Driveways 4 You transformed an uneven driveway in Balrothery, North Dublin, replacing worn cobblelock and existing tarmac with a new SMA tarmac surface, natural silver granite framing, granite risers around an existing planting area and a matching granite entrance step.
Project Overview
The existing driveway at this Balrothery, North Dublin property had become uneven and discoloured. The old cobblelock and tarmac surfaces were difficult to maintain, with problems in the previous foundation and tarmac thickness requiring attention.
The replacement installation brought together a newly prepared driveway foundation and coordinated silver granite features, creating a defined entrance while retaining the existing planted area.
Removing the Old Driveway
The worn cobblelock paving and existing tarmac were removed so the underlying ground could be properly prepared.
The previous sub-base had not been installed correctly, and the existing tarmac thickness was unsuitable. Removing the old materials allowed the team to address these issues before installing the replacement surface.
Ground Preparation and Correct Falls
The ground was prepared with attention to the levels and falls required for the new driveway.
Establishing the falls before laying the final surface was an important part of planning how rainwater would flow off the driveway.
Natural Silver Granite Framing
Natural silver granite blocks were laid in straight lines to frame the driveway and define its boundary with the garden.
The light granite provides a contrast with the dark tarmac, giving the finished driveway a clearly defined border.
Compacted Sub-Base
A new sub-base was installed and compacted in preparation for the SMA tarmac surface.
This groundwork addressed the shortcomings of the previous foundation and established the support and levels needed for the replacement driveway.
Granite Risers Around the Planting Area
Natural silver granite risers were installed along one side of the driveway to contain the existing planted area.
The risers create a defined separation between the planting and the driveway, while matching the granite frame used around the new surface.
Matching Granite Entrance Step
A new natural silver granite step was installed to complement the driveway and surrounding stonework.
Using coordinated granite for the step, framing and planting area risers brings consistency to the entrance design.
SMA Tarmac Finish
With the preparation and granite detailing complete, the SMA tarmac was installed at the correct level to meet the natural silver granite frame.
The new surface replaces the old combination of worn paving and tarmac with a consistent finish, bordered by the silver granite stonework.
Completed Tarmac Driveway in Balrothery
The completed installation has transformed the approach to this Balrothery home, combining a new SMA tarmac driveway with a matching granite step, straight granite borders and risers around the retained planting area.
The work focused on the foundation as well as the appearance of the finished driveway, with careful attention to ground preparation, compaction, falls and the junctions between the tarmac and granite features.
Planning a New Tarmac Driveway?
Visit our Tarmac Contractors Dublin page for information about installation, finishes and pricing. You can also explore our completed tarmac driveway projects for more examples of our work.

