Asphalt vs. Tar: Which One Should You Use for Paving?
Tar might be a sticky situation, but asphalt can smooth things over
Asphalt is a mix of aggregates and a binding substance, bitumen, while tar is a liquid binder made from organic materials like wood and coal.
Tar is fading from paving while asphalt remains an industry standard.
Fresh asphalt fades to gray over time, while tar stays darker and glossier.
Tar-based surfaces tend to be rougher than asphalt.
Coal tar poses higher health and environmental risks than asphalt.
You don’t hear much about tar in paving conversations these days, and there’s a reason for that. If you’re a homeowner or planning a pavement project, chances are you’ve heard asphalt recommended over and over again. Let’s break down the differences so you know exactly why asphalt dominates and whether tar still has a place in today’s projects.
What Are the Differences Between Asphalt and Tar?
Both asphalt and tar have been used in paving, but one has stood the test of time while the other has largely faded from modern road construction. The differences go beyond looks, right down to their composition, durability, and environmental impact. Understanding what sets them apart helps explain why today’s roads, driveways, and parking lots are built the way they are.
| Type of Difference | Asphalt | Tar |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Aggregates and bitumen | Liquid from heating of organic materials |
| Appearance | Smooth, black | Dark and glossy |
| Application | Roads, parking lots, roofing | Historically roads, now niche uses |
| Durability | More durable, less maintenance | Less durable, more maintenance |
| Health Concerns | Fumes and burns | PAHs, skin irritation, and burns |
| Environmental Impact | More recyclable | Less recyclable |
Composition Differences
Asphalt is a mix of aggregates—gravel, sand, or crushed rock—and bitumen, a sticky, petroleum-based binder that comes from refining crude oil. Tar is a thick liquid made by heating organic materials like coal or wood until they break down into a binder. While asphalt relies on bitumen to hold everything together, traditional tarmac (short for tarmacadam) uses tar as its glue. Different origins, different chemistry—one is petroleum-based while the other is cooked from raw materials.
Appearance Differences
Asphalt and tar don’t look the same, and it’s not hard to spot the differences. Each has distinct visual traits—color and texture—that set them apart.
Color
Fresh asphalt has that deep, jet-black look, but don’t get too attached—it fades. Sun, rain, and traffic wear it down, turning it into a duller gray over time. The exact shade also depends on the mix of aggregate used. Tar stays darker and glossier. Coal tar, in particular, has a slick, almost wet-looking black finish. While both materials start out dark, asphalt loses its intensity while tar keeps its bold, inky appearance for much longer.
Texture
Asphalt is usually a smooth, even surface—perfect for roads and driveways. However, not all asphalt is the same. Some mixes have a rougher feel, depending on the aggregate and application. Tar, being a liquid, doesn’t really have a texture on its own—it’s slick and smooth when applied. Older tarmac surfaces were coarser than the asphalt we use today.
Application Differences
Asphalt is everywhere—roads, driveways, highways, parking lots, and even airport runways. It’s made to handle heavy traffic and shifting temperatures without cracking. Beyond paving, it’s used in roofing, waterproofing, and even stormwater management (with porous asphalt). Tar was once used for road construction (aka tarmac), but these days, its biggest—albeit fading—role in paving is in “tar and chip” driveways, an inexpensive, textured alternative to asphalt. Today, most tar and chip driveways use liquid asphalt instead.
Durability Differences
When it comes to durability, asphalt has the advantage. One cracks under pressure while the other holds its ground (pun intended) with regular maintenance. Asphalt’s flexibility allows it to expand and contract with temperature shifts, making it less prone to cracking. It also stands up better to chemicals, like gasoline, that can eat away at tar surfaces. Meanwhile, tar tends to become brittle over time, requiring more maintenance and struggling under heavy traffic. Even in “tar and chip” driveways, lifespan tops out around 15 years, while with proper care, asphalt can last up to 30 years.
Health and Safety Differences
Hot, messy, and not exactly lung-friendly—that can be the reality of working with asphalt or tar. Laying pavement isn’t just about getting a smooth surface. It comes with serious health risks, depending on the material. Asphalt, when heated, gives off fumes that can irritate the lungs, eyes, and skin. Long-term exposure isn’t great, but the immediate concern is burns from high application temperatures.
However, when it comes to health risks, tar is the bigger problem. Coal tar, in particular, contains carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The fumes are harsher, the chemical burns are more severe, and the long-term health concerns are much higher.
That’s exactly why professionals—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and proper gear—should handle asphalt and tar. And with tar fading out of use, reaching out to your local asphalt contractor is always a smart move.
Environmental Impact Differences
Neither asphalt nor tar is winning any environmental awards, but one is clearly worse. Tar, especially coal tar, is loaded with persistent pollutants called PAHs, which don’t break down easily and can contaminate soil and water for years. Asphalt, on the other hand, isn’t perfect. It’s made from crude oil and takes a lot of energy to produce, but it has a major advantage—recyclability. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) reduces waste and the need for new materials. Tar-based surfaces, by comparison, are far less recyclable. If sustainability matters to you, asphalt is the better—though still imperfect—choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.
Though they may look similar, tar and bitumen come from different sources. Bitumen is a petroleum product—extracted during crude oil refining—and is mostly made up of hydrocarbons. Tar comes from burning down organic materials like coal or wood. Bitumen is strictly oil-based, while tar is a mix of compounds from natural sources. Both are used as binders in paving; however, bitumen is the standard for today’s asphalt. Tar use has mostly faded out of road construction.
Despite the name, modern “tar and chip” paving doesn’t use tar. It’s liquid asphalt (bitumen) topped with stone chips. The process is simple: spread a layer of hot asphalt followed by a layer of small stones. The stones are rolled-in to create a textured, durable surface. Unlike smooth asphalt, tar and chip has a rougher look and feel, which offers great traction. It’s a budget-friendly choice, common in rural and low-traffic areas, and doesn’t need regular sealing like traditional asphalt.
The cost of an asphalt driveway depends on whether it’s a new installation or a replacement. A brand new driveway runs about $7 to $13 per square foot, with materials costing $2 to $6 per square foot and labor adding another $5 to $7; however, using reclaimed asphalt can cut material costs. If you’re upgrading an existing driveway, expect to pay $8 to $15 per square foot, factoring in $1 to $2 per square foot for removal.
On average, asphalt dries within 24 to 72 hours, meaning it’s solid enough for light traffic—walking and careful driving. Full curing—when asphalt reaches peak strength—can take anywhere from three months to a year. During that time, heavy loads and sharp objects can leave marks. Weather, asphalt mix, and thickness all affect how quickly it dries and cures. If you want your asphalt to last, treat it gently until it’s fully cured. For the best results, check with a professional asphalt contractor for their advice.
