Asphalt driveways contain a mixture of cured cement and aggregates such as crushed stone or sand. You may hear asphalt driveways referred to as asphalt concrete pavement or simply “blacktop.”
Asphalt is one of the most popular home driveway materials, and for good reason. It’s durable, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and smooth, making it an ideal choice for carports, driveways, and walkways.
- Asphalt driveways can cost anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot, but most often fall in the $6–$9 range.
- Asphalt is a cost-effective option compared to other driveway materials like stone and brick.
- A new asphalt driveway can last up to 25 years and provide a 100% return on investment.
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Installation Cost?
On average, asphalt driveways cost $6–$9 for materials and installation. It’s a relatively cost-effective driveway material, which lends to its popularity in residential and commercial settings.
Here are some common price ranges to expect when planning your asphalt driveway paving project:
Cost Range | Cost Per Square Foot | Cost Per Project* |
Low-end | $3–$5 | $1,800–$3,000 |
National Average | $6–$9 | $3,600–$5,400 |
High-end | $10–$15 | $6,000–$9,000 |
What Factors Affect the Cost of Asphalt Driveways?
The cost of any home improvement project will vary by individual factors like your geographical location, local labor costs, and project scale. Driveway installations are no exception, and the cost of your asphalt driveway will vary significantly depending on:
- Project scope
- Driveway size
- Pavement type
The following sections cover how much each factor can affect your bill.
Cost of Asphalt Driveway by Project Scope
Project scope is the first cost factor to assess for your asphalt driveway. Your pricing will vary significantly depending on whether you need to install a brand-new driveway or replace an old one. The table and sections below address some average costs of different asphalt paving projects.
Asphalt Paving Project | Average Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Project |
Repair | $1–$3 | $600–$1,800 |
Resurfacing | $5–$7 | $3,000–$4,200 |
New construction | $7–$13 | $4,200–$7,800 |
Replacement | $8–$15 | $4,800–$9,000 |
Asphalt Driveway Repair
Repairing an existing asphalt driveway typically costs $2–$5 per square foot, making it the lowest commitment and lowest-cost driveway project. It involves cleaning up crusty pavement and sealing up cracks to improve the surface’s safety and longevity. In some cases, the asphalt driveway may be damaged beyond repair, with cracks large enough to create tripping hazards and potential water damage. In these instances, you likely want to consider a replacement.
Just need to repair some cracks and potholes in your existing pavement? Watch this video tutorial for tips and tricks on patching a driveway:
For more details on the total cost of repairs, read our guide to concrete driveway repair pricing.
Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing
Asphalt resurfacing generally costs $5–$7 per square foot. It’s a good compromise between replacing an old driveway and installing a brand-new one. Resurfacing involves adding a fresh layer of asphalt to the existing pavement to improve its appearance, durability, and functionality. This project also yields lower costs because it surpasses demolition and removal of the old surface.
New Asphalt Driveway Construction
Constructing a new asphalt driveway might cost you between $7–$13 per square foot, but your price will vary depending on the driveway size and design you need. Some main cost considerations for installing a new driveway are surface preparation and excavation needs, which will increase labor fees. If your yard needs flattening or shaping before driveway installation, you can expect an additional $40–$160 per hour on your bill.
Asphalt Driveway Replacement
Asphalt driveway replacement costs an average of $8–$15 per square foot. Replacing your asphalt driveway is an excellent way to up your home’s curb appeal and functionality. This is usually the most expensive asphalt driveway project because it involves demolishing and removing an existing driveway and replacing it with fresh pavement.
According to RSMeans, demolishing a 480-square-foot driveway would cost around $250, excluding disposal fees. Hourly labor costs and the number of crew members needed will further affect demolition costs. From there, any excavation or leveling requirements may increase your final price.
Cost of Asphalt Driveway by Area Size
The size of your new asphalt driveway plays a big role in your cost. A bigger driveway requires not only more materials but also additional labor requirements and installation time.
Standard single-car driveways generally range from 10 to 12 feet wide, while double-car driveways range from 20 to 24 feet wide. Driveway length is variable and depends on the home’s distance from the road. Asphalt driveways typically cost between $6–$9 per square foot for materials and installation. Driveway project pricing is often calculated per square footage, so you can use this approximation to plan for potential costs.
We’ve listed some common driveway sizes and price ranges to help you prepare your budget.
Asphalt Driveway Size | Average Cost Range |
Single-car driveway (10 feet wide by 18 feet long) | $1,080–$1,620 |
Single-car driveway (12 feet wide by 20 feet long) | $1,440–$2,160 |
Double-car driveway (20 feet wide by 28 feet long) | $3,360–$5,040 |
Double-car driveway (24 feet wide by 32 feet long) | $4,600–$6,910 |
Cost of Asphalt Driveway by Pavement Type
When budgeting for your driveway paving project, you must also consider how the type of asphalt you choose will affect costs. Several asphalt varieties are available for residential use, each with specialized applications and benefits.
Cold mix asphalt is typically the cheapest but is designed solely for repairs, not full resurfacing projects. Meanwhile, hot mix asphalt is pricier but works well for most applications. Specialty asphalts like stamped, colored, and heated varieties undoubtedly cost more but provide the unique benefits some homeowners seek.
This table illustrates how the cost of an asphalt driveway will fluctuate by pavement type:
Asphalt Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
Cold mix asphalt | $3–$6 |
Reclaimed asphalt pavement | $3–$6 |
Hot mix asphalt | $6–$10 |
Porous asphalt | $10–$15 |
Stamped asphalt | $12–$20 |
Colored asphalt | $12–$20 |
Heated asphalt | $12–$28 |
- Cold mix asphalt is the most basic pavement you can use for your driveway but also the least durable. The material is a mixture of aggregate and asphalt cement mixed with unheated water. Cold mix asphalt is not recommended for full driveway installations but instead just for crack repairs and patching jobs.
- Reclaimed or recycled asphalt is a cost-effective alternative that is as strong and long-lasting as its freshly made counterparts. Recycled asphalt is an excellent choice for homeowners prioritizing affordability and eco-friendliness for their home improvements. The material has cheaper manufacturing processes and reduces asphalt waste dumped into landfills. Reclaimed asphalt is slightly lighter in color than hot mixed asphalt, which may be an aesthetic drawback for some.
- Hot mix asphalt is the most common type used for residential driveways. It contains an aggregate and asphalt cement mixture that’s heated, poured, and pressed to create a durable surface. Classic blacktop driveways consisting of hot mix asphalt cure to a rich black color excellent for curb appeal.
- Porous asphalt contains tiny pores that allow water to drain through the surface into the ground below. Though porous asphalt is most commonly used to create large parking lots, many homeowners are turning to the material to reduce neighborhood runoff and water table depletion.
- Stamped asphalt is created by stamping brick or stone-like patterns into asphalt pavement. This system creates the curb appeal-boosting appearance of pavers at a fraction of the cost. Plus, stamped asphalt is more durable than brick, stone, and other hand-laid surfaces prone to shifting over time.
- Colored asphalt is gaining popularity among homeowners seeking a unique aesthetic appeal. Asphalt can be colored with natural tints of aggregates or added elements like iron, glass, or metal ores. It comes in eye-catching green, red, and cream-colored hues.
- Heated asphalt driveways keep the material warmer than the surrounding environment via subsurface electric coils or hydronic pipes. Heated driveways undoubtedly cost more but can be game changers for homeowners in snowy or icy climates where slipping is a threat and snow shoveling is a headache.
Heated asphalt driveways in warmer climates should feature electric systems instead of hydronic pipes. The pipes, which typically consist of PVC materials, may melt if the asphalt exceeds certain temperatures.
Additional Costs of Asphalt Driveways
Your asphalt driveway bill won’t just include materials. You must also budget for additional installation fees, necessary landscaping, permits, and routine upkeep. We spell out potential costs for these factors below to help you plan accordingly:
- Labor costs for your asphalt driveway installation will depend on the project’s scope. However, many driveway projects require the help of several workers and potentially an equipment operator. These costs can add around $150 per hour to your total costs.
- Tree removal is another potential cost factor when installing a new driveway. Tree removal costs between $750 to $1,200 and may be necessary for driveway construction, depending on your landscape and driveway design plan.
- Added curbs and sidewalks will drive up your price due to the additional materials and labor they require. Factor in the additional square footage and material of your sidewalk to assess potential pricing.
- Sealants and other maintenance materials will cost you over the life span of your driveway. DIY sealcoating typically costs $50–$150 every few years, depending on the type and brand of sealant. Hiring a paving contractor to reseal your driveway can cost anywhere from $0.20–$0.30 per square foot.
- Your city or municipality may require a permit for constructing or replacing your driveway. Depending on the type of permit needed and the scope of your project, this could add $50–$200 to your bill.
Get Estimates From Driveway Experts In Your State
How Does the Cost of Asphalt Driveways Compare To Other Driveway Materials?
Asphalt is one of the lower to midrange-cost materials you can choose for your new driveway. While it’s undoubtedly more expensive than a loose gravel drive, it’s far more affordable than high-end materials like brick and natural stone.
Explore different types of driveways and their potential costs to see how they compare to asphalt:
Driveway Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
Gravel driveway | $1–$3 |
Asphalt driveway | $6–$9 |
Rubber driveway | $6–$11 |
Concrete driveway | $8–$11 |
Brick driveway | $10–$25 |
Natural Stone driveway | $23–$29 |
Is DIY Asphalt Driveway Installation Worth the Cost Savings?
Installing an asphalt driveway is doable for homeowners with advanced excavation and paving skills. Without the right expertise and tools, you could install a weak, faulty surface that’s more of an eyesore and safety hazard than a driveway.
Consider your ability to perform the following steps before deciding on a DIY asphalt driveway installation:
- Grading and leveling the area
- Laying a sub-base layer
- Mixing asphalt
- Pouring and smoothing the entire asphalt surface
- Installing butt joints at transition areas
- Creating curbs and borders
- Sealing the driveway
Watch some of these steps in action as Danny repairs and resurfaces an existing asphalt driveway:
As you can see, driveway pavement is an advanced home improvement project that should often be left to the pros. We recommend hiring a certified contractor to handle your asphalt driveway installation to ensure you get the results and improved curb appeal you need. Although you might save some money upfront by performing your own driveway installation, you’ll likely make up for any savings with repair and replacement costs down the road.
So, Is an Asphalt Driveway Worth It for Your Home?
A new asphalt driveway can increase the functionality, curb appeal, and overall value of your home. There are many options for asphalt pavement, each with its own pros, cons, and pricing factors. Assessing these things before purchasing can help you make the best decision for your budget and home.
Now that you have a better idea of how much an asphalt driveway costs, you can get to work retrieving quotes from trustworthy contractors. Use the quick form below to find great options in your area:
FAQs About the Cost of Asphalt Driveways
Do asphalt driveways improve home resale value?
A fresh asphalt driveway is a powerful tool for boosting your home’s curb appeal and resale value. According to Blacktop Concepts, a new driveway can add between $5,000 and $7,000 to your home’s resale value. That’s a 100% return on your investment for most standard asphalt driveways.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
Asphalt driveways last approximately 25 years after installation. With proper maintenance and ideal climate conditions, these driveways can last up to 30 years. However, asphalt driveways in hot, dry climates or extremely humid ones have shorter life spans of 18–20 years.
No matter your location, you can improve the longevity of your asphalt driveway with regular maintenance. Seal cracks as they appear and fill potholes to prevent further surface weakening. Apply asphalt sealcoating every two to four years to protect the surface from heat, pressure, and water damage.
How do I know if I need a new asphalt driveway?
Asphalt driveways are tough and low-maintenance, but they won’t last forever. According to Johnson and Sons Paving, the following signs mean you need to replace your asphalt driveway:
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- Wide cracks
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- Cracked, scaly appearance
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- Standing water
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- Buckling, warping, or sinking
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- Fading
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- Crumbling
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- Large gas or chemical stains
What is the best time of year to lay a driveway?
Summer and early fall are typically the best times to lay a new driveway. Not only are the days hot and long, but the high overnight temperatures allow for quicker, higher-quality curing. However, demand for driveway installers is higher during these seasons, so you may experience higher pricing and lower availability.