Tar & Chip Paving

RUGGED. PRACTICAL.
BUILT FOR THE PROPERTY.

Professional tar and chip paving for driveways, private roads and properties throughout Northern Illinois. Get the distinctive texture of aggregate stone combined with an asphalt-based paved surface.

Tar & Chip Driveways
Private Roads
Northern Illinois
Since 1989 Paving Experience
$1.50 – 4.00 Per Sq. Ft.
Tar & Chip Driveways & Roads
FREE Project Estimates
An Asphalt Alternative

The Character of Stone. The Strength of a Paved Surface.

Tar and chip paving—also commonly known as chip seal— combines an asphalt binder with aggregate stone to create a distinctive textured driving surface.

The finished appearance is different from traditional hot-mix asphalt. Instead of a smooth, uniform black surface, tar and chip features visible aggregate that gives the pavement a more natural stone appearance.

The Blacktop Guy provides tar and chip paving for suitable driveways, private roads, lanes and properties throughout Northern Illinois.

Tar and chip driveway paving in Northern Illinois
Tar & Chip Pricing

Know the Estimated Cost. Get a Free Estimate.

Tar and chip pricing varies based on the size of the paving area, existing surface conditions, base preparation and the requirements of the individual property.

ESTIMATED TAR & CHIP PRICE
$1.50 – 4.00
Per Square Foot

Your final price will depend on the size of the project, existing surface and base conditions, required preparation, accessibility and the overall scope of work.

Get Your Free Estimate →

Pricing shown is an estimated range and is not a guaranteed project quote. Actual pricing may vary based on site conditions, preparation requirements, project size, materials and other factors.

How It Works

What Is Tar & Chip Paving?

Tar and chip is a paving method that combines an asphalt-based binder with aggregate stone to create a textured paved surface.

The process is different from traditional hot-mix asphalt paving. Rather than installing a uniform asphalt mixture, binder and aggregate are applied as part of the paving process.

The aggregate is then compacted into the binder, creating the characteristic stone-textured tar and chip surface.

01 / PREPARE

Prepare the Surface

The existing paving area and base conditions are evaluated and prepared based on the requirements of the project.

02 / BINDER

Apply Asphalt Binder

Asphalt binder is applied across the prepared paving surface.

03 / STONE

Apply Aggregate Stone

Aggregate stone is distributed across the asphalt binder to create the characteristic tar and chip surface.

04 / COMPACT

Compact the Surface

The aggregate is compacted into the binder to create the finished textured driving surface.

Considering Tar & Chip?

Estimated pricing is $1.50 – 4.00 per square foot. Tell us about your property and get a free project estimate.

Tar & Chip Applications

A Distinctive Surface for The Right Property.

Tar and chip can be considered for a variety of residential, rural and private paving applications. The right solution depends on the property and existing site conditions.

01 / DRIVEWAYS

Residential Driveways

Create a distinctive driveway surface with a more natural stone texture than traditional smooth asphalt pavement.

02 / LONG DRIVEWAYS

Long Private Driveways

Tar and chip may be considered for longer residential driveways and private lanes where a textured paved surface complements the property.

03 / PRIVATE ROADS

Private Roads

Private roads and lanes may be candidates for tar and chip depending on existing conditions, traffic and project requirements.

04 / RURAL

Rural Properties

The natural aggregate appearance can work especially well with larger rural properties and country settings.

05 / FARMS

Farms & Large Properties

Tar and chip may be considered for suitable driving surfaces on farms and larger private properties.

06 / ESTATES

Estate Driveways

The stone-textured appearance can create an attractive transition between a paved driving surface and surrounding landscaping.

Fresh tar and chip driveway in Northern Illinois
A Different Look

Not Asphalt. Not Loose Gravel.

Tar and chip has its own distinctive appearance. The exposed aggregate creates a textured finish that visually separates it from a smooth asphalt driveway.

Unlike a loose gravel driveway, the aggregate is incorporated into an asphalt-based binder to create a paved surface.

For homeowners and property owners who prefer a more natural-looking paved surface, tar and chip may provide an attractive alternative worth considering.

Discuss Your Project →
Compare Your Options

Tar & Chip or Traditional Asphalt?

Both create paved driving surfaces, but they have different appearances and characteristics. The right choice depends on your property and what you want from the finished surface.

TAR & CHIP

Textured Stone Appearance

Tar and chip creates a textured aggregate surface with a more natural visual character. It can be particularly appealing for rural properties, long driveways and private lanes.

Get a Tar & Chip Estimate →
ASPHALT

Smooth Blacktop Finish

Traditional asphalt provides the smooth, uniform blacktop appearance commonly used for residential driveways, commercial properties and parking areas.

Explore Asphalt Driveways →
Start With the Property

The Right Surface Starts With the Right Evaluation.

Tar and chip isn’t automatically the right solution for every driveway or road. Existing pavement, base conditions, drainage, grade and intended use should all be considered.

That’s why we recommend evaluating the actual property before deciding between tar and chip, traditional asphalt or another paving solution.

The Blacktop Guy can discuss your project and help determine the paving approach that makes sense for your property.

Request a Property Estimate →
01 / EXISTING SURFACE

Current Conditions

The condition of the existing driveway or driving surface helps determine the appropriate project approach.

02 / BASE

Foundation & Base

Existing base conditions are an important consideration when planning a paving project.

03 / DRAINAGE

Grade & Drainage

The layout and grade of the property should be considered when evaluating the paving area.

04 / USE

Property Needs

The way the driveway or road will be used helps determine which paving solution may be appropriate.

Why The Blacktop Guy

Paving Experience Since 1989.

From traditional asphalt paving to alternative paving surfaces, The Blacktop Guy serves properties throughout Northern Illinois.

01 / EXPERIENCE

Serving Illinois Since 1989

Decades of paving experience working with properties throughout Illinois.

02 / OPTIONS

Paving Options

Explore tar and chip or traditional asphalt based on your property’s conditions and project goals.

03 / LOCAL

Northern Illinois

Providing paving estimates for properties throughout communities across Northern Illinois.

Tar & Chip Paving Near You

Serving Properties Throughout Northern Illinois.

Contact The Blacktop Guy to discuss tar and chip paving for your property in our Northern Illinois service area.

Tar & Chip FAQ

Questions About Tar & Chip?

Here are answers to common questions about tar and chip paving in Northern Illinois.

Ask Us — Call (630)768-2603
How much does tar and chip paving cost?

Tar and chip paving is estimated at approximately $1.50 – 4.00 per square foot. Actual pricing depends on project size, existing surface and base conditions, required preparation, accessibility and the overall scope of work.

What is tar and chip paving?

Tar and chip is a paving method that combines an asphalt-based binder with aggregate stone. The aggregate is applied over the binder and compacted to create a textured paved surface.

Is tar and chip the same as asphalt?

No. Traditional asphalt paving uses hot-mix asphalt to create a smoother, more uniform surface. Tar and chip combines asphalt binder with aggregate stone for a more textured finish.

Is tar and chip the same as gravel?

No. Gravel driveways primarily consist of loose aggregate. With tar and chip, aggregate stone is incorporated into an asphalt-based binder to create a paved surface.

Can tar and chip be used for residential driveways?

Tar and chip may be an option for residential driveways depending on the property, existing conditions and the desired finished surface.

Is tar and chip good for long driveways?

Tar and chip is often considered for long private driveways, private lanes and rural properties. Suitability depends on the conditions and requirements of the individual project.

Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt?

Pricing varies by project. Tar and chip is estimated at $1.50 – 4.00 per square foot, while actual costs depend on site conditions, preparation, project size and material requirements. Request an estimate to compare options for your property.

How do I get a tar and chip estimate?

Call (630)768-2603 or visit our Free Estimates page to tell us about your driveway, private road or paving project.

Is Tar & Chip Right for Your Property?

Estimated at $1.50 – 4.00 per square foot. Contact The Blacktop Guy for a free estimate based on your Northern Illinois paving project.