ideal for long-term value.
  
• Customisable aggregate finishes, adding subtle aesthetic appeal.
  
• Blends well with both rural and semi-urban surroundings, making it ideal for Surrey projects.
  

The Practical Benefits of Tar & Chip

Tar and chip, also called chip seal, is a method where hot bitumen is laid and then covered with loose stone chips. It forms a textured surface that’s both durable and practical. This makes it a strong contender for high-traffic commercial areas like car parks, access roads, and private estates.

One major advantage is the installation process. It’s quicker than most alternatives, causing minimal disruption to business operations. Once set, the surface offers excellent traction—especially valuable during wet or icy conditions, where safety becomes critical.

It’s also more forgiving on the budget. For commercial projects where square footage is high, tar and chip delivers a sturdy, long-lasting finish without the premium cost of tarmac or resin-bound options. It may not scream “high-end,” but it shouts value and reliability.

Tar & Chip vs Traditional Tarmac: A Commercial Perspective

Tarmac might be the familiar choice, but it’s not always the best. While tarmac has a clean, uniform appearance, it can crack over time and may require regular sealing. Tar and chip, on the other hand, has a natural flexibility that helps it resist cracking, even with heavy use.

It also wins points for traction. The slightly rough surface of tar and chip is better at gripping tyres, which means improved safety in all seasons. That’s a huge plus for businesses managing car parks or commercial driveways.

Maintenance? Tar and chip needs very little. It can go years without needing attention, apart from the occasional re-chipping. For commercial clients, that’s money saved and headaches avoided.

Customisation and Aesthetic Appeal

One of the most overlooked strengths of tar and chip is how customisable it is. You can choose from a variety of stone types and colours to match the character of your property. Want something understated and neat? Go for a light granite or grey chip. Prefer a bolder look? Darker stones like basalt can give that edge.

This makes it suitable for a wide range of commercial properties—pubs, estates, industrial yards, you name it. It adds visual charm while still offering the durability needed for regular vehicle use. And because it weathers naturally, the surface becomes even more appealing with time, blending into the surrounding landscape.

Long-Term Value for Businesses

Let’s talk about value—not just initial cost, but long-term return. A professionally installed tar and chip surface can last over a decade with minimal intervention. The bitumen base provides excellent water resistance, and the loose chips help cushion the surface from constant tyre pressure.

For businesses, this translates into fewer maintenance bills and less disruption. Even if the top layer begins to wear down, it can be easily refreshed without having to rip everything up. That’s the kind of long-term practicality every property manager or business owner in Surrey should consider.

Perfectly Suited for Surrey’s Commercial Landscape

Chertsey and the broader Surrey area combine the best of town and countryside. That means surfacing choices need to suit both practical demands and local character. Tar and chip does exactly that.

Whether it’s a golf club access road, a farm shop parking area, or a sprawling private estate, this surfacing option blends into the landscape while holding its own under heavy commercial use. At NS Driveways Chertsey, we’ve installed tar and chip for numerous commercial clients—each benefiting from a surface that’s robust, good-looking, and cost-effective.

Conclusion

When planning a commercial surfacing project, it’s easy to go with the familiar. But just because tarmac is popular doesn’t mean it’s always the best fit. Tar and chip offers a compelling blend of practical performance, low maintenance, and understated charm—especially suited to the varied needs of businesses in Chertsey and Surrey.

At NS Driveways Chertsey, we specialise in delivering surfaces that are built to last. Tar and chip might not be flashy, but it’s smart, reliable, and perfectly suited for many commercial projects. If you’re planning new surfacing work, get in touch with us today—and let’s explore whether tar and chip is the solution your site’s been missing.

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