The paving process for a driveway varies depending on a few factors. Most driveways must be leveled and compacted prior to paving. If you are repaving an existing driveway, this is generally not needed. If this is new construction, however, the driveway will need to be leveled and compacted before beginning.
Full Answer
How much does it cost to pave a driveway?
‘Before you can pave your new driveway, you’ll have to get the land ready, which usually costs between $5 and $8 per square foot,’ says Bailey. ‘This step includes evening out the land to help prevent serious problems from happening down the road.’
What's the best time for driveway paving?
When Should You Have Your Driveway Paved?
- Temperature. The ideal temperature for paving asphalt is roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
- Humidity. Humidity can have a significant impact on both asphalt and concrete paving. ...
- Sunlight. Having adequate sunlight will also affect the quality of your asphalt or concrete driveway. ...
- Windspeed. ...
- Hiring the Right Professionals. ...
How can I do my own driveway paving?
The basic stages are as follows (although these can vary by job and local building requirements):
- Demolition: jack-hammering and removing the old driveway, as applicable
- Design: assessing soil, creating slab specifications and gaining approval from the city
- Excavation: digging out the site to reach solid soil and/or make room for a gravel base
How to plan a paved driveway?
Plan your driveway’s size, shape and route.
- A single vehicle needs a width of 10 feet (3.0 m) to 12 feet (3.7 m).
- Remember, every foot you add to the length of width of the driveway increases the expense significantly.
- You’ll be able to use the drawing to determine how much material you need to purchase.
Is it cheaper to pave or concrete a driveway?
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
What is the cheapest pavement for a driveway?
GravelGravel is the least costly material to pave a driveway. The price ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot.
Is it worth it to pave driveway?
Asphalt is more flexible making it less likely to crack over time. Asphalt driveways can last you 20-25 years if properly installed and maintained – a great investment. One final point about paved driveways. While they increase the value of your home, a nice paved driveway can also help sell your home FASTER.
Which driveway paving is best?
All that being said, block paving is one of the nicest, most welcoming driveway materials you can opt for... providing it has been laid correctly, of course. The range of patterns available means you can put an individual slant on your home, yet keep a traditional feel that will appeal to everyone at the same time.
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.
What is the easiest driveway to install?
Tar and Chip Driveway Tar and chip driveways are a durable option. It has a base of gravel, is topped with asphalt, and finished with pretty and durable stones. The idea is for the driveway to last a long time and require less maintenance than other driveway types.
Will a driveway increase home value?
How much value does a driveway add to a home? According to Property Price Advice, a driveway can add between 5 and 10% to your home's value.
Do pavers crack?
Unlike stamped concrete, pavers typically do not crack when they are properly installed. They also come with a number of other benefits that make them attractive to homeowners, including: Pavers cost about the same as stamped concrete in most instances.
Is concrete driveway better than asphalt?
Overall, asphalt is less durable than concrete. With proper maintenance, it can last 30 years. Alternatively, concrete provides a sturdy, long-lasting option and can last homeowners 50+ years with occasional repairs and degreasing.
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 most durable type of driveway?
ConcreteConcrete. 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 is the most popular driveway surface?
Concrete. Concrete is a popular driveway option thanks to its strength, durability and choice of finishes. It's a good choice for hot and temperate climates.
Choose expert picked paving products for a long-lasting paved driveway
Our range of driveway paving from Pavestone is a timeless addition to any property. All of our block paving is extremely durable, making them ideal for a driveway. We stock a variety of different sizes, textures and colours, so we can make your dream driveway into a reality.
Ideas for your block paving driveway
Choose our new Brindle blocks from Pavesett for a modern and colourful driveway. Pavesett utilises ColourFast pigment technology to ensure they hold their colour and do not fade in the sun.
Why do you need to have a driveway paved?
Because it’s one of the most simple and economical options to get your driveway paved. Its durability, aesthetics, and strength warrants a long-lasting and smooth driveway. Many homeowners with an old stone or gravel driveway can easily make the switch to asphalt.
What are the benefits of a driveway?
Some of the benefits of residential driveway paving are: 1 It doesn’t take long to lay an asphalt driveway. The construction work usually gets done in one to two days. Thus, you don’t have to wait a long time to start commuting on the driveway again. 2 Asphalt Driveway Paving is a durable investment. It can easily last for up to 12 years with little to no maintenance. Moreover, getting it fixed is also quite easy with an experienced asphalt contractor. 3 Getting driveways asphalt paved can offer huge ROIs. Many people ask Does Paving a Driveway Add Value to a House? It sure does. An attractive looking driveway can fetch great prices if you intend to sell the house in future. 4 Another benefit to asphalt driveway paving is its affordability. Residential Driveway Paving Cost may depend on your location and requirements. However, it’ll not put a hole in your pocket if you just consider the essentials.
How long does it take to lay asphalt driveway?
Some of the benefits of residential driveway paving are: It doesn’t take long to lay an asphalt driveway. The construction work usually gets done in one to two days. Thus, you don’t have to wait a long time to start commuting on the driveway again. Asphalt Driveway Paving is a durable investment.
What is the purpose of driveway drainage system?
Effective Driveway Paving Drainage System plays a key role to maintain the strength and durability of driveway paving. Water should never be able to stagnant on or around pavement edges. Also, drainage from patios and walkways should be kept at an appropriate distance from the driveway.
How wide should a driveway be?
The width of the pavement will really depend on your requirements. Usually, a one-car driveway needs a minimum width of 8’. However, if you want space for pedestrians too, this will increase to 12’.
How thick is asphalt?
The thickness will vary accordingly. In case of an asphalt overlay, a thickness of 1.5 to 2 inches will suffice.
What is the importance of grade on a driveway?
One of the important factors is grade of the property. This refers to the driveway slope. If the driveway is graded properly, water usually runs off the surface. But if it’s not done correctly, the water may start pooling on the surface.
What is the best way to build a concrete driveway?
1. Brick. Brick has become a very popular concrete driveway alternative because it can be laid in such a manner that allows for the absorption of water between the bricks. This creates a somewhat permeable driveway that will allow stormwater to pass through it, preventing the development of mud puddles or giant ruts in your driveway. ...
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
An alternative asphalt driveway like one built from permeable pavers will last anywhere from 25 to 60 years, depending on how much traffic it gets. This is because the recycled plastic they are made with is high-density polyethylene which has UV inhibitors added for additional protection from the sun.
What is a permeable paver?
Permeable pavers combined with an aggregate like gravel are a great combination if you’re looking for alternatives to paved driveways. Residential pavers like the kind offered by TRUEGRID will lock gravel in place, preventing it from spreading and also preventing you from ever having to reapply it.
Why are pavers more durable than concrete?
These allow the pavers to absorb and evenly distribute pressure throughout the grid because of the vertical compression strength and flexibility of the joints. Because of the impervious, solid nature of concrete and asphalt, ...
Why are permeable pavers the best?
One of the biggest reasons that permeable residential pavers from TRUEGRID make one of the best driveway material alternatives is because they cost very little to install, compared to other concrete driveway alternatives.
What is the cheapest alternative to asphalt?
Gravel. This is one of the cheapest alternatives to asphalt driveways by far, costing very little to have installed. The average gravel drive way consists of hard, angular gravel laid throughout the driveway.
Is brick driveway paving better than concrete?
One of the things that makes brick one of the best driveway paving alternatives is that it is less expensive than having an asphalt or concrete driveway poured and installed. It’s also a bit more environmentally friendly and you can even include some pieces of natural stone in a brick driveway to create your own unique style.
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 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.
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.
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 repair a blacktop driveway?
Over the 15–20 year life of a blacktop driveway, repairs and maintenance cost $800–$1000. Compared to gravel, however, asphalt is solid to walk on in any footwear, including high heels. Commercial blends may be coarse or smooth. Ultra-smooth surfaces are easier to repair and maintain, but rough finishes offer traction.
How much does concrete cost per square foot?
Concrete driveways costs slightly more than asphalt per square foot — $9.00 versus $8.50 — but it’s a favorite because it’s durable, attractive and relatively low-maintenance. Estimates for labor and materials average $3900–$6000 for a 240-square foot area.
U.S. Pavement Services is a leading paving company in the country
José R. Mendoza has been working and managing construction projects since 2010 and has focused on building in a sustainable way. His work has been published in Popular Science and HuffPost, and he has written for The Spruce for more than a year.
Best Overall: U.S. Pavement Services
Why We Chose It: U.S. Pavement Services offers top-notch driveway pavement services for both homeowners and businesses.
Best for Asphalt Paving: Fix Asphalt
Why We Chose It: Fix Asphalt is an expert in asphalt paving and offers quick estimates.
Best for Residential Paving: Kane Paving & Sealcoating
Why We Chose It: Kane Paving & Sealcoating provides the best residential paving solutions for your home.
Best for Commercial Paving: Sunland Asphalt
Why We Chose It: Offering a wide range of paving services for commercial properties, Sunland Asphalt only uses high-quality materials and experienced team members for its projects.
Best for Brick Paver Driveways: Wasco
Why We Chose It: Wasco provides top-notch sitescape services, including brick paver driveways, as masonry experts.
Final Verdict
Driveway paving companies often are localized and serve their own states or surrounding states, and offer both concrete and asphalt paving. When it comes to asphalt paving, Fix Asphalt is the way to go. For residential paving, Kane Paving & Sealcoating is a leading provider.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Flooring Contractors
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.
Driveway Cost Per Square Foot
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.
Driveway Cost By Material Type
Depending on the material, paving a driveway can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $11,000. Concrete is a popular choice because of its durability and long-lasting nature. Other popular types of driveways include asphalt or blacktop, gravel, pavers and rubber.
Driveway Installation Cost
The total cost of driveway installation depends on the size of the driveway, site conditions and the material used. Labor can make up about half of the total price per square foot while the price for new material can make up the other half. Thickness can affect material cost, especially for concrete and asphalt.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 $1,200, though this number may not account for the fact that gravel is usually used to pave much larger driveways as a cost-reduction solution.
What is asphalt driveway?
Also called hot mix or hot mix asphalt, this type of driveway is an aggregate of stone and sand, along with a slurry of asphalt, a tar-like material made from petroleum. The asphalt is heated to over 300 F to liquefy it.
How long does it take to install an asphalt driveway?
Once the base preparation is complete, an average driveway may begin looking like a finished product is as little as 40 minutes.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
After this, the asphalt needs to harden. Under most conditions, you will be able to drive on the driveway within two to three days. But it can take 30 days or more for asphalt to fully cure. During that time, you can use the driveway as normal.
Why does asphalt set faster than concrete?
Faster-setting : Asphalt sets faster than concrete because it hardens by cooling rather than by curing. DIY fixes : When you eventually need to resurface your asphalt, you can do it yourself with a driveway sealant. Concrete cannot be thinly resurfaced by the do-it-yourselfer.
What happens if you don't have enough time to smooth asphalt?
If they do not have enough time, your driveway may be bumpy, uneven, or irregular, or the project may not even get finished.
How long does it take to work with 1 1/2 inch of asphalt?
The more asphalt you are dealing with, the more leeway you have. For instance, at 40 F, crews have only 16 minutes to work with 1 1/2-inch thick asphalt. But as the depth of asphalt grows to 3 inches, so too does the workability time: up to 46 minutes.
When is the best time to install asphalt?
Best Time to Install Asphalt. Hot mix asphalt paving is dependent on warmer temperatures for workable conditions. This means that spring and summer are the best seasons for installing an asphalt driveway. The colder the air temperature, the less working time the asphalt paving crews have to work with the asphalt.
How much does it cost to pave a road?
Cost to pave an asphalt road. The average cost to pave a private one-lane asphalt road is $35 to $85 per linear foot. Paving a two-lane (24'-wide) asphalt road costs $70 to $170 per linear foot or $370,000 to $900,000 per mile. Blacktop road construction costs more than driveways because roads need 5" to 11" thick asphalt.
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 much does it cost to repave an asphalt driveway?
The average cost to repave an asphalt driveway is $4 to $10 per square foot with a new gravel base or $3 to $7 per square foot with an existing base. Repaving a 2-car (20’x20’) asphalt driveway costs $1,600 to $4,000 on average. Repaving includes removing and hauling away the existing asphalt.
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 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.
How much does it cost to install asphalt curbs?
Asphalt curbing costs $3 to $6 per linear foot to install. Adding asphalt curbing to a 400-square-foot driveway costs $120 to $240. Repairing or replacing asphalt curbs costs $8 to $15 per linear foot on average. Total costs depend on curb thickness, styles, and labor.