Driveway Material Cost Per Square Foot Estimate
| Concrete | $3 - $18 |
| Asphalt/Blacktop | $7 - $13 |
| Gravel | $1 - $3 |
| Chip Seal | $2 - $5 |
| Heated | $12 - $21 |
How much does it cost to Blacktop my driveway?
Asphalt Driveway Paving Cost Asphalt , also known as blacktop, is a blend of dark pitch and sand or gravel. It costs $8.50 per square foot — $2040 for a single-car driveway and $3553 for a two-car sized drive — and is available in colors on the black-gray spectrum.
Should I get a blacktop driveway?
The blacktop mixtures used on an interstate highway may be just fine for some residential driveways, but you’d have to take a number of things into consideration. For example, let’s talk about my...
How much does it cost to replace a driveway?
- Driveway size, material, and thickness have the most significant impact on the total project cost.
- Labor typically makes up 50% of the total project cost.
- Designs with stamped patterns, colored stains, finishes, or stencils add $2 to $15 per square foot.
- Borders featuring stone or brick pavers cost $10 to $25 per square foot.
Is Blacktop cheaper than concrete?
Most driveways are made of Asphalt as it is cheaper compared to concrete. It is also known as blacktop due to its color, asphalt is a mixture of stones and sand, bound together with materials left over during the production of Petrochemicals such as Pertol, Diesel and Gasoline.
Is blacktop cheaper than concrete?
The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 – $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation.
Is blacktop or asphalt better for driveway?
Blacktop is typically going to be more durable than asphalt over time. This durability is because of the creation process that includes higher temperatures, making it a more bendable surface that can be resealed rather than suffer harsh cracks and potholes as easily.
What is the cheapest surface for a driveway?
A gravel driveway is by far the cheapest and quickest to install, especially if the existing driveway's sub-base is sound.
How thick should a blacktop driveway be?
Residential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate. Underneath this you have soil.
Can you blacktop over concrete?
Well, the answer is yes! It is safe to pave asphalt over concrete. Concrete is a great base material because it is stable and allows for excellent compaction of the asphalt above. In fact, many miles of concrete roads are paved over with asphalt every year.
Are there different grades of blacktop?
There are three different grades available in asphalt. The grades available are I-2, also known as base; I-5, known as top ;and the I-4 or commercial top grades. The difference in the tree grades are that the I-2 or base consists of ¾ inches of stone. The base grade is generally used in corn stabilizing level.
How can I save money on my driveway?
Use Local Concrete Save money on your driveway by substituting one raw concrete material for another, particularly if one type of concrete is fabricated exclusively for your geographic area and costs less to make.
What is the best maintenance free driveway?
Low-Maintenance Driveway OptionsPaving Stones. Paving stones are known to last up to a full century if properly laid. ... Concrete Grass Pavers. An interlocking concrete grass paver driveway made may be an option for your driveway. ... Plastic Permeable Pavers.
What type of driveway lasts the longest?
ConcreteConcrete is the old standby for driveways. Most suburban homes opt for this material for two big reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and, if installed properly, it is practically maintenance-free.
What is the difference between asphalt and blacktop?
Blacktop is heated to approximately 150 degrees celsius, whereas asphalt is only heated to 120 degrees celsius. Asphalt is has a higher bitumen content and for that reason is less porous and more resilient to wear and tear from high traffic and thus is the preferred choice for major highways.
How do you prepare the ground for an asphalt driveway?
The Complete 7-Step Process for Asphalt Pavement InstallationStep 1: Demolition and Removal. ... Step 2: Grading and Sloping. ... Step 3: Prepare the Sub Base. ... Step 4: Proof Roll, Undercutting and Sub Base Repair. ... Step 5: Binder and Surface Course. ... Step 6: Install New Asphalt Surface. ... Step 7: Butt Joints and Transitions.
Can you blacktop your own driveway?
Making your own asphalt driveway is hard work, and not a job for one person. If you have friends who will help you, it is possible to save a lot of money by doing your own driveway, even after the cost of rental equipment is factored in.
What’s the cheapest type of driveway material?
Gravel is the least costly material to pave a driveway. The price ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. The average total cost is usually around $1...
How long can a driveway last?
It depends on the material used to pave the driveway. Gravel can last up to 100 years with a solid foundation and regular maintenance. Concrete can...
How long does it take before you can drive on a new driveway?
Different materials require different times to cure. Asphalt takes at least 48 to 72 hours to fully cure while concrete can take seven to 10 days....
How much does it cost to pave a driveway?
The average costs to pave a driveway range between $3 and $15 per square foot. The cost depends on materials, size of the driveway and installation requirements. Expensive materials can cost as much as $30 per square foot while cheaper materials are as low as $1 per square foot. In addition to labor and installation costs, add-ons like unique designs or excavation can drive up a total cost figure, as well. Homeowners can expect to pay around $2,000 to $7,000 to pave a driveway.
How is the cost of a driveway determined?
The cost of driveway installations is typically determined by the driveway site’s square footage. While the material itself and the installation cost affect the price per square foot, the square footage of a driveway will sum the total cost of the project. Some major changes to the landscape may add to the cost, as well; excavating, grading and drainage systems may cost extra.
How long does a driveway last?
It depends on the material used to pave the driveway. Gravel can last up to 100 years with a solid foundation and regular maintenance. Concrete can last 30 to 40 years, while asphalt lasts for 15 to 30 years with regular sealing every few years.
How much does it cost to install a two car driveway?
For example, the average size of a two-car driveway in most homes is about 600 square feet. To install a concrete driveway that costs $8 per square foot, a homeowner can expect to pay at least $4,800 for installation. Other factors like design additions, excavation and the site’s condition can drive up the total cost.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
Different materials require different times to cure. Asphalt takes at least 48 to 72 hours to fully cure while concrete can take seven to 10 days. Gravel and paver driveways are typically ready to drive on immediately after installation.
How long does concrete last?
It can be decorated with colors, stamped patterns, borders or custom finishes (all of which add to the base price) and can last up to 30 to 40 years. This makes it a great option for most homeowners who live in warm climates. Asphalt, a popular second choice, has a life cycle of up to 15 to 30 years and does best in colder climates.
How much does a blacktop driveway cost?
A new blacktop driveway costs $3 to $7 per square foot on average. Cost factors that affect the total estimate include the:
How much does it cost to pave a driveway?
Asphalt paving costs $3 to $7 per square foot installed. Paving a new asphalt driveway costs $1,200 to $4,000 on average. The cost to pave a private asphalt road is $35 to $85 per linear foot. Asphalt parking lot paving costs $3 to $7 per square foot. An asphalt sidewalk costs $12 to $28 per linear foot.
How thick should a driveway be?
A new residential driveway needs 3 to 5 inches of asphalt over 4 to 8 inches of rock-base foundation to withstand temperature changes and last 20+ years. Some companies recommend a 2" thickness to save $0.50 to $1 per square foot, but won't provide a warranty due to deterioration risks.
How long does asphalt last?
An asphalt driveway lasts 15 to 30 years and requires sealcoating every 3 to 5 years. Boosts curb appeal and resale value. A new asphalt driveway needs an asphalt layer 3" to 5" thick to last. Resurfacing only the top layer or asphalt overlay costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
How old is a driveway for asphalt resurfacing?
Asphalt resurfacing is best for driveways less than 15 to 20 years old with good foundations that have widespread yet shallow cracks.
How much does stamped asphalt cost?
Colored or stamped asphalt costs $5 to $15 per square foot for a new driveway or replacement, or $3 to $8 per square foot for resurfacing the top layer. A 20x20 stamped asphalt driveway costs $2,400 to $6,000. Decorative patterns are sealcoated, which colors and protects the surface.
How much does it cost to lay asphalt over concrete?
Laying new asphalt over a concrete driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Contractors fill cracks with concrete-repair caulk before paving. Resurfacing concrete with asphalt is cheaper than replacing concrete. However, special preparation is required to stabilize the concrete and prevent cracks.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
The cheapest driveway material is gravel at $1 to $3 per square foot using aggregate made of crushed shells, crushed concrete or asphalt, or pea gravel . Tar and chip seal driveways are the second cheapest at $2 to $5 per square foot.
How much does it cost to build a driveway?
The cost to build a driveway ranges from $600 to $18,000, depending on the material. The cheapest driveways cost $1 to $3 per square foot for gravel, while standard concrete and asphalt driveways cost $3 to $8 per square foot.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
Asphalt driveways last 15 to 30 years, and concrete driveways last 30 to 40 years on average, depending on the climate and usage. Brick and stone pavers last 25 to 50 years. A cobblestone or gravel driveway lasts up to 100 years if well-maintained.
How much does gravel cost?
Well-built gravel driveways require light raking and new gravel once or twice a year. Gravel prices range from $10 to $50 per ton, depending on the stone size and type.
How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost?
Exposed aggregate or pebble finish driveways cost $5 to $11 per square foot or $3,000 to $6,600 on average. Exposed aggregate features stones mixed into concrete or seeded on the surface. Natural aggregates provide a textured, nonskid surface in various colors, including pastels, earth tones, and deep reds and blues.
How much does a chip seal driveway cost?
Chip seal driveways cost $1,200 to $3,000 or $2 to $5 per square foot. Chip seal, also called tar and chip, lasts 7 to 10 years. Tar and chip driveways have the durability of blacktop, come in various colors, and feature layers of stone aggregate spread over hot liquid asphalt.
How much does a driveway permit cost?
A driveway permit costs $50 to $200, depending on location. Most cities require permits for new driveway installations and replacements but not for repairs. Some municipalities waive the permit fee if there is already a paved apron connecting the property to a public street.
How Much Does Blacktop Driveway Cost by Driveway Type?
The type of driveway you choose has a direct impact on cost. If you want to add some personality to your driveway, it'll cost more than a plain, purely functional installation. But a funky green painted driveway, a terracotta dyed surface, or decorative stamped driveway can really liven up your property and boost curb appeal.
How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway Yourself?
DIYing a driveway could save you up to $7 per square foot on labor costs, but even if you’ve tackled your home renos in the past, it's not a good idea. It's unlikely that you have a jackhammer or a roller hanging out in your tool shed, so what you’ll save in labor you'll spend on tools you’ll probably only use once. Plus, it's intensive manual labor that requires a lot of time and challenging physical activity.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Asphalt Driveway Installation?
When calculating the cost, remember to factor in square footage, gradient, depth, and type of finish.
Why does my driveway crack?
Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Lots of things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation.
How much does it cost to overlay asphalt on concrete?
Overlaying asphalt onto concrete costs $3 to $7 per square foot , the same as overlaying old asphalt. It's important to note that this option, while reasonably budget-friendly, isn't a long-term solution as it doesn't have the same life expectancy as a new concrete or asphalt driveway.
How much does it cost to replace an asphalt driveway?
Replacing an existing asphalt driveway costs $8 to $15 per square foot. The cost covers $1 to $2 per square foot for removal of the existing surface, $2 to $6 per square foot for materials, and $5 to $7 per square foot for labor.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
An asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years, but it depends on your climate, the type of soil under the foundation, the strength of the base, and whether you seal your driveway and maintain it regularly.
How much does it cost to install an asphalt driveway?
CostHelper readers report paying $2,300-$10,300 to install a new asphalt driveway or completely remove replace an old one, or $1.67-$2.72 a square foot, with an average cost of $2.24 a square foot. Readers report paying $2,000-$3,800 to door-to-door contractors to redo all or parts of an asphalt driveway, at $0.73-$1.37 a square foot with an average of $1.17 a square foot.
How much of an asphalt driveway needs to be removed?
If more than 55% to 60% of an old asphalt driveway contains wide or spiderweb cracks, sinkholes or potholes, it typically needs to be removed and replaced rather than repaved. Additional costs:
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
Wait about 24-48 hours before driving or parking on fresh asphalt (or longer if the weather is hot). However, it can take up to 12 months for asphalt to completely harden and cure. An asphalt driveway can last 10-35 years, depending on the quality of the installation and maintenance.
Why is asphalt used in driveways?
Asphalt is a common driveway material because of its relatively low price compared to concrete. It generally works better and is more popular in colder climates because it can crack with constant exposure to high temperatures.
How long does it take to grade a gravel driveway?
Looks great, experienced crew of 6 total workers took about 5 hours total to grade gravel driveway, lay out 4 inch thick asphalt millings from local road, compact and oil. Only time will tell how it holds up. Have not driven on yet. will wait a couple days. Get a firm estimate before work starts.
Who installs asphalt driveways?
Asphalt driveways are typically installed by asphalt or paving contractors (although general building or landscaping contractors may do this as part of a larger project, and sub out the asphalt work. The Better Business Bureau lists tips for selecting an asphalt driveway contractor [ 3] . Get several estimates;
What should be included in asphalt?
It can include removing topsoil and organic material or existing pavement; compacting the soil; installing geo-tech fabric if the soil is weak or drains poorly; laying a base; and applying 2"-3" of asphalt and compacting it.
How Much Does a Driveway Cost?
The national average cost of an asphalt driveway is close to $4,500. [1] The price can rise or fall depending on many factors including location, quality of material, depth of material required, and the size of your drive.
How much does it cost to install asphalt driveways?
Asphalt driveway installation pricing across the country can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, but most spend $4,000 to $8,000. The amount varies depending on such factors as the cost of labor and the general difference between pricing in different states. The amount of differing figures can be overwhelming.
How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?
One ton of asphalt will cover 26.66 square foot of driveway at a 6-inch depth. You find out the square footage of your driveway by just multiplying the length by the width. The square footage in this example is 20′ times 40′, which equals 800 square foot.
How much does asphalt cost?
The cost of asphalt ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot , including labor. [2] It is easier to get a better idea of the total cost when you calculate it in tonnes, however, and that is how these calculations will be carried out.
How thick is a driveway?
In general a 4″ thick asphalt layer is suitable for most driveways, but 5-6″ is recommended to support heavier vehicles and loads. [3]
Does a bigger driveway cost more?
A bigger driveway will inevitably cost more, even if you opt for a lower grade of asphalt. The length is one thing, but don’t forget that the size of a drive often includes how wide it is. Those who need to have parking space for a lot of cars will pay a much higher sum.
Does removing a driveway add to the cost of paving?
Removing an existing driveway will undoubtedly add to the costs of a paving project. Removing existing paving may take considerable time for the crew, while also generating a significant amount of waste that needs to be disposed of.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
Gravel is by far the cheapest driveway material and one of the longest-lasting materials with a lifespan of 100 years. It still needs regular maintenance and dust suppression.
How much does it cost to build a driveway?
It comes with a cost and a commitment for a few days to get the project done. A driveway costs between $1,700 to $7,000 for materials and averages $4,500. Expect to pay between $2 and $15 per square foot for materials and installation. You can save money by choosing a material that fits your budget, but each material has a different lifespan, so weigh the costs against the longevity.
How long does a gravel driveway last?
A gravel driveway is the cheapest way to go and it’ll last more than 100 years with regular maintenance. But it’s not attractive to every homeowner and tends to kick up dust on vehicles. Concrete driveways remain a low-cost option because they come in slightly cheaper than an asphalt driveway and often require less maintenance. Concrete will expand and contract, leading to chips and cracks, plus it will stain easily. Concrete driveways typically last between 25 and 75 years.
How much does a heated driveway cost?
Gravel is the cheapest material to use at just $1 to $3 per square foot while a heated driveway is the most expensive at $12 to $18 per square foot. But a heated driveway is only desirable in colder climates where it can melt ice and snow in winter.
How long does asphalt last?
It will soften in heat and will crack easily. Asphalt driveways will last around 15 to 30 years but need to be sealed every three to five years.
How much does a new driveway add to the value of a home?
On average a new driveway can add between $5,000 to $7,000 in added home value. Of course, that value depends upon the size of your driveway.
When is the best time to build a driveway?
Depending upon your climate, summer is likely the best time to build a driveway. Plan when there are a few clear days of moderate temperatures. Installing an asphalt driveway is dirty work and you need a few days of clear skies to get it done.
What is the cheapest driveway?
A gravel driveway is the cheapest option if you need a new driveway, at $1-3 per sq ft. It matches with any style of home. Classic gray gravel is well suited to a winding country drive. White gravel provides a modern look.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A concrete driveway can last for 30 years, while an asphalt drive is expected to last for 20 years.
Why does asphalt crack?
Over time, the heat from the sun’s rays will begin to break down the materials in the asphalt and remove moisture. As the asphalt weakens due to the sun, cracks begin to form.
How long can you drive on a driveway after it's installed?
You won’t be able to drive on our driveway for 3-5 days after it’s installed. You’ll need to avoid parking on the driveway for the first 14 days, particularly in the hot part of the day.
Is a straight driveway cheaper than a curved driveway?
A straight driveway is easier to install than a curved or circular drive. A larger driveway will usually cost less per square foot, but have a higher overall cost than a smaller driveway. Lastly, accessibility must be considered. If the driveway is difficult to access, it will cost more to install.
Is concrete more expensive than pavers?
Poured concrete is more common and less expensive. A concrete slab is poured and then allowed to dry. Designs can be stamped in the wet concrete, or color can be applied. A paver driveway offers a beautiful drive at a cost. It comes ready to install in individual pieces, similar to bricks, but made from concrete.
Is an Asphalt Driveway Right for You?
Asphalt driveways are often compared to the concrete driveway due to their similarities. Asphalt is preferable in many instances.