Chip Seal Driveway (Tar and Chip): Cost, Lifespan and Process
Updated · By the Roof to Footing editors
A chip seal driveway, also called tar and chip, is made by spraying hot liquid asphalt (or an asphalt emulsion) over a compacted gravel base and immediately spreading crushed stone chips into it, then rolling them in. The result looks like a gravel driveway that stays put: a textured stone surface with no loose stones on top once it cures. Angi puts a single chip seal at about $2 to $3 per square foot and a double seal at about $3 to $5, which is usually well under the price of new asphalt.
How it's done
- Base: a well-compacted gravel base, graded and crowned for drainage. An existing gravel or millings driveway in good shape can serve as the base.
- Binder: a distributor truck sprays a uniform layer of hot asphalt or emulsion.
- Chips: a spreader drops a single layer of clean, crushed stone chips (often 3/8 to 1/2 inch) into the wet binder.
- Rolling: rubber-tired rollers press the chips into the binder.
- Cure and sweep: after a day or two, loose chips are swept off.
A double chip seal repeats steps 2 to 4 with a second layer, usually smaller chips, for a tighter, longer-lasting surface.
Cost
| Option | Typical cost (Angi, national) |
|---|---|
| Single chip seal | about $2 to $3 per sq ft |
| Double chip seal | about $3 to $5 per sq ft |
| Base preparation or new gravel base | extra, depends on site |
Some sources quote much lower or higher numbers, depending on whether base work and mobilization are included. On small driveways the minimum charge for bringing a distributor truck and crew often dominates the price.
How long it lasts
Chip seal on its own lasts roughly 5 to 8 years on a driveway before it needs another coat, according to Angi, longer with a double seal and a good base. Resealing goes right over the old surface. Over decades, layers of chip seal build up into a durable pavement.
Chip seal vs. asphalt
| Chip seal | Hot-mix asphalt | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Textured stone, good grip | Smooth black |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Look | Rustic, choice of stone color | Uniform |
| Upkeep | Recoat every several years | Seal coat every few years, crack repair |
| Snow | Plows can scrape chips; texture helps traction | Plows easily |
| Heat | Stays cooler with light stone | Absorbs heat |
Good fit, bad fit
Good fit: long rural or country driveways, gentle slopes, people who like a gravel look without loose stones, and budget-conscious projects.
Poor fit: steep driveways with hard turning (tires scuff chips loose), basketball or skating areas, and places with heavy snowplow use unless the plow shoes are raised.
Questions to ask a contractor
- Single or double seal, and what chip size and stone type?
- Hot asphalt or emulsion binder?
- How deep is the base, and is base work included?
- When can we drive on it, and when will loose chips be swept?
- What happens if chips come loose in the first season?
For a cheaper unsealed option, see crusher run driveway.