Finished driveway curving through a wooded lot toward a forested ridge

Residential & Rural Roads

Tar and Chip Driveways in Southwest Virginia

Hot liquid asphalt and crushed stone, rolled into a textured surface. Costs less than asphalt and suits long rural drives.

Get a Free Estimate Call (540) 731-3000

Get a ballpark from photos

4.7
Google rating
173
Google reviews
A
BBB rating
2012
Year we started

Google Business Profile and BBB profile figures, checked October 1, 2026.

What is tar and chip?

Tar and chip, also called chip seal, is a layer of hot liquid asphalt with crushed stone spread over it and rolled in. The stone gives it grip and a rustic look that suits a farmhouse or a wooded lot.

It costs less than asphalt paving, and the savings grow with the size of the area. That's why it's common on long driveways and rural roads.

Tar and chip vs. a gravel driveway

Gravel on a long drive is a chore that never ends. It washes off the slope after a hard rain, throws dust all summer, and wants another load of stone every year. Binding the stone in asphalt cuts most of that work.

Is tar and chip right for your drive?

Tar and chip makes sense when

It's a long or rural drive and cost per foot matters.
Traffic is low to moderate: cars, pickups, the odd delivery truck.
There's a slope where traction counts. The textured finish is skid-resistant.
You like a natural look that blends into the land.

Asphalt is the better match when

Heavy trucks or farm equipment use it every day.
You want it smooth for bikes, strollers or a basketball hoop. Tar and chip is textured.
Longest life matters more than cost. Asphalt usually outlasts it.

Not sure? Answer 4 questions below

Benefits of tar and chip

Lower cost.Less than asphalt paving, which adds up on a long drive.
Grip.The textured, skid-resistant finish gives your tires traction on slopes.
Low upkeep.It needs little maintenance compared with other paving options.
Quick install.It goes down fast, so you're back on it sooner.

Our tar and chip process

Step 1: Prep
The area is cleared and graded for a stable base.
Step 2: Liquid asphalt
A layer of hot liquid asphalt goes down.
Step 3: Stone
Crushed stone is spread over the liquid asphalt.
Step 4: Roll
The surface is compacted to set the stone into the asphalt.
Step 5: Inspect
A final check before the crew leaves. Then stay off it 24 to 48 hours so it can settle and cure.

Tar and chip or asphalt?

Answer four questions about your drive and get a straight answer, tradeoffs included.

Question 1 of 4

What's there now?Gravel or dirtAsphalt that's cracking or breaking upOld tar and chipNothing yet. It's new construction.

What customers say

4.7

out of 5 on Google, from 173 reviews

Paving Plus was professional and efficient. Brandon & the crew went above and beyond expectations. Great job.

Toby E.Customer

Tar and chip questions

How long does tar and chip last?

With proper maintenance, tar and chip can last 7 to 10 years.

Can I drive on it right away?

Wait 24 to 48 hours so the surface can settle and cure.

Can it handle heavy traffic?

It can, but it's more commonly used for low to moderate traffic, like driveways and rural roads. For heavy trucks every day, asphalt is the better match.

Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt?

Yes. It costs less than asphalt paving, and the gap grows with the size of the area.

Will there be loose stone?

Some, at first. Not every chip sticks, and the extra works loose in the first few weeks.

Can I plow it?

Yes, with care. A rubber-edged blade, or a blade set a touch high, keeps from scraping up the stone.

Still have a question? Call (540) 731-3000