How Much Does Asphalt Driveway Installation Cost?

Last Updated on September 7, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With its smooth uniform finish and cost-effective installation, asphalt remains a popular paving material choice for residential driveways. But what should homeowners expect to budget for a brand new asphalt driveway installation or resurfacing project?

This guide goes into pricing breakdowns, material considerations, maintenance schedules, regional cost comparisons, and tips from asphalt experts to inform your driveway decisions.

How Much Does Asphalt Driveway Installation Cost?

When accounting for all key factors like base preparation, materials, labor, maintenance and potential repairs, plan realistically for total project costs ranging anywhere from $3 to $10 per square foot on average.

Asphalt Paving – $3 to $5 per sq. ft. for materials and installation labor

Aggregate Base Layer – $1 to $2 per sq. ft. for subsurface preparation

Excavation and Grading – $1 to $4 per sq. ft. if terrain requires significant shaping and contouring

Miscellaneous Services – $0.50 to $1 per sq. ft. for any edge treatments, drainage considerations, or decorative touches

Total Project Investment – $6 to $12 per sq. ft. covers a comprehensive new asphalt driveway installation for most homeowners

Resurfacing Only – $2 to $4 per sq. ft. for simpler asphalt layer refresh overlaying an existing stable base

The below table summarizes the average expected cost ranges for key elements:

Asphalt Paving	$3 to $5 per sq. ft.
Aggregate Base Layer	$1 to $2 per sq. ft.
Excavation and Grading	$1 to $4 per sq. ft.
Miscellaneous Services	$0.50 to $1 per sq. ft.
Total New Installation	$6 to $12 per sq. ft.
Resurfacing Only	$2 to $4 per sq. ft.

According to HomeGuide, the average cost to pave an asphalt driveway ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 for a typical two-car driveway, with prices per square foot varying from $3 to $7. For repaving, the costs can increase to $3 to $10 per square foot, while an asphalt overlay costs between $1 and $3 per square foot.

In a more detailed analysis, Asphalt Industrial reports that the average asphalt driveway costs between $7 and $13 per square foot, including both materials and labor. They mention that the total cost for a standard driveway can range from $2,800 to $10,000, depending on various factors such as the thickness of the asphalt and any additional features like heated systems.

LawnStarter provides an average cost of $4,996 for an asphalt driveway, with a typical range between $3,086 and $7,912. They emphasize that the size of the driveway significantly impacts the overall cost, and they provide a breakdown of costs by driveway size, noting that smaller driveways can be less expensive while larger ones can increase the total expenditure.

According to Bob Vila, the typical cost to install an asphalt driveway ranges from $4,200 to $9,000, with a national average of $4,740. They highlight that costs can vary based on geographic location, driveway size, and the type of asphalt used.

The costs add up quickly, especially for larger and more elaborate driveway designs requiring greater time, precision, and materials.

Asphalt Driveways and Their Benefits

Asphalt driveways consist of a leveled and compacted gravel sub-base layer, overlaid by a 2-3 inch top surface course of hot mix asphalt – an oil-based cement binding agent mixed with crushed small aggregate stone. When properly installed and maintained, asphalt driveways offer homeowners:

• A smooth, sleek, jet-black uniform appearance.
• Significant cost savings of 25-50% compared to other more robust driveway materials like concrete, pavers or stamped overlays.
• Resistance to surface cracking, deterioration, and effects of weather over years of use.
• Versatile paving options for crafting straight, curved, or elaborate winding driveway shapes and slopes.

With the right precautions taken, asphalt provides a practical, budget-friendly, and impressively durable paving solution able to withstand decades of everyday wear-and-tear.

Factors Affecting Asphalt Driveway Costs

• Driveway Square Foot Surface Area – Larger surface sizes naturally require greater quantities of asphalt tonnage and correlating labor to install, increasing overall project costs.
• Asphalt Layer Thickness and Quality Specified – Depth can range from 2” minimum up to 3” or 4”+ for heavier commercial use. Premium grades resist cracking longer but cost more per ton.
• Extent of Sub-Base Gravel and Site Preparation Needed – Excavating, trenching, grading, filling and compacting any uneven terrain or soils adds expenses prior to paving.
• Driveway Location Complexity – Simple straight layouts or basic shapes prove most affordable. Elaborate curved forms, drainage considerations, and decorative edging raise pricing.
• Regional Labor and Asphalt Prices – Like any construction trade, market rates for qualified paving contractors and material costs vary across different areas of the country.

Carefully measuring your existing driveway footprint and assessing current site topography helps tailor accurate project estimates.

Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing vs Full Replacement

Resurfacing Existing Driveway

• Costs approximately $2 to $4 per sq. ft. on average
• Only involves paving a fresh top asphalt layer over sound existing base
• Viable option if subsurface gravel base remains structurally intact without excessive cracking or sinking

Full Driveway Replacement

• Costs range from $6 to $12 per sq. ft. on average
• Requires extensively excavating and removing old asphalt and subsurface base layers before repaving over rebuilt foundation
• Prudent if existing base layers are deteriorated, compromised or insufficiently thick

You might also like our articles on the cost of driveway repaving, driveway widening, or concrete driveway installation.

Asphalt Driveway Maintenance Costs

• Sealcoating – $0.15 to $0.30 per sq. ft. every 2 to 4 years significantly extends lifespan by protecting surface.
• Seasonal Crack Repairs – Filling forming cracks and crevices with a flexible rubberized compound as needed averages $200 to $500 per periodic project.
• Drainage and Grading Fixes – Re-leveling settling areas or improving runoff typically ranges from $500 to $2,000 based on scope if pooling water or washouts arise.
• Snow Removal – Using professional plow services reduces risks of scraping damage to the asphalt.

Remaining diligent with preventative maintenance protects the value of your driveway for decades rather than allowing premature deterioration.

Excavation and Gravel Base Preparation

• Excavating to subsoil and establishing an evenly graded compacted base prevents sinking and shifting issues over time.
• Adjusting slope and drainage prevents water from pooling on the asphalt surface, reducing cracking and erosion.
• A 6 to 8 inch well-tamped gravel subsurface provides a sturdy reinforcement framework for the asphalt to last longer through seasonal movement and freeze-thaw cycles.
• Stabilizing any soft malleable subsoils before overlaying with rock base avoids driveway cracking or buckling later on.

This strong reinforced foundation extends driveway longevity significantly.

Asphalt Driveway Thickness

• 2 Inches – Only recommended for basic low usage residential driveways seeing light vehicle traffic. Higher risk of wear over short timeframes.
• 3 Inches – Considered the standard minimum thickness able to withstand typical everyday passenger vehicle activity.
• 4 Inches or More – Advised for commercial settings seeing frequent medium and heavy truck, bus, tractor or equipment activity. Critical for maintaining integrity under heavy loads over time.

Opting for adequate thickness from the start provides the strength and sturdiness to withstand years of vehicle weight bearing and minimize premature cracking or crumbling around the outer edges.

Geographic Region Impacts Installation Costs

• Major Urban Metropolises – $8 to $12 per sq. ft.

Large cities with high local demand and labor costs run at a premium.

• Smaller Towns and Rural Communities – $4 to $8 per sq. ft.

With less overhead and competition for projects, smaller municipalities offer some cost savings.

• Changes with Climate Region – Materials and base needs vary.

Northern freeze-thaw extremes require more attention to base and thickness than southern regions. Coastal zones need to consider storm drainage more. When comparing quotes, consider these factors.

Expert Recommendations

Bill Thompson, Owner of Thompson Paving Company:

“Never skimp on properly preparing the subsurface gravel base before paving. This provides the essential foundation to prevent cracking and drainage issues that lead to costly repairs later.”

Jennifer Wu, Project Manager at Ace Driveway Contractors:

“Check the thickness and density when asphalt is installed. Random probing with a thin nail should require effort and not easily push through. This ensures achieving proper compaction during rolling.”

Kevin Anderson, 30 Year Asphalt Industry Veteran:

“Sealcoating a driveway every 2-3 years is inconvenient but critical. Oxidation from the elements erodes the oils in asphalt leading to breakdown. Sealants prevent this. Don’t skip them.”

Michelle Brown, Owner of Dream Home Renovations:

“On resurfacing projects, check existing asphalt for any cracks or soft areas, especially near edges. Address these first with patching or base infill for best results rather than just paving over problems.”

Thomas Miller, Landscape Architect:

“Consider decorative stamping, colored tints or stenciled patterns when resurfacing for added aesthetic appeal. The upcharge is usually reasonable for the upgraded curb appeal boost.”

Conclusion

While asphalt driveway costs can range broadly depending on specific conditions, materials, regional pricing and services included, investing an average of $5 to $10 per square foot for a properly graded and installed asphalt driveway offers homeowners a smooth, cost-effective, low-maintenance and impressively durable paving solution able to provide everyday functionally for decades.

Taking time to understand the full costs involved, weigh options, and select qualified contractors licensed to operate in your area protects your investment. With sound planning using expert guidance, an asphalt driveway delivers lasting everyday value boosting home functionality, safety and curb appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an asphalt driveway cheaper than concrete?

Yes, asphalt driveways cost 25-50% less than concrete on average due to lower material expenses and easier installation. But concrete boasts higher durability and less maintenance.

How do you calculate the cost of an asphalt driveway?

The main measurements needed are the precise driveway length and width to calculate total square footage. Also factor excavation, grading, and the asphalt thickness desired.

How long do asphalt driveways last?

With proper care including crack sealing and sealcoating, an asphalt driveway can last upwards of 15-25 years before needing full replacement. Quality materials and base preparation extend lifespan significantly.