Tar and Chip Driveways in Southern Maryland
The country-lane look with a hard surface under it.
Free Estimate: (410) 212-8084Tar and chip, which you may also hear called chip seal, is the surface you see on a lot of country lanes and farm roads. It is built by spraying hot liquid asphalt over a prepared base, spreading a layer of crushed stone into it, and rolling the stone in. The result is a hard, bound surface that looks like a well-kept gravel drive but does not wash out, rut, or throw dust.
It fits Southern Maryland well. South Anne Arundel and Calvert County have plenty of long lanes running back to farmhouses, horse properties, and waterfront homes set far off the road. Paving several hundred feet in hot-mix asphalt is a major project. Tar and chip covers the same distance for less, and honestly looks more at home on a rural property than a black ribbon of asphalt does.
It also gives good traction, which helps on slopes, and the rough texture hides small imperfections. The tradeoffs are real and you should know them. It will not be as smooth as asphalt. Some loose stone is normal for the first few weeks. Snow plows need to ride a little high. And it is not sealcoated. When it wears, you add a new layer of tar and stone.
As with everything else we build, the base decides how it holds up. We grade, add stone where needed, and compact before any tar goes down.
Tar and chip vs. asphalt vs. gravel
Three ways to surface a long lane, and who each one suits.
Why homeowners hire South State Paving
South State is family owned and operated. George Cooper is a fourth-generation paver, and an owner is on site while your job is being built. The person who quoted it is the person answering for it.
Asphalt fails from the bottom up. We spend the time on excavation, stone base, grading, and compaction, and we put down the material thickness the job actually calls for. That is where a driveway's life is decided.
Before we start, we walk the property with you and explain what we found, what we are going to do, and why. No mystery line items. No surprises on paving day.
MHIC #05-169105. Licensed and insured in Maryland. Based in Deale, working Anne Arundel, Calvert, Prince George's, and the northern end of Charles and St. Mary's counties.
Call (410) 212-8084 any time, day or night. Estimates are free and written.
Tar & Chip step-by-step
Same process on every job, with an owner on site and every step explained first.
We look at the ground, the slope, and where the water goes, then lay out the fix.
Topsoil and soft material come out. Subgrade is cut and shaped to drain.
Crushed stone placed in layers and compacted until it is tight.
Final grade set so water runs off and away. Ready for stone, tar and chip, or asphalt.
“Charlie with South State Paving did an excellent job in sealing my driveway.”
Tar & Chip Projects
Tar & Chip in your town
Tar & Chip FAQs
How long does a tar and chip driveway last?
Typically 7 to 10 years before it wants a fresh layer of tar and stone, depending on traffic and how well the base was built. Refreshing it costs less than the original install.
Can tar and chip go over my existing gravel driveway?
Very often, yes. An established gravel lane is a natural base for tar and chip. We regrade, add stone where it is thin, compact, and then apply the surface.
Can I choose the stone color?
Within what local quarries supply, yes. The stone is the finished surface, so its color is the driveway's color. We will go over what is available when we quote it.
Is tar and chip okay for snow plowing?
Yes, with the plow blade set slightly high or fitted with shoes so it rides over the stone instead of scraping it off.