If one driveway quote says tarmac and another says asphalt, are you being offered the same finish? This guide explains what the terms mean, where SMA fits in, and which details to compare before choosing an installer.
Are Tarmac and Asphalt the Same?
In everyday conversation, tarmac is often used to describe a dark, compacted driveway surface. The word comes from tarmacadam, an older road surfacing material made with tar and stone. Modern asphalt uses bitumen as the binder that holds the aggregate together.
That means a contractor may call the job a tarmac driveway and specify asphalt in the written quotation. Both descriptions can refer to the same proposed job. To compare quotes, ask for the exact material and the work included beneath it.
What Does SMA Mean on a Driveway Quote?
SMA stands for Stone Mastic Asphalt. It is a type of asphalt in which the larger stones form a closely packed structure, with a mixture of bitumen and finer material filling the spaces between them. Driveways 4 You installs SMA driveways, which are also commonly described as SMA tarmac.
If you are choosing a finish, ask to see a completed driveway laid with the mix being quoted. A close photo shows the surface texture; a wider view shows how it looks alongside granite edging, steps and the front of the house.
What to Compare in Two Driveway Quotes
Suppose one quote says “lay SMA” and another says “new tarmac driveway”. The first identifies a surface material, while the second describes the job in broad terms. Either could include excavation and a new foundation, or could propose retaining suitable existing construction. Ask each installer to set out the same details so you can compare the scope.
- Surface mix: What will be laid as the visible finish? If the quote says SMA, which mix is being proposed?
- Existing driveway: What will be removed, what will be retained, and is waste disposal included?
- Construction layers: What will go beneath the surface, and what are the proposed compacted thicknesses?
- Levels and drainage: Where will rainwater go, and what drainage work is included?
- Edges and entrances: How will the new driveway meet the footpath, front step and garden borders?
- Price: What is included in the total, and which items are priced separately?
For typical budgets and examples by driveway size, see our 2026 Dublin tarmac driveway price guide.
See an SMA Driveway at Oak Court Lawn, Dublin 20
At Oak Court Lawn, we removed the old concrete driveway and lawn, prepared the ground, set the falls and added drainage before laying a fine SMA finish. A granite block frame defines the edge of the driveway, and a natural granite step ties it in with the entrance.
See the before, preparation and finished photos from Oak Court Lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMA the same as asphalt?
SMA is one type of asphalt. If a quote simply says “asphalt”, ask which mix the installer intends to use for the finished surface.
Can SMA be laid over an old driveway?
It depends on the condition of the existing surface and what supports it. If the driveway is sinking, moving or holding water, have the cause assessed before agreeing to an overlay. The installer should explain which parts can be retained and why.
Is asphalt dearer than tarmac?
The words alone do not tell you which quote will cost more. A new driveway that includes excavation, a new sub-base and drainage is a different scope of work from resurfacing a suitable existing driveway. Compare the specified mix, preparation and finishing details before comparing totals.
Planning a Tarmac Driveway in Dublin?
Explore our SMA tarmac driveway installation service in Dublin to see available finishes and edging options. Our own team carries out the work from preparation to completion.
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