Tarmac Driveways and Surfacing in Teesdale and County Durham
For over 65 years, three generations of our family have been laying quality tarmac surfaces across Teesdale, Barnard Castle, and County Durham. From domestic driveways in Cotherstone to major airport car parks, we handle every aspect of your surfacing project with our own equipment, our own trucks, and our own skilled team.
Our Tarmac Surfacing Services Across Teesdale
Domestic Driveways in Teesdale and County Durham
Whether you're in Barnard Castle, Cotherstone, Middleton-in-Teesdale, or anywhere across the Durham Dales, we create durable driveways that last. Most standard domestic driveways take just a day to complete, and we clean up thoroughly before we leave. Your neighbours won't know we've been, except for your smart new driveway.
Farm Driveways and Yards
Long farm drives, yard areas, and access tracks are bread and butter work for us. We understand agricultural needs, work around farming schedules, and know how to handle the unique challenges of rural Teesdale properties. Heavy machinery, livestock movements, and challenging weather all factor into how we specify and lay your surface.
Commercial Car Parks and Business Premises
Recent major projects include car parks at Leeds Bradford Airport and Newcastle Airport, plus commercial work across the North East. From small business premises in Barnard Castle to large-scale facilities, we have the experience and equipment to deliver commercial-grade surfaces on time and within budget.
Roads and Access Routes
Working with contractors like BCE and directly with local authorities, we surface roads, estate drives, and private access routes. Our understanding of County Durham terrain and drainage requirements comes from three generations working in this area.
Repairs and Resurfacing
Not every problem needs a complete replacement. We assess damage honestly and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Sometimes targeted repairs add years of life to a surface that competitors would tell you needs ripping out.
What Makes Us Different from Other Tarmac Companies
Everything Done In-House
Most tarmac contractors turn up in a van with hired equipment and subcontractors. We own our trucks, our rollers, our equipment, and employ our team directly. This means:
- One company, start to finish: No subcontractors or hired equipment to let you down
- Quality control: We control materials, timing, and workmanship at every stage
- True accountability: The people who quote are the people who deliver
- Reliable scheduling: Not dependent on equipment hire availability
- Competitive pricing: No middlemen adding costs
When you choose Gill & Son, you're getting a complete in-house service that's rare in the tarmac industry.
Three Generations of Local Knowledge
Since 1958, we've been working in Teesdale. That's 65+ years of understanding local ground conditions, drainage patterns, weather challenges, and access issues. We know which approaches work in Upper Teesdale because we've been surfacing driveways there for three generations. That knowledge isn't available from companies that arrived last year.
Honest Approach to Projects
We've learned over 65 years that good relationships make good projects. That's why we're selective about the work we take on, prefer local clients we know or who come recommended, and give realistic advice rather than over-promising. If your ground conditions need addressing, we'll tell you before problems arise, not after.
How We Quote: Simple, Honest Pricing
Step 1: Guide Price by Photo Send us photos and measurements via WhatsApp, email, or text. We'll give you a realistic guide price based on what we can see. This saves you waiting around for a visit if the budget doesn't work, and saves us time on projects that aren't proceeding.
Step 2: Site Visit for Accurate Quote If the guide price suits your budget, Robert will visit to assess properly. Ground conditions, drainage, access, and preparation all affect the final cost. You'll receive a detailed written quote with no hidden surprises.
Step 3: Scheduled Work Once you accept the quote, we schedule the work around your needs. Standard driveways typically complete in a day. Larger projects get planned to minimise disruption to your home or business.
Transparent Pricing What we quote is what you pay unless ground conditions reveal unexpected problems (which we discuss before proceeding). After 65 years, we've built our reputation on fair dealing and honest pricing.
Materials and Workmanship
Hot Weather Care
Tarmac becomes more pliable in hot weather (surfaces can exceed 35 degrees on sunny days). Modern cars with power steering can mark surfaces if you turn the wheel while stationary on hot days. We advise all customers on proper care after installation to protect their investment.
Specifying the Right Materials
Different jobs need different tarmac specifications. A domestic driveway has different requirements to a commercial car park or farm yard with heavy machinery. We recommend materials based on your specific use, ground conditions, and budget.
Traditional black tarmac remains most popular, though red and other colours are available depending on supplier stock. We work with established local suppliers to source quality materials reliably.
Realistic Lifespan Expectations
A properly laid domestic driveway should give you around 10 years of good service with normal use. Factors affecting longevity include:
- Ground preparation quality
- Material specification
- Traffic volume and weight
- Drainage effectiveness
- Maintenance and care
Commercial surfaces vary depending on traffic loads, but proper specification and groundwork give you the best long-term value.
Recent Tarmac Projects
Leeds Bradford Airport Car Park
Major commercial resurfacing project requiring strict quality standards, safety compliance, and precise scheduling. Completed to specification and on time.
Newcastle Airport Terminal Area
Resurfacing work directly in front of the main terminal building for our client BCE. High-profile location demanding quality finish and minimal disruption.
Newton Aycliffe Footpaths
Multiple local authority footpath projects meeting public safety and accessibility standards across Newton Aycliffe.
Teesdale Domestic Properties
Hundreds of driveways across Barnard Castle, Cotherstone, Middleton-in-Teesdale, and surrounding villages. From small cottage drives to long farm approaches, local residential work remains our core business.
Ground Preparation and Requirements
Before We Start
Ideally, ground should be sorted, stabilised, and levelled before we arrive to lay tarmac. If you're having kerbs or edging installed, these should be in place first. However, we can advise on preparation requirements and may be able to handle certain groundwork depending on your project.
Drainage Considerations
Proper drainage prevents water pooling and extends surface life significantly. During the site visit, we assess drainage and recommend any adjustments needed. In Teesdale, where we get substantial rainfall, drainage isn't optional.
Access for Equipment
Our equipment needs reasonable access. Most domestic properties present no problems, but narrow lanes or challenging terrain may affect scheduling and costs. We discuss access during the site visit to avoid surprises.
Who We Work With
Teesdale Homeowners
Local residential customers remain our priority. Three generations in Teesdale means we often work for families we've known for decades. That responsibility keeps our standards high.
Farms and Rural Properties
Agricultural work is in our blood. Farm tracks, yard areas, and access routes come with unique challenges we understand through experience. We work around farming schedules and weather windows.
Construction Companies and Contractors
Established relationships with contractors like BCE mean we handle commercial surfacing as part of larger developments. Reliable work and professional standards have built these partnerships over years.
Local Authorities
We work with Durham County Council and local authorities on public surfacing projects, meeting required standards and certifications.