Reliable Tar and Chip Paving Services Across Western and Central Kentucky

A Cost-Effective, Rustic Alternative to Traditional Asphalt

If you live in a rural area or manage agricultural land, you know that not every road or driveway needs to look like a commercial parking lot. Sometimes, what you need is a surface that’s tough, textured, and blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape.

That’s exactly what tar and chip paving delivers.

Also known as Chip Seal, this method has been around for generations—and for good reason. At BJ’s Asphalt Paving, we specialize in custom tar and chip applications that provide long-term durability with a natural, low-maintenance finish.

Whether you’re paving a farm lane in Irvington, KY, or resurfacing a country driveway miles off the main road, we’re here to help you get it done—affordably and professionally.

What Is Tar and Chip Paving?

Tar and chip is a paving process that involves applying a hot liquid asphalt layer (the “tar”) directly to the prepared roadbed. Then, we immediately spread and compact a layer of loose stone or gravel (the “chip”) into the surface.

How It Works: A Layered Approach

  1. Grading and compacting the base
  2. Spraying hot liquid asphalt over the prepared surface
  3. Applying crushed stone chips immediately on top
  4. Rolling and pressing the surface to embed the chips into the tar
  5. Optional: Additional sealant layers for enhanced durability

The result is a textured, attractive finish that holds up under tough conditions—and doesn’t require the frequent upkeep of traditional asphalt.

Tar and chip surfaces aren’t just functional—they’re ideal for specific types of properties and usage needs. If you’re weighing your paving options, here are a few reasons to seriously consider chip seal:

Affordable Without Cutting Corners

Compared to hot mix asphalt, tar and chip is generally more budget-friendly—especially for long driveways, private roads, or wide-access farm lanes. You’ll get a strong, durable surface at a fraction of the cost.

Natural Appearance That Blends In

The rough stone finish gives chip seal a rustic, country look that blends in beautifully with barns, fields, and wooded lots. You can even choose from various gravel colors to suit your aesthetic.

Built-In Traction for Safer Driving

The textured surface naturally improves grip, especially on inclines and during wet weather. This makes it ideal for rural properties where mud and slope can make smoother asphalt dangerous.

Minimal Maintenance

Unlike traditional blacktop, chip seal doesn’t need seal coating and is less prone to cracking. If stones begin to loosen over time, they can be swept and re-rolled, extending the surface life with little cost.

Where We Recommend Tar and Chip

BJ’s Asphalt Paving offers custom chip seal solutions for a variety of surfaces, including:

If you’re not sure if chip seal is the right choice for your space, we’ll evaluate your land and traffic needs and walk you through all your options.

Why BJ’s Is the Local Choice for Chip Seal

We’ve been paving across Kentucky since 1991, and we’ve installed more chip seal roads than we can count. As a family-owned, Irvington-based company, we understand the unique needs of rural landowners because we’ve served them for over 30 years.

When you work with BJ’s Asphalt Paving, you’re getting:

  • A crew that respects your land and works efficiently
  • Local expertise in prepping surfaces for chip seal longevity
  • Access to a variety of stone options
  • Honest pricing with no high-pressure sales
  • Friendly, down-to-earth service every step of the way

How Long Does Tar and Chip Last?

With proper base preparation and regular light maintenance, a chip seal surface can last 7–10 years or more, even under moderate traffic. Because it doesn't rely on seal coating or overlays, it often requires less hands-on upkeep over time—making it ideal for large properties or driveways you'd rather not worry about.

Ready to Upgrade Your Driveway or Farm Road?

If you’re tired of mud pits, loose gravel, or rutted lanes, chip seal may be the solution you didn’t know you needed. It’s tough, attractive, and perfectly suited for Kentucky's backroads.

📞 Call BJ’s Asphalt Paving today at (502) 771-7283 to schedule your free tar and chip estimate and get the honest advice you deserve.