Why More Middle Tennessee Homeowners Are Choosing This Durable Summer Surface

If you’re thinking about installing or resurfacing a driveway this summer, you might assume your only options are asphalt or concrete. But there’s another surface that’s gaining popularity across Nashville, Hendersonville, and surrounding areas: tar and chip.

At R&R Paving, we’ve helped homeowners and rural property owners find cost-effective, long-lasting alternatives to traditional blacktop—and tar and chip is a standout choice, especially during Tennessee’s hot summer months.

🧱 What Is a Tar & Chip Driveway?

Also known as chip seal, this paving method involves applying a layer of hot liquid asphalt (tar) and embedding it with a layer of small, durable stone chips. Once rolled and compacted, the result is a textured, rustic-looking surface that offers excellent traction and visual appeal.

It’s a proven method used on rural roads, farm driveways, and residential properties looking for a more natural finish without the cost of concrete or the maintenance of black asphalt.

☀️ Why It’s Great for Summer in Tennessee

Tennessee summers bring heat, sun, and the occasional downpour—conditions that can wreak havoc on traditional surfaces if not properly maintained. Tar and chip is naturally resistant to many of these seasonal stressors.

Benefits of tar and chip in the summer include:

• Lighter Color Reflects Heat
  Unlike black asphalt that absorbs and radiates heat, tar and chip can use lighter-toned aggregates that stay cooler underfoot and in vehicle contact.

• Superior Traction
  The stone surface provides grip even in wet conditions—perfect for sloped driveways or during summer storms.

• Low Maintenance
  It doesn’t require regular sealcoating like asphalt, making it a lower-maintenance option over time.

• Cost-Effective
  A tar and chip driveway can be significantly less expensive than concrete or asphalt, especially for larger rural properties or long driveways.

• Natural Aesthetic
  Its rustic appearance blends beautifully with the Tennessee landscape, making it a favorite for farm homes, cabins, and country estates.

👷 Is Tar & Chip Right for You?

Tar and chip is ideal if:

• You have a long driveway or private road

• You want a cooler surface for summer

• You’re looking for budget-friendly durability

• You prefer a natural, rustic appearance

• You want better traction in all weather

It’s not ideal for high-traffic commercial lots or heavy truck use—but for residential, light-duty applications, it’s an excellent solution.

🛠️ Trust R&R Paving for Professional Tar & Chip Installation

At R&R Paving, we’ve been serving the Nashville area since 1989, with a focus on locally owned, high-quality paving work for homeowners and businesses alike. Our tar and chip services are especially popular in areas like Gallatin, Hendersonville, Madison, Lebanon, and rural Middle Tennessee.

We’ll walk you through your options for stone color, edge treatments, and long-term care—so you get a surface that’s functional and fits your property perfectly.