How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?

Asphalt Driveway Cost Factors

There are several factors in calculating the cost of an asphalt driveway. We explore the most common cost factors below:

• Square footage 

• Installation

• Asphalt type

• State

Square Footage 

There's no real surprise here, but the bigger the driveway, the higher the cost. Asphalt paving runs $7 to $13 per square foot, including materials and installation. If you're paving a typical driveway measuring about 600 square feet, you can expect to pay $4,200 to $7,800.

Installation

The cost of asphalt paving includes installation, at about $5 to $7 per square foot, including labor and equipment like a milling machine or grader to prepare the surface, an asphalt paver, and a compactor. Labor and machinery can account for as much as 40% to 70% of the total project cost because the hours required to complete the job will vary according to the project size and scope. 

For example, if your driveway is on a hill or has curves, labor costs may be higher. The same is true if you need additional services like the cost of tree removal. Usually, flat land makes for an easier and less expensive process.

Asphalt Type

The type of asphalt you select for the project will determine your material cost. Hot mix is the most common type, but you can save money by seeking out recycled asphalt. There are additional options if you need better drainage or want a more customized look. Keep in mind that asphalt is a petroleum product, so prices will rise and fall with the oil market. 

Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is the standard type for all-weather surfacing and repairs. Hot mix costs $100 to $200 per ton, and 1 ton can cover about 40 to 80 square feet. An average driveway will need 7.5 to 15 tons. Ultimately, the total amount required depends on the thickness of the layers, with 1 ton of material covering an 80-square-foot area with 2-inch thickness.

Recycled Asphalt

Recycled or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) costs $10 to $20 per ton compared to $100 to $200 per ton for new asphalt. This can save you between $675 to $2,700 on materials for the average driveway. Not only is recycled asphalt less expensive, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. If you’re replacing existing asphalt, ask your asphalt installer near you if they can mill the old material on-site. This can also cut down on transporting supplies.

Porous Asphalt

Porous asphalt costs $8 to $15 per square foot. Since this type minimizes runoff, you may not need to pay as much for leveling and grading prior to installation. Porous asphalt requires an additional layer of crushed stone that allows for better drainage, resulting in a surface that soaks up water instead of running it to the gutter.

Stamped or Colored Asphalt

Installing stamped asphalt is a multi-step process where the asphalt is poured, colored, stamped, then left to set. Colored asphalt comes in an assortment of hues like white, gray, green, and bright earth tones, created by adding a pigment to the hot mix. Colored or stamped asphalt costs $12 to $17 per square foot for the entire surface. If you only need the topcoat, you'll pay $5 to $10 per square foot.

Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt costs $10 to $50 per bag, but you can only use it for temporary repairs. Cold mix isn’t designed for the whole surface because it only lasts for one or two seasons.

State

The price for asphalt paving varies around the country because of local fuel costs and the cost of living. You can find some of the highest paving prices in California, while Florida and New Jersey have lower prices on average. 

While we’re talking about geography, it’s also worth noting that asphalt paving is generally better suited to areas with lower temperatures. This is because asphalt holds up better than concrete in regions where freezing temperatures occur. It’s less commonly used in parts of the South because the hotter it gets, the more malleable asphalt becomes.

Additional Labor Considerations

We recommended setting aside an extra 20% on top of the estimated total cost to cover unforeseen issues or amenities for your asphalt driveway.

Repairing, Removing, or Replacing an Existing Asphalt Driveway 

An old driveway can reduce your home's curb appeal. It can also become a safety issue. If your driveway is cracking, buckling, crumbling, sinking, or fading, it's time to repair or replace it. Resurfacing an asphalt driveway costs about $3 to $7 per square foot if installing an overlay, paving over concrete, or resurfacing. 

If you need to remove and replace an existing driveway, expect your costs to rise to around $8 to $15 per square foot. Whether it's best to replace or repair will depend on the driveway's condition. A total replacement is preferable if the existing driveway is older than 15 years or in poor shape.

Excavation and Grading 

If you need to excavate land before building the driveway, land excavation costs $1,500 to $5,600. The final cost will depend on how many cubic feet you'll need to excavate. Leveling the area, or grading, to make your driveway smooth and well-drained costs between $5 and $10 per square foot. Steep driveways may cost more to prepare. 

Gate Installation

Installing a gate can protect your investment by discouraging other cars and trucks from using your driveway as a place to turn around. An automatic driveway gate costs $850 to $3,600. Automatic versions will cost more than manual ones, which have an average cost of $2,500.

Sealing and Maintenance

Sealing your asphalt driveway costs an average of $1.44 per square foot, so for a typical 400-square-foot driveway, expect to pay about $499. Sealing provides a layer of protection to minimize cracking or shifting. It should be done at least six months after the topcoat and then every two to five years, depending on the climate and level of use.