how much does blacktop cost

Although driveways are the most common use of asphalt in the home, other applications include:

• Sidewalk/Walkway: $2,100-$6,500
• Backyard Blacktop: $3,500-$32,500
• Private Road: $84,000-$468,000

Full Answer

Is Blacktop cheaper than concrete?

Mar 29, 2022 · 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...

How much does Blacktop cost?

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.

How much is black top?

How much does blacktop cost? Asphalt paving ranges in price from $7 to $13 per square foot. New materials will cost between $2 and $6 per square foot, with installation costing between $5 and $7 per square foot. Cost of Asphalt Paving Per Square Foot How much does it cost to resurface a basketball court?

What's the difference between asphalt and Blacktop?

Typical costs: 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.

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 asphalt the same as 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.

Is concrete driveway better than asphalt?

Concrete driveways normally last longer than asphalt. In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 20 to 30 years.

Can you pave driveway yourself?

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.

How thick should 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.

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.

What is the best driveway to have?

Concrete. Among the most durable options on the market is a concrete driveway surface. Although it provides a hard and stable surface, that is highly dependant on professional installation, high upfront costs, maintenance, and weather conditions.

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.

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.

What is the cheapest way to redo a driveway?

Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.

What is the cheapest driveway to install?

Gravel driveway Gravel is the cheapest driveway surface and lasts up to 100 years with a stable foundation and proper maintenance. 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.

Can you blacktop over gravel?

An inexpensive method for paving a driveway consists of gravel or crushed rock over a graded, packed dirt bed. If you already have a gravel driveway and want to pave over it, the least expensive option is adding a hot-asphalt seal-coat layer over the surface of the gravel, followed by a layer of crushed rock.

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....

What is the difference between asphalt and blacktop?

The terms “asphalt” and “blacktop” are slightly different. Highway pavers use asphalt, which contains less stone than real blacktop. Blacktops are used for residential areas with less traffic, are easier to repair, and more durable than asphalt.

How much does a 50 lb bag of asphalt cost?

A 50 lb. bag of cold-patch asphalt costs $8 to $20 and covers 5 to 7 square feet at a 1" depth. Cold-patch asphalt is the only DIY-friendly option that cures by compaction alone.

How much does asphalt cost per ton?

Asphalt cost per ton. Asphalt costs $40 to $80 per ton on average. Asphalt prices vary depending on the mix and material ingredients. One ton of asphalt covers 30 to 80 square feet. A 2-car driveway needs 7.5 to 18 tons of asphalt, depending on the thickness. Asphalt cost per ton by material - chart.

How much does it cost to rent an asphalt paving machine?

Renting an asphalt paving machine costs $750 to $3,600 per day on average. Asphalt roller rental costs $120 to $700 per day for ride-on compactors 3 to 4-foot wide. Renting asphalt paving machinery sometimes requires a commercial driver’s license and additional training.

How many tons of asphalt is in a cubic yard?

There are typically 2 tons in 1 cubic yard, depending on the mixture's density. A cubic yard covers 65 to 110 square feet with an asphalt layer 3 to 5 inches deep.

How much does asphalt cost?

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. The cost of materials plus labor averages $3500—$4100.

How much does it cost to pave a driveway?

Nationwide, paving a driveway costs between $2700 and $6500. Depending on the size of your driveway and choice of materials, you could pay as little as $1200 to $12,000 or more. The average homeowner spends $4000.

Why is my concrete driveway heaving?

The small spaces between each allow moisture to drain underneath, but in cold climates, the build-up of water and ice can cause heaving. Pros recommend using thicker, heavier slabs to keep the driveway stable. Drawbacks to concrete driveways include staining — a problem that regular cleaning solves — and cracking.

Why do people put paved driveways on their homes?

A paved driveway makes your property more functional and attractive. It adds to its resale value and inspires pride. Whether you are planning to sell your home or intend to live in it for a lifetime, nothing says “welcome home” like a professionally paved driveway.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

With care, a gravel driveway can last 50 years or more before it needs a major overhaul. Gravel does have drawbacks. It’s not as hard or even as asphalt or concretion and can be a tripping hazard. It’s prone to ruts, and in cold climates, snow removal takes some of the gravel with it.

Can you keep a driveway clear in snow?

Salting and sanding were once the only ways to deal with the hazard, but now, underground heating elements can keep a driveway clear and dry.

How much does it cost to install geofabric?

Costs to cover a single-car space average $200-$300 installed.

How much does it cost to build an asphalt driveway?

An asphalt driveway typically costs about $2-$5 a square foot, $1,200 - $3,000 for a 12'x50' single-car driveway; or $25,000-$50,000 for up to a quarter mile. Slopes, curves, odd shapes and other complications add to the total cost, and smaller jobs aren't necessarily cheaper because it costs the contractor a minimum amount to haul ...

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;

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 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.

Do I need a permit to build a driveway?

Because a driveway connects to a public street, there may be local regulations governing the width of the driveway and the materials used to build it. A permit is typically required, and fees vary from nominal to pricey, depending on location.

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 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 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.

How much does labor cost?

Labor Costs. The cost of labor for general contracting work is usually between $40 and $55 per hour . Labor rates differ around the country, and some homeowners may know someone in the industry who may offer a reduced price. However, regarding averages, it is best to assume that labor will cost around $40 per hour .

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.

How much does it cost to install asphalt?

Asphalt paving material usually costs $40-80 a ton. One ton will cover 30 to 80 square feet. A residential driveway averages 9-24 square feet. Other materials are needed for asphalt driveway installation as well, and will affect the final cost.

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 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.

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.

What are the different types of driveways?

Then we’ll take a closer look at how to calculate the cost of an asphalt driveway. Types of driveways include: asphalt. b rick.

How much does crushed stone cost?

It’s ideal for all driveways, but it does require occasional smoothing and refilling. The cost is surprisingly low, at $3-5 per square foot. 3-5 for crushed stone 1-3 for gravel.

When is it important to know the maintenance of an asphalt driveway?

If you are considering an asphalt driveway, it’s important to understand the maintenance it requires. This begins from the moment the driveway is installed and extends throughout its entire lifetime.

How much does it cost to seal a parking lot?

This means that, on average, you can expect to pay between $48 to $180 to sealcoat a 600 square foot parking space. If you prefer to DIY, the cost could range between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot. However, you also have to factor in the time and effort you’ll need to spend to do all the sealcoating yourself.

How much does an asphalt sealer make?

You could either sealcoat on the weekends and earn a couple of hundred dollars, or you could make thousands every day. Asphalt sealcoaters can make $125 per hour on average. That means, 20 hours of work is all you need to make back your investment.

Why is it important to clean the surface before sealing?

It’s important to clean any oil, dirt, or debris in order for the sealant to bond. If you fail to clean the surface before sealcoating, it can result in flakes and shedding of the sealcoat.

Why do you sealcoat by yourself?

Saving money on labor fees is the biggest benefit of doing sealcoating by yourself. Because you’re completely in charge of the task, you can ensure the work meets your standards, and that you use quality materials. It can also be a fun bonding opportunity with your family.

Why do you need a professional to sealcoat asphalt?

Hiring a professional removes the hassle and guesswork that goes with sealcoating your asphalt for the first time. A professional can quickly repair wide cracks and damages that can be a challenge for DIYers.

Why is coal tar banned?

Coal tar poses environmental and health concerns. That’s why it’s banned in some municipalities. It doesn’t have the dark black color of fresh asphalt because it’s naturally dark gray. Around $465 per 55-gallon drum for 5,500 square feet coverage, or 100 square feet per gallon. Between 3 to 4 hours.

How long does sealcoating last on asphalt?

Done regularly, sealcoating can maintain the appearance and durability of any asphalt surface for more than 30 years if there are no structural issues.