Skip to main content

616 N. Smith Street, Pittsburg Ks 66762

(620) 875-5432

Best Uses for Tar & Chip (Chip Seal) — When You Want Affordable Asphalt

Tar & chip is a smart, cost-effective option for many properties in Pittsburg KS, Parsons KS, Joplin MO, and surrounding areas. Here are the most common projects where chip seal delivers the best value.

Long Rural Driveways

Perfect for long lanes where traditional asphalt can get expensive. Great traction and a durable surface when the base and drainage are built right.

Farm Lanes & Private Roads

A popular “affordable asphalt” solution for private roads, access lanes, and rural properties that need a tough surface without the premium price.

Residential Driveways

Ideal for homeowners who want a paved surface that looks great and holds up well—often at a lower cost than hot mix asphalt.

Parking Areas (Light Traffic)

Good for smaller parking areas and access drives with lighter traffic. We’ll help confirm the right design based on your site and usage.

Resurfacing Over Stable Base

If your existing surface and base are stable, tar & chip can be an efficient way to refresh a driveway or lane after proper prep.

New Construction Access

A strong option for new builds that need a finished drive without overspending—especially when water control and grading are planned up front.

Get a Free Estimate Call (620) 875-5432

Not sure if tar & chip is the best fit? We’ll evaluate your base, drainage, and traffic needs and recommend the most affordable option that still performs.

 

Our Services

Tar and Chip Installation

Residential Paving

Commercial Paving

Driveway Resurfacing

Road Construction

Seal Coating

How Tar & Chip Works (Chip Seal) — The “Hidden” Affordable Asphalt Option

Tar & chip (also called chip seal) has been used for over 100 years on roads and private lanes because it’s simple, tough, and cost-effective. It’s one of the least talked about paving options—yet one of the most reliable—because it doesn’t get marketed like traditional asphalt. If you’re looking for affordable asphalt near Pittsburg KS, Parsons KS, or Joplin MO, this method is often the smart “value” choice when it’s installed on a solid base with good drainage.

1) Prep & Base Check

We evaluate your existing surface and base, then correct grading and drainage issues so water moves away. A strong base is the #1 factor in long-term performance.

2) Apply Asphalt Binder

A hot asphalt binder (the “tar” people refer to) is applied evenly to create a sticky, protective layer that bonds everything together.

3) Spread Clean Stone Chips

Immediately after the binder, we apply clean stone chips to build the surface texture and traction. The aggregate is what gives tar & chip its signature look and grip.

4) Roll & Compact

We roll the surface to “seat” the stone into the binder. This step locks the chips in place and creates a dense, durable surface for driving.

5) Set, Sweep, & Finish

After the surface sets, we sweep excess loose stone and confirm the finish. We’ll also give you simple guidance for the first days of traffic for the best long-term results.

Why It’s So Cost-Effective

Chip seal is efficient: it creates a strong driving surface with excellent traction, often at a lower cost than traditional asphalt—especially for longer driveways and rural properties.

Real talk: tar & chip isn’t “secret”—it’s just under-marketed. It’s been a proven road-surfacing method for generations, and it’s still one of the best values when the base and drainage are handled correctly.

Get a Free Estimate Call (620) 875-5432

About Four States Tar & Chip

Four States Tar & Chip is a locally operated paving company focused on one thing: providing honest, affordable asphalt solutions for property owners across Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri.

We specialize in tar and chip (chip seal) because it’s one of the most practical, time-tested paving methods available—especially for long driveways, private roads, and rural properties where traditional asphalt can be cost-prohibitive.

Unlike high-pressure paving crews or “one-size-fits-all” approaches, we take the time to evaluate your base, drainage, and traffic needs before recommending a solution. If tar & chip is the right fit, we’ll explain why. If it’s not, we’ll tell you that too.

Our goal is simple: give you a durable surface that performs well without overspending. That’s why so many customers looking for affordable asphalt choose tar & chip—and choose Four States Tar & Chip to install it correctly.

We proudly serve Pittsburg KS, Parsons KS, Joplin MO, and surrounding towns and rural areas throughout the Four States region.

Why We Don’t Push Asphalt First

Many paving companies lead with traditional asphalt because it’s familiar—not because it’s always the best or most affordable option for the property owner.

At Four States Tar & Chip, we start with the question most contractors avoid: “What surface actually makes the most sense for this property?”

For long driveways, private roads, rural properties, and budget-conscious projects, traditional hot mix asphalt can be unnecessarily expensive. In many of these cases, tar & chip (chip seal) delivers the durability, traction, and longevity people need—at a significantly lower upfront cost.

Tar & chip has been used successfully for over a century, but it doesn’t get marketed the same way asphalt does. There’s no mystery or gimmick—it’s simply a practical, proven method that works exceptionally well when installed on a solid base with proper drainage.

We don’t push asphalt first because we believe property owners deserve honest recommendations, not upsells. If asphalt is the right choice for your traffic or usage, we’ll tell you that. If tar & chip is the smarter, more affordable option, we’ll explain why—clearly and without pressure.

Honest recommendations. No upsells. We help you choose the most practical, cost-effective surface for your property—whether that’s tar & chip or traditional asphalt.

Service Area — Southeast Kansas & Southwest Missouri

Searching for affordable asphalt near you? Four States Tar & Chip provides tar & chip (chip seal) for residential and commercial customers across the Four States region. If you’re near one of the areas below, call or text us for a free estimate.

💬 We reply to texts fast — usually the same day.

Kansas
  • Pittsburg, KS
  • Parsons, KS
  • Fort Scott
  • Girard
  • Frontenac
  • Baxter Springs
  • Cherokee County & Crawford County areas
Missouri
  • Joplin, MO
  • Webb City
  • Carl Junction
  • Carthage
  • Neosho
  • Newton County & Jasper County areas
Nearby Rural Areas

We regularly travel to smaller towns and rural properties throughout SE Kansas and SW Missouri. Not sure if you’re in range? Call or text and we’ll let you know.

Tip: If you search “tar and chip near me” or “affordable asphalt near me,” we likely serve your area—especially around Pittsburg KS, Parsons KS, and Joplin MO.

Tar & Chip FAQ — Affordable Asphalt in SE Kansas & SW Missouri

If you’re comparing options for a driveway, private road, or parking area near Pittsburg KS, Parsons KS, or Joplin MO, these are the most common questions we hear about tar & chip (chip seal).

What is tar and chip (chip seal)?

Tar & chip—also called chip seal—is made by applying an asphalt binder and then spreading clean stone chips on top, followed by rolling/compacting. The result is a durable, textured surface with excellent traction.

Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt?

Often, yes—especially for longer driveways, private lanes, and rural properties. Final cost depends on square footage, base condition, drainage, and how much prep work is needed.

How long does tar and chip last?

With proper base prep and drainage, chip seal can provide years of reliable service. Longevity varies based on traffic level (cars vs. heavy trucks), freeze/thaw cycles, and how well water is kept off the base.

Is tar and chip good for rural driveways and private roads?

Yes. Chip seal is a popular “affordable asphalt” option for rural properties because it’s cost-effective, offers great traction, and performs well when the base and drainage are done right.

Can you install tar and chip over existing asphalt or gravel?

Sometimes. Existing asphalt can be a good candidate if it’s stable and properly prepared. Gravel can work if it has the right thickness, compaction, and grading. We typically evaluate the base and drainage first.

How soon can I drive on tar and chip?

Light traffic is often possible after initial rolling, but curing time varies by temperature and site conditions. We’ll give you a clear timeline for your project.

Does tar and chip track stone or feel loose?

Some loose stone is normal at first. After rolling and the initial set, we sweep excess chips and the surface tightens up as it cures. Following the recommended traffic guidance helps.

What maintenance does a tar and chip surface need?

Routine maintenance includes keeping it clean, managing drainage, and occasional touch-ups as needed. Preventing standing water and base washout is one of the best ways to extend the life of chip seal.

Do you do commercial tar and chip and parking lots?

Yes. We install chip seal for many commercial properties, access drives, and parking areas in SE Kansas and SW Missouri. We’ll recommend the best approach based on traffic and site conditions.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri, including Pittsburg, KS, Parsons, KS, Joplin, MO, and surrounding towns and rural areas.

How do I get a fast estimate?

Call/Text us or request a quote. If you know your approximate length and width, send it over and we can provide a rough range, then confirm pricing after checking the base, grading, and drainage.

Get a Free Estimate Call/Text (620) 875-5432

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

Four States Tar and Chip was the most affordable asphalt option and they did an amazing job on our steep lane asphalt project thanks boys! - Baxter Springs, Kansas (tar and chip resurface)

Great company respected my place I would recommend them for anyone needing asphalt near me thanks -Calvin J. Pittsburg Kansas

Bill and the boys did a great job with my lot, it was uneven and Id been quoted and outrageous price for concrete and asphalt. Looking for affordable asphalt in or around Jasper Mo, give these guys a call today! -Andy Clemmins, Jasper Mo. 

Tar & Chip (Chip Seal) FAQ — Southeast Kansas & Southwest Missouri

Looking for an affordable driveway or parking lot surface near Pittsburg, KS, Parsons, KS, or Joplin, MO? Here are answers to the most common questions we get about tar and chip (also called chip seal or tarmac).

What is tar and chip (chip seal)?

Tar and chip—also called chip seal—is a pavement surface made by applying a liquid asphalt binder and then spreading clean stone chips on top, followed by rolling/compacting. It creates a durable, skid-resistant surface at a lower cost than traditional hot mix asphalt for many residential and commercial applications.

Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt?

In many cases, yes. Tar and chip is often more affordable than hot mix asphalt because the installation pro

Locally Owned & Operated
Serving Southeast Kansas & Southwest Missouri
Affordable Asphalt Options
Tar & chip solutions that fit your budget
Proven, Reliable Method
Chip seal used successfully for over 100 years
Call or Text Anytime
Call (620) 875-5432 Text Us
Quick questions welcome • Free estimates • SE Kansas & SW Missouri

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Get in Touch

At Black Mountain Tar and Chip, we prioritize your needs. Whether you have questions about our asphalt paving services or need a free estimate for your tar and chip installation, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today, and let’s discuss how we can improve your driveway or commercial space with our quality paving services. Contact us now to get started!

Address

,

Black Mountain

8284687833

(828) 468-7833

Black Mountain Tar & Chip – 300 Mile Service Area
Black Mountain Tar & Chip – 300 Mile Service Area
Black Mountain Tar & Chip – 300 Mile Service Area