Not every driveway needs to be asphalt or concrete to look great and perform well. For homeowners looking for a rustic, affordable, and long-lasting option, chip-and-tar driveways—also known as tar-and-chip—offer the perfect balance between beauty, durability, and cost.

At R&R Paving, we’ve helped homeowners across Nashville, Hendersonville, and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas discover how this old-school paving technique can deliver a high-quality surface without breaking the bank.

What Is a Chip-and-Tar Driveway?

A chip-and-tar driveway combines layers of hot liquid asphalt (tar) with crushed stone chips that are rolled and compacted into the surface. The result is a textured, slip-resistant surface that’s both visually appealing and ruggedly tough.

Unlike traditional asphalt, chip-and-tar doesn’t require continuous sealing or expensive resurfacing—making it an excellent long-term value for many homeowners.

The Benefits of a Chip-and-Tar Driveway

1. Cost-Effective Installation

Chip-and-tar driveways typically cost 30–40% less than traditional asphalt or concrete. For large rural driveways or long access roads, that cost difference adds up fast.

2. Rustic, Natural Look

The stone layer gives a beautiful, country-style appearance that blends perfectly with rural and suburban properties across Tennessee. You can even customize the color of the stone chips to complement your home or landscape.

3. Durability and Traction

The textured surface offers excellent grip for vehicles and foot traffic—especially helpful on steep or curved driveways. The rough finish also handles freeze-thaw cycles well, reducing cracking and rutting.

4. Low Maintenance

Chip-and-tar driveways don’t require frequent sealing like asphalt. Small imperfections can be repaired easily by adding new tar and chips to affected areas, keeping maintenance costs low.

5. Heat Resistance

Unlike black asphalt, chip-and-tar surfaces reflect more sunlight, staying cooler in Middle Tennessee’s summer heat. That means fewer soft spots and less surface wear over time.

When a Chip-and-Tar Driveway Makes the Most Sense

A chip-and-tar surface is ideal for:

• Long or rural driveways where affordability and traction matter most

• Farms, cabins, or country properties where a natural aesthetic fits the surroundings

• Homeowners on a budget who still want a durable and attractive surface

• Private roads and shared access lanes where maintenance costs are shared among neighbors

It may not be the best choice for extremely high-traffic commercial areas, but for residential use, it’s a tough competitor to traditional paving methods.

What to Expect During Installation

R&R Paving begins with a well-prepared base to ensure proper drainage and long-term performance. Then, we apply a layer of hot liquid asphalt, followed by crushed stone chips that are spread and compacted into the surface. The process typically takes just a day or two, and the driveway is ready for light use within 24–48 hours.

How Long Will It Last?

A properly installed chip-and-tar driveway can last 7–10 years or more, depending on traffic and weather conditions. With simple maintenance—like reapplying a new layer of tar and chips every decade—you can extend that lifespan significantly.

A Smart, Local Choice

For Middle Tennessee homeowners, chip-and-tar driveways are a budget-friendly, weather-tough, and visually appealing alternative to asphalt. They’re perfect for our mix of hot summers, heavy rains, and mild winters—and they deliver long-term value for your investment.

Choose Experience. Choose R&R Paving.

Since 1989, R&R Paving has been helping homeowners across Nashville and surrounding areas choose the right surface for their property—whether asphalt, concrete, or chip-and-tar. Our family-owned team takes pride in quality work, fair pricing, and honest recommendations for what fits your home best.

Ready to explore chip-and-tar for your driveway?
📞 Call (615) 824-6590 or contact us online for a free estimate and on-site consultation.