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You’re tired of gravel that washes away and asphalt quotes that make your wallet hurt. Tar and chip paving gives you the best of both worlds—a durable surface that costs 30-40% less than traditional asphalt.
Your new driveway handles Tennessee weather like a champ. Rain, snow, scorching summers—it all rolls right off. The textured stone surface grips your tires better than smooth asphalt, especially when conditions get slippery.
Best part? You won’t be calling for repairs every few years. This surface is built to go the distance with minimal fuss from you.
We’ve been handling driveways in Wilson County and surrounding areas since before tar and chip was trendy. We’re veteran-owned, locally operated, and we’ve paved everything from small residential drives to commercial lots.
Here in Arrington, where properties sit on larger lots and homeowners value that rural aesthetic, tar and chip makes perfect sense. It complements the area’s character while delivering the durability these high-value homes deserve.
We know Middle Tennessee’s clay soil, drainage challenges, and weather patterns. When you’re investing in your property, experience matters.
First, we prepare your base—proper grading and a solid foundation are everything in paving. Skip this step and you’ll have problems later, guaranteed.
Next comes the hot liquid asphalt application. This isn’t something you can DIY—it requires specialized equipment and timing. The asphalt needs to be just the right temperature when those stone chips go down.
Finally, everything gets compacted with heavy rollers. This embeds the stones into the asphalt, creating that durable, textured finish. The whole process typically takes 1-2 days depending on your driveway size, and you can drive on it within 24 hours.
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Your tar and chip driveway comes with natural stone aggregate in colors that complement Arrington’s landscape—grays, earth tones, even reddish hues if that’s your preference. The color is permanent because it comes from the stone itself, not some coating that fades.
In Arrington’s seller’s market where home values average over $650,000, your driveway is part of your property investment. Tar and chip adds that custom, high-end look without the custom price tag.
You’re also getting excellent drainage—important in Tennessee where sudden downpours can overwhelm inadequate surfaces. The porous nature of tar and chip lets water through instead of creating those annoying puddles that freeze in winter.
Tar and chip driveways typically last 7-10 years in Tennessee, though with proper maintenance you can extend that to 15 years or more. The lifespan depends heavily on the quality of installation—proper base preparation and correct application of materials make all the difference.
Tennessee’s freeze-thaw cycles actually work in tar and chip’s favor compared to solid asphalt. The textured surface is less prone to cracking because it flexes better with temperature changes. Regular maintenance like sweeping away debris and prompt repair of any loose stones will maximize your driveway’s life.
Tar and chip typically costs 30-40% less than traditional asphalt installation. For an average driveway, you’re looking at $2-5 per square foot for tar and chip versus $7-15 per square foot for asphalt.
The savings continue after installation too. Tar and chip doesn’t require the regular sealcoating that asphalt needs every 2-3 years. That sealcoating can cost $1,000-3,000 each time, so over the life of your driveway, tar and chip saves you significant money on both upfront and ongoing costs.
Yes, tar and chip can be applied over existing asphalt or concrete driveways, but only if the current surface is in relatively good condition. The existing driveway needs to be structurally sound with no major cracks, potholes, or drainage issues.
Any significant problems need to be repaired first—trying to cover up major issues just means they’ll resurface later and potentially damage your new tar and chip surface. A professional assessment will determine if your existing driveway is a good candidate for overlay or if it needs to be removed and replaced.
Tar and chip surfaces provide excellent traction in winter conditions—better than smooth asphalt. The textured stone surface gives your tires something to grip, reducing slipping and sliding on icy mornings.
However, snow removal requires some care. Heavy snowplows can damage the surface by scraping off stones, so it’s better to use a snowblower or shovel for clearing. Light plowing is usually fine if the blade is set properly and you’re not scraping the surface aggressively.
Tar and chip is relatively low-maintenance compared to other paving options. You don’t need the regular sealcoating that asphalt requires, and minor imperfections are less noticeable thanks to the textured surface.
Basic maintenance includes regular sweeping to remove debris and loose stones, and prompt repair of any cracks or potholes with cold-patch asphalt filler. Avoid sharp turns and heavy vehicles when possible to prevent stones from dislodging. With these simple steps, your driveway will stay in good condition for many years.
We bring over 50 years of paving experience to every tar and chip project in Arrington and Wilson County. We’re veteran-owned, locally operated, and we understand the specific challenges of Middle Tennessee’s soil and weather conditions.
Finding qualified tar and chip contractors can be challenging since it requires specialized knowledge and equipment. We have both the experience and the proper machinery to handle installation correctly the first time. We offer free estimates and stand behind our work with a focus on customer satisfaction that’s kept clients coming back for decades.
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