To the untrained eye, tarmac and asphalt look almost identical. Despite their resemblance in black colour and share for being an aggregate mix, the two materials have key differences. While tarmac was the dominant surfacing material for many years, the differences have gradually shifted industry preference, now accounting for the majority of UK roads. So, what exactly sets them apart? And when should you use one over the other? In this guide, we answer exactly that.
What is tarmac?
Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is made of aggregates (such as sand and crushed stone), bounded together with tar. It was dominated road surfacing material for many years, though is now commonly used in the UK for low traffic areas, including small driveways and private roads.
What is asphalt?
Asphalt is also made of aggregates, though instead of tar, is bounded together with bitumen. It’s the most common surfacing material used on UK roads today, chosen for its durability and performance under heavy traffic.
Key differences between tarmac and asphalt
Despite sharing a similar appearance and aggregate makeup, tarmac and asphalt differ most in their binder. Tarmac uses coal tar, a by-product of coal processing, while asphalt uses bitumen, a petroleum-based material. This distinction affects everything from durability and environmental impact to how each surface behaves underfoot and under load.
Asphalt
Asphalt is the stronger of the two, performing significantly better on surfaces prone to receiving heavy or sustained traffic.
- A smooth, quieter surface
- Quick installation
- Recyclability at end of life
Tarmac
Tarmac is durable, though less so than asphalt. It’s best suited to lighter applications, as the continuous weight and friction of vehicles can cause it to deform, rut, and crack over time.
- A rough, gritty texture
- Flexibility, handling minor ground movement well
- Quick and easy to repair
- A more affordable upfront cost
The table below summarises how the two compare across the key features:
| Feature | Tarmac | Asphalt |
| Binder | Coal tar (traditional) | Bitumen (modern petroleum-based) |
| Colour | Dark black/grey | Dark black |
| Surface texture | Rougher | Smoother |
| Grip | Good | Very good (can be engineered) |
| Noise | Generally noisier | Usually quieter (modern mixes) |
| Heat behaviour | Can soften in heat | Can soften in extreme heat |
| Strength under traffic | Moderate | High (better for heavy traffic) |
| Durability | Lower by modern standards | Higher and more consistent |
| Water resistance | Good (basic sealing) | Very good (can be designed for drainage) |
| Environmental impact | Worse (coal tar contains toxins) | Better, but still petroleum-based |
Best uses for tarmac and asphalt
With some notable differences between the two, tarmac and asphalt each lend themselves to different applications. As a general rule, tarmac is better suited to surfaces handling lighter loads, more susceptible to deformation under sustained heavy use than asphalt. Asphalt, on the other hand, is the stronger option for surfaces that need to withstand heavy, regular traffic, which is why it’s the material of choice for UK roads.
Tarmac
Thanks to its affordability and low maintenance requirements, tarmac is a popular choice for lighter-use surfaces, including:
- Residential driveways
- Private roads
- Pathways and footpaths
- Smaller car parks
Asphalt
Capable of withstanding heavy loads or sustained traffic, asphalt is the best material for any high-demand surfaces, such as:
- Public roads and motorways
- Commercial and industrial car parks
- Airport runways and taxiways
- Sports courts and play areas
Tarmac vs asphalt – which is better?
Both tarmac and asphalt have their place, and the right choice will ultimately come down to the demands of the surface in question. For heavy traffic and long-term resilience, asphalt is the stronger option. For smaller, lower-traffic applications where budget and ease of maintenance matter, tarmac remains a practical and popular choice.
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If you’re in need of expert advice, or you know what you want and are looking for the right team to deliver it, look no further than A&MT. Dedicated surfacing contractors established for over 50 years, our team are here to help however you need. We’re experts in all things surfacing, including asphalt and tarmac, and can handle your project from the ground up.
To find out more or to get a quote, get in touch with us today. We offer our services across the UK, regularly completing projects in Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Wisbech, Ramsey, and March – as well as the surrounding counties.
