Choosing between brick paving and tar surfacing (asphalt) is one of the biggest decisions Gauteng homeowners, complexes, businesses, and industrial property owners face. Each option offers different benefits, costs, and long-term durability — but which one is right for your project?
In this guide, Professional Paving Systems (PPS) breaks down everything you need to know about paving vs tar, including costs, lifespan, maintenance, design options, and suitability for different types of properties.
Whether you’re upgrading a driveway, parking area, pathway, or industrial site, this is the most accurate 2025 comparison available.
1. What Is Brick Paving?
Brick paving is made using individual bricks (pavers) laid on a compacted base. It’s popular for:
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- Driveways
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- Walkways
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- Pool surrounds
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- Patios
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- Complex entrances
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- Commercial and retail spaces
Benefits of Brick Paving
✔️ Long lifespan (20–30+ years)
✔️ Beautiful aesthetic appeal
✔️ Multiple colours, patterns & styles
✔️ Easy to repair (replace individual bricks)
✔️ Excellent drainage
✔️ Non-slip surface
✔️ Ideal for premium homes & complexes
Drawbacks
❌ Higher upfront cost
❌ Can shift if not installed properly
❌ Requires a skilled contractor (PPS has trained teams)
2. What Is Tar Surfacing?
Tar (asphalt) surfacing is a blend of bitumen and aggregate, installed as a continuous smooth surface.
Perfect for:
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- Driveways
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- Parking areas
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- Roads
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- Industrial yards
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- Office parks
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- Large complexes
Benefits of Tar Surfacing
✔️ Cheapest surface option
✔️ Fast installation
✔️ Ideal for large areas
✔️ Strong for vehicle traffic
✔️ Smooth, clean appearance
Drawbacks
❌ Shorter lifespan than paving (8–15 years)
❌ Can soften in extreme heat
❌ Once damaged, repairs are visible
❌ Fewer design options
3. Cost Comparison in Gauteng (2026)
Here’s the 2025 price breakdown based on PPS project averages:
Brick Paving Costs
R350 – R650 per m²
(depends on brick type, pattern, complexity, site prep)
Tar Surfacing Costs
R95 – R180 per m²
(depends on area size, thickness, base prep)
Why the cost difference?
Brick paving materials + labour are more expensive and more detailed.
Tar is far faster and cheaper to install over large areas.
4. Durability & Lifespan Comparison
Brick Paving Lifespan
20 – 30+ years
✔️ Extremely durable
✔️ Easy to repair
✔️ UV and weather resistant
Tar Surfacing Lifespan
8 – 15 years
✔️ Very strong for vehicles
❌ Needs resealing every 3–5 years
5. Maintenance: Which Is Easier?
Brick Paving Maintenance
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- Occasional joint sand top-ups
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- Weed control
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- Replace individual bricks if needed
Tar Surfacing Maintenance
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- Crack sealing
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- Resealing every 3–5 years
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- Edge repairs
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- Pothole patching
Brick paving wins for long-term maintenance costs.
6. Which Is Better for Your Property?
✔️ Choose Brick Paving if you want:
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- A premium look
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- Long lifespan
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- Modern patterns
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- High-value home improvements
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- Complex entrances
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- Patios or walkways
✔️ Choose Tar Surfacing if you want:
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- The cheapest solution
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- Fast installation
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- A smooth, continuous surface
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- Parking areas
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- Driveways for heavy traffic
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- Industrial yards
7. Why Choose Professional Paving Systems (PPS)?
Since 2014, PPS has been a leading paving and tar surfacing contractor in Gauteng.
Clients choose us because we offer:
✔️ Skilled installation teams
✔️ Premium materials
✔️ Guaranteed workmanship
✔️ Fair and competitive pricing
✔️ Fast turnaround times
✔️ Accurate drainage and site preparation
✔️ Brick paving, tar surfacing, kerbing & repairs
Serving Alberton, Meyersdal, Johannesburg South & surrounding areas.
8. Real Price Examples from PPS Projects
Alberton Home Driveway (60 m² brick paving)
Cost: R21,000 – R33,000
Meyersdal Complex Parking Area (550 m² tar)
Cost: R52,250 – R96,250
Industrial Yard in JHB South (1,200 m² tar)
Cost: R114,000 – R216,000
9. Final Verdict: Paving or Tar?
If you want beauty, lifespan, design, and long-term value — choose brick paving.
If you want cheap, fast, functional, and ideal for large areas — choose tar surfacing.
Either way:
PPS installs both professionally, neatly, and with guaranteed quality.
10. Get a Free Quote from Professional Paving Systems
Want accurate pricing for your home or business?
👉 https://professionalpavingsystems.co.za/contact-us/
We provide:
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- Free site visits
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- Professional advice
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- Detailed written quotes
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- Fast installation
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- Guaranteed work
