Hear from Our Customers
You’re tired of dealing with a gravel driveway that washes out every time it rains. You want something better than dirt and stone, but asphalt quotes made you wince.
Tar and chip paving gives you the best of both worlds. You get a durable, weather-resistant surface that handles Tennessee’s freeze-thaw cycles without the premium price tag of traditional asphalt.
The textured surface provides excellent traction year-round, and unlike regular asphalt, it doesn’t require expensive resealing every few years. Your investment stays protected with minimal maintenance for 8-10 years.
We’ve been serving Wilson County homeowners for over 50 years, long before tar and chip became trendy again. We understand what works in Tennessee’s climate and terrain.
As a veteran-owned business, we bring military precision to every project. No shortcuts, no surprises, just reliable paving that stands up to everything from summer heat to winter ice.
Chestnut Mound’s rural properties present unique challenges that many contractors avoid. We specialize in these difficult access situations, working with homeowners to create practical solutions that enhance property value and daily life.
First, we prepare your site by grading and ensuring proper drainage. This foundation work prevents future problems and extends your driveway’s life.
Next comes the hot liquid asphalt application over your compacted base. We spread uniformly sized stone chips immediately while the asphalt is still hot, then compact everything with heavy equipment.
The result looks like an attractive gravel driveway, but the stones are locked tight into the asphalt. You get a clean, natural appearance that’s actually a durable pavement surface. The entire process typically completes in one to two days, depending on size and site conditions.
Ready to get started?
Chestnut Mound’s rural setting and older housing stock make tar and chip an ideal choice. With homes built in the 1960s on larger lots, you need cost-effective solutions that handle low-traffic residential use.
The natural stone appearance complements the area’s rural character while providing reliable access in all weather. Tennessee’s temperature swings don’t phase tar and chip the way they affect concrete.
Local regulations require proper drainage and setbacks from property lines. We handle all permit requirements and ensure your installation meets Wilson County standards. We understand the unique soil conditions and drainage challenges common in this area of Middle Tennessee.
Most homeowners in Chestnut Mound pay between $2-5 per square foot for tar and chip installation. A typical two-car driveway runs $1,600-2,900 total, which is 30-40% less than comparable asphalt work.
Your final cost depends on site preparation needs, driveway size, and stone type selection. Properties requiring significant grading or drainage work will cost more upfront but prevent expensive problems later.
We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for. No hidden fees or surprise charges after the work begins.
Properly installed tar and chip driveways last 8-10 years in Tennessee’s climate with minimal maintenance required. Unlike traditional asphalt that needs resealing every 3 years, tar and chip is essentially maintenance-free.
Tennessee’s freeze-thaw cycles actually affect tar and chip less than concrete or improperly installed asphalt. The flexible stone-in-asphalt construction moves with temperature changes rather than cracking.
Heavy traffic and poor drainage shorten lifespan, but most Chestnut Mound residential applications see the full expected life with just occasional stone touch-ups in high-wear areas.
Yes, Wilson County requires permits for new driveways and major driveway modifications. The permit process ensures your driveway meets safety standards and doesn’t create drainage problems for neighbors.
You’ll need to show proper setbacks from property lines (typically 5 feet minimum) and adequate drainage management. If your driveway connects to a county or state road, additional TDOT permits may apply.
We handle all permit applications and regulatory compliance as part of our service. We know local requirements and work directly with Wilson County offices to streamline approvals.
Tar and chip performs well in Tennessee winters and provides excellent traction on ice and snow. The textured stone surface gives better grip than smooth asphalt, reducing slip hazards during winter weather.
However, aggressive snowplow use can damage the surface by pulling up loose stones. Most Chestnut Mound properties don’t require heavy snow removal, making this less of a concern than in northern climates.
If you do need snow removal, use plastic blades and avoid metal scrapers. The natural texture means you’ll need less salt or sand for traction compared to smooth pavement surfaces.
Tar and chip uses hot liquid asphalt with loose stone chips applied and compacted on top, creating a textured surface. Regular asphalt is pre-mixed and rolled smooth, requiring periodic seal coating to maintain protection.
The stone-chip surface of tar and chip doesn’t need resealing because the stones themselves provide weather protection. Regular asphalt costs more upfront and requires maintenance every 3 years to prevent deterioration.
Tar and chip looks more natural and rustic, perfect for rural properties like those in Chestnut Mound. Regular asphalt provides a smoother driving surface but at higher initial and ongoing costs.
Tar and chip works well on moderate slopes and challenging terrain common in Wilson County’s hilly areas. The textured surface provides better traction than smooth asphalt on inclines.
Steep grades require careful attention to drainage and may need additional base preparation. Very steep driveways might need modified installation techniques or alternative materials depending on specific site conditions.
We evaluate each property individually to determine the best approach. Our experience with rural Tennessee properties means we understand how to handle difficult access situations and challenging topography.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Chestnut Mound
