Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Paving & Surfacing

At CS Paving & Surfacing, we know the value of a solid, well-laid surface—but most people don’t realise just how much skill, planning, and science goes into the work we do. Here are some interesting (and sometimes surprising!) facts about paving and surfacing that might make you look at roads, driveways, and car parks a little differently.

1. Tarmac and Asphalt Aren’t the Same Thing

Many people use the terms “tarmac” and “asphalt” interchangeably, but they’re actually different materials. Tarmac is made by mixing tar with aggregate, while asphalt uses bitumen (a petroleum by-product). Tarmac is more common in the UK and better for residential driveways, while asphalt is typically used for motorways and larger roads.

2. Your Driveway Can Be Fully Installed in Just 2-3 Days

Thanks to modern equipment and techniques in our possession, a full driveway installation—complete with excavation, sub-base, surfacing, and finishing—can often be completed in just two or three days. That means minimal disruption and fast results.

3. Proper Groundwork Makes or Breaks the Job

It’s not the surface you see that determines how long a driveway or car park lasts—it’s the ground underneath. We spend just as much time preparing the sub-base and ensuring correct drainage as we do laying the top layer. It’s the secret to preventing cracks, sinking, and puddles.

4. Block Paving Isn’t Just Decorative—It’s Functional Too

While block paving looks great and offers a range of design options, it also allows for better drainage and is easier to repair. Individual blocks can be replaced without needing to redo the entire area.

5. We Use Lasers to Get the Levels Right

Laying a flat surface isn’t just about looking level to the naked eye. We often use laser-guided levelling tools to ensure surfaces have the right fall for water runoff—keeping your drive or forecourt safe and puddle-free.

6. Recycled Materials Play a Big Role

Many of the aggregates we use in surfacing projects come from recycled materials, helping reduce environmental impact. Even old road surfaces can be milled down and reused—making modern paving surprisingly eco-friendly.

7. There’s a Lot of Math Involved!

From calculating the correct depth of sub-base to working out the gradient needed for drainage, surfacing isn’t just physical work—it requires precision maths and engineering knowledge on every single job.