Converting a Front Garden to a Tarmac Driveway in Kent: 2026 Guide
The complete guide to garden-to-driveway conversions in Kent. What’s involved, what it costs, and what to watch out for, from a contractor with 40 years of experience.
Converting a front garden into a tarmac driveway is one of the most common jobs we carry out across Kent. It comes up every week, homeowners who are tired of parking on the road, families who need a second car space, or people who simply want to make better use of the land they have.
It is also one of the more involved jobs we do. Unlike resurfacing an existing driveway, a garden conversion is built from scratch. There is nothing solid underneath yet, which means excavation, a proper sub-base, drainage, edging and then the tarmac itself. Done properly, it lasts for decades. Cut corners and it fails fast.
This guide covers everything you need to know before getting quotes.
What is involved in a garden-to-driveway conversion
Every job is different but the process follows the same sequence.
Excavation is where it starts. The topsoil, turf and root structure come out to a depth of roughly 200 to 250mm. That material has to go somewhere, usually a skip or a grab lorry, which is a cost some contractors leave out of their initial quote. We include it in ours.
Sub-base installation follows. We lay around 150-200mm of compacted Type 1 MOT hardcore across the full area. This is the layer that does the real structural work. It distributes the load, prevents the tarmac sinking and stops frost from lifting the surface in winter. There is no shortcut here. A sub-base done to the right specification is what separates a driveway that lasts from one that does not.
Edging goes in next, typically concrete pin kerbs or block paving edging along the perimeter. This keeps the tarmac from spreading over time and gives the finished edge a clean line.
Drainage is a legal requirement for most garden conversions. If the surface does not allow water to drain naturally (which standard tarmac does not), you need to manage it on site, either into a lawn or border, via an ACO channel, or through a soakaway. We cover the requirements during every site visit.
Tarmac laying is the final stage. We use two layers: a binder course first, then a wearing course on top. Two layers give you a more durable, weather-resistant finish than a single-layer job. The surface is rolled and compacted, ready to drive on within 24 to 48 hours.
How much does a garden-to-driveway conversion cost in Kent
Garden conversions cost more than resurfacing because the groundwork is all from scratch. These are the prices we are actually quoting in 2026.
| Garden size | Approx. area | Cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Small front garden | 15–25m² | £2,800 – £4,200 |
| Standard front garden | 25–40m² | £4,000 – £6,500 |
| Large or extended garden | 40–65m² | £6,000 – £9,500 |
| Very large or shared access | 65m²+ | Price on survey |
Prices include excavation and spoil removal, Type 1 MOT sub-base, concrete pin kerb edging, two-layer tarmac and basic drainage management. All quotations are free and provided in writing after a site visit.
What affects the cost
Access for machinery makes a difference. If we can get a mini excavator and grab lorry to the front easily, the job moves quickly. Narrow road access, low trees or restricted frontage means more hand digging, which adds time.
What is already there affects the excavation cost. A standard grass lawn is straightforward. Heavy clay, old concrete footings, tree roots or rubble underneath all slow the dig down.
Drainage requirements vary. A garden that naturally drains to a border costs less to manage than one that needs an ACO channel and soakaway installation.
Dropped kerb: if there is no dropped kerb already, you need one. This is a separate application to Kent County Council and involves additional works to the highway. We can guide you through the process when we visit, but budget an additional £800 to £1,500 and allow six to twelve weeks for approval. Do not assume a contractor can lay your driveway and sort the dropped kerb informally. It needs to go through the proper channels.
Edging choice affects both cost and appearance. Standard concrete pin kerbs are the most cost-effective. Block paving or granite sett borders give a more premium finish and add to the price. A lot of our customers in Kent opt for a tarmac driveway with a block paving or granite border. It looks sharp and holds its appearance well over time.
Do you need planning permission
For most front garden conversions in Kent, the answer is no, but with conditions.
Permitted development applies if the new surface either uses a permeable material or drains water to a lawn, border or soakaway on the property. Standard tarmac is not permeable, so drainage management is not optional. It is what keeps you within permitted development.
If your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, different rules apply and you should check with Ashford Borough Council or the relevant local authority before committing.
We confirm the position on every site visit. If there is any ambiguity we will tell you.
What about a dropped kerb
If you are creating a new access point from the road, you need a dropped kerb. You cannot legally drive over a standard kerb repeatedly. It damages the highway and technically constitutes an offence.
The application goes to Kent County Council Highways. It involves a survey, approval, and then works carried out by a KCC-approved contractor. The approval process typically takes six to twelve weeks. Costs vary depending on the kerb configuration and road type but £800 to £1,500 is a reasonable working figure for most domestic properties.
We can advise on the application and coordinate with the highways contractor where needed.
Garden conversion versus other surfaces
Tarmac is not the only option for a garden conversion, but for most homeowners in Kent it is the most practical one.
| Surface | Installed cost per m² | Lifespan | Suitable for garden conversions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac | £60 – £110 | 20–25 years | Yes, most cost-effective |
| Resin bound | £80 – £130 | 15–20 years | Yes, permeable, premium look |
| Block paving | £90 – £150 | 20+ years | Yes, higher maintenance |
| Concrete | £75 – £125 | 20–30 years | Yes, long curing time |
| Gravel | £20 – £40 | 3–5 years | Yes, but high ongoing maintenance |
Resin bound is worth considering if the aesthetic matters and budget allows. It is permeable by nature which simplifies the drainage question, and it looks excellent. We can advise on both tarmac and resin bound during a site visit.
Common questions about garden-to-driveway conversions
How long does a garden conversion take? Most standard front garden conversions take two to three days. Larger plots or those with significant excavation run to three or four days. We give you a realistic programme when we quote.
Can I keep part of the garden? Yes. A lot of our customers opt for a driveway on one side and a border or lawn strip on the other. It can actually help with drainage management as well. We work around whatever layout makes sense for the property.
Will it add value to the property? For most Kent properties, yes. Off-street parking is consistently cited as one of the features buyers look for, particularly in towns like Ashford, Tenterden and Folkestone where on-street parking is limited. A well-finished driveway tends to return more than its cost when the property is sold.
How soon can I drive on it? Twenty-four to forty-eight hours under normal conditions. We will tell you the specific guidance based on the time of year and weather at the time of the job.
Do you clear everything away? Yes. Excavated material is removed by skip or grab lorry and the site is left clean. This is included in our quote, not a separate line item added later.
What if I want gates adding at the same time? We work with gate installation companies across Kent and can coordinate the timing so both elements are completed as part of the same project. Let us know when you enquire and we will factor it in.
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Useful links
How much does a tarmac driveway cost in Kent The tarmac driveway installation process Customising your tarmac driveway Is a resin driveway the right choice for your home