Tar & chip paving done right the first time
Tar and chip (chip seal) gives you a hard, skid-resistant surface with the look of gravel and none of the dust, washouts or loose rock. It costs a fraction of asphalt and suits long rural driveways, ranch roads and private lanes.
Serving Waco, Central Texas, DFW and West Texas
How tar and chip works
Tar and chip is built in layers. We grade and compact a solid gravel base, spray hot liquid asphalt over it, then spread and roll clean stone into the asphalt while it is still hot. The stone locks in and the asphalt seals the base underneath.
The result is a surface that drains well, grips in the rain and holds up to trucks and equipment. Because it uses less asphalt than hot-mix paving, it covers long distances at a cost most property owners can live with.
Single or double chip seal?
A single chip seal is one layer of liquid asphalt and stone. It is the usual choice for resealing an existing chip seal road or driveway that is still sound underneath. A double chip seal adds a second layer of asphalt and a smaller stone on top, which locks the first layer in, gives a smoother and quieter surface and stands up better to turning trucks. For a new driveway or ranch road built over fresh base, double chip is usually worth the extra cost.
How long it lasts and what it costs
A well-built tar and chip surface on a sound base typically lasts around 7 to 10 years before it needs a fresh layer, and a double chip seal or good drainage can stretch that further. Because it uses much less asphalt than hot-mix paving, it usually costs a fraction of asphalt per foot, which is why it is the standard for long country driveways and private roads in Central and West Texas. The biggest factors in price are length and width, how much base work the ground needs, single versus double chip, and drainage work such as culverts or ditches.
The first few weeks
You can usually drive on a new chip seal the same day. Over the first one to two weeks, normal traffic presses the stone into the asphalt, and a little loose stone is normal while it settles. Drive at moderate speed and avoid sharp turns on the fresh surface. Any extra loose stone can be swept off once it has set.
Read more in our complete guide to tar and chip driveways, how long chip seal takes to cure and our ranch and farm road guide.
Our process
What to expect
1. Grade and compact
We shape the base so water runs off, then compact it so it will not shift.
2. Spray hot oil
Liquid asphalt goes down evenly across the surface.
3. Spread and roll the stone
Clean chips are spread and rolled in while the oil is hot.
4. Sweep and open
Loose stone is swept off. Most driveways are ready to drive on the same day.
A good fit for
- Long rural driveways and ranch roads
- Private lanes and farm entrances
- Old chip seal that has gone loose or rutted
- Gravel drives that wash out or throw rock
Where we work
We serve Waco and Central Texas from our Waco office, and the Permian Basin from our Big Spring office.
Also: 1-800-BLACKTOP
FAQ
Tar & Chip Paving questions
How long does tar and chip last?
A well-built tar and chip surface typically lasts 7 to 10 years, longer with a fresh seal coat of chips along the way.
Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt?
Usually, yes. It uses less material and less heavy equipment, which is why it is popular for long driveways and private roads.
Can you chip seal over my existing gravel?
Often we can. We check the base first; if it is solid we grade and compact it and build the chip seal on top.
Can I choose the stone color?
Yes. The top layer of stone sets the look, and we can talk through the options available near you.
What is the difference between single and double chip seal?
Single chip seal is one layer of asphalt and stone, often used to reseal an existing surface. Double chip seal adds a second layer with smaller stone on top, giving a tighter, smoother surface that holds up better to trucks and turning. It is the usual choice for new driveways and roads.
When can I drive on a new chip seal?
Usually the same day. The stone keeps settling into the asphalt over the next one to two weeks, so drive at moderate speed and avoid sharp turns while it sets.
Related services
You might also need
Asphalt Paving
New hot-mix asphalt for driveways, lots and roads, built on a base that lasts.
Farms & Ranches
Ranch roads, barn approaches and equipment areas that hold up to trucks and weather.
Free estimates
Get a free tar & chip paving estimate
Tell us about the job. We reply within one business day, usually the same day.
- Free, no-pressure estimates
- Residential, commercial and ranch jobs
- Family owned and operated since 2007
Also: 1-800-BLACKTOP