An asphalt driveway costs around $5,248, but most homeowners pay between $3,124 and $7,376. A pro will consider factors like the type of asphalt and driveway size when preparing your estimate.
The average asphalt driveway cost is $5,248, but totals can range from as low as $3,124 to as high as $7,376. Most homeowners pay between $7 and $15 per square foot, including labor. The new driveway's size, depth, gradient, and finish are all factors that influence the final total.
Costs can also vary depending on whether you're installing a completely new driveway or upgrading a current driveway with an overlay. This guide to budgeting for an asphalt driveway will give you an idea of what this project will cost you.
The cost to pave a driveway depends on the complexity of the project. It's not just the labor costs that increase, either. For some projects, you'll need more gravel or crushed stone for a deeper base layer, and for others, you'll need a thicker layer of asphalt.
A new asphalt driveway, without any dramatic leveling or grading, costs $7 to $13 per square foot, including installation. That breaks down to $2 to $6 per square foot for materials and $5 to $7 per square foot for labor. Of course, you can save by buying at least a small percentage of reclaimed asphalt to lower the materials cost.
But if you go for porous asphalt, you'll pay $3 to $8 for materials and an extra $0.50 to $1 per square foot for additional crushed stone, plus labor costs.
Replacing an asphalt driveway costs $8 to $15 per square foot. The cost covers $1 to $2 per square foot for removal of the existing surface, $2 to $6 per square foot for materials, and additional labor costs.
An asphalt overlay, also called a top coat, costs $3 to $7 per square foot. It’s less expensive because an overlay requires fewer materials and less labor. Instead of removing and replacing the existing surface, a thinner layer of asphalt is poured directly over the old. But an overlay won't save your driveway if it’s covered in holes and spiderweb cracks.
Overlaying asphalt onto concrete costs $3 to $7 per square foot, like overlaying old asphalt. While reasonably budget-friendly, this option isn't a long-term solution as it doesn't have the same life expectancy as a new concrete or asphalt driveway. Plus, because concrete expands and contracts, cracks can appear in the asphalt top coat, so you'll need to regularly inspect and patch the driveway.
Cracks are inevitable on asphalt driveways. But a quick repair can add to your home's curb appeal.
| Asphalt Driveway Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| New | $7–$13 |
| Replacement | $8–$15 |
| Overlay | $3–$7 |
The bigger your asphalt driveway, the more you can expect to pay. On average, most driveways are 200 to 800 square feet, depending on if it’s a single- or double-car driveway. The square footage also increases if you have a circular driveway or a large piece of property. That means a new 200-square-foot asphalt driveway can cost $1,400 to $2,600, while an 800-square-foot one ranges between $5,600 and $10,400.
Labor costs between $5 and $7 per square foot. So, if you have an average-sized driveway of 600 square feet, expect to pay between $3,000 and $4,200 for labor. Labor will increase if you need an old driveway removed or a new one needs significant leveling and grading.
Key factors, including the type of asphalt, finish options, and excavation needs, will affect your project's final costs.
The cost will depend on the type of asphalt driveway you choose. You can minimize costs using recycled materials or pay a little more to add some personality to your driveway, which is an investment in your home’s curb appeal.
A recycled asphalt driveway costs $6.20 to $8.75 per square foot, including installation. Recycled asphalt is an eco-friendly choice that can be much more affordable than new asphalt. On average, you’ll pay $10 to $20 per ton or $0.20 to $0.75 per square foot for recycled asphalt material.
If you remove an existing driveway and your contractor can use the reclaimed asphalt, you’ll pay $1 to $2 per square foot more for labor, but you’ll also save on transport and loading costs. On an average-sized driveway, you could save up to $1,350 on material costs by using recycled asphalt instead of new asphalt.
A new, plain asphalt driveway costs between $7 and $13 per square foot. That includes $5 to $7 per square foot for materials and $2 and $6 per square foot for labor. You also need to consider the hardcore or gravel layer between the soil and the blacktop, which costs an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
Porous asphalt costs between $3 and $8 per square foot and lets water drain easily instead of running into the gutters or your lawn. It effectively minimizes runoff, so you can save on leveling and grading, which is not as necessary with a porous driveway. Remember that you'll also need an extra layer of crushed stone beneath the blacktop for better drainage.
A stamped driveway or one made using colored asphalt material costs $10 to $17 per square foot, including installation. Materials for this type of asphalt cost $2 to $6 per square foot, while labor costs $8 to $11 per square foot. The average 600-square-foot driveway costs between $6,000 and $10,200.
These driveway types give you a custom, high-end look that stands out from normal blacktop surfaces. Stamped or colored asphalt can also give your home extra curb appeal, making it a good investment if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Materials for a heated blacktop driveway cost $12 to $25 per square foot, which includes $7 to $13 per square foot for the asphalt driveway and $5 to $12 per square foot for the heating system installed below the asphalt. So, if you have a standard 600-square-foot driveway, a heated driveway costs between $7,200 and $15,000 to install, including the heating system.
| Asphalt Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Recycled or reclaimed | $6.20–$8.75 |
| Standard | $7–$13 |
| Porous | $3–$8 |
| Stamped or colored | $10–$17 |
| Heated blacktop | $12–$25 |
Before an area can be paved, it must be leveled so the new driveway is smooth and drains easily. Trees and bushes must be excavated, costing $1,500 to $5,100. Grading and leveling costs an additional $5 to $10 per square foot. Expect to pay more if you’re paving a steeper driveway due to the additional work required to make the paved surface safe. If you have a steep gradient, speak to a driveway pro about your best options.
The location of the area you plan to pave can be a big factor in overall cost. For example, a driveway on an incline will cost more than one on a flat surface. You’ll also pay more to pave a larger area, so the further your garage is from the road, the higher your costs.
Geographical location is also a factor. Fuel costs and the local cost of living in your area will directly impact asphalt driveway prices.
A new asphalt driveway has specific maintenance needs that can increase costs. Asphalt sealing should be done six months after installation to protect the driveway from cracking and other environmental damage. This service costs $3 to $7 per square foot every three to five years.
Asphalt driveways must be at least 2 inches thick, which gives you about 80 square feet of coverage per ton. For a more robust driveway with greater durability and longevity, your contractor may recommend a depth of 4 or 6 inches, which reduces the coverage per ton and increases the amount you'll spend on materials.
Plain asphalt costs considerably less than stamped or dyed finishes. Again, the installation cost will increase if you live in a cold climate and want a heated driveway.
If the driveway and foundation are still reasonably solid, you can save money by adding a top coat instead of replacing the whole driveway surface. But if your driveway is over 20 years old or the foundation is beyond repair, expect to pay more than the cost of a standard installation. Your contractor will need to dig out the old driveway and foundation before adding a new one.
DIYing a driveway could save you up to $7 per square foot on labor costs, but it's not a good idea, even if you’ve tackled your home renovations in the past. It's unlikely that you have a jackhammer or a roller hanging out in your tool shed, so what you’ll save in labor you'll spend on tools you’ll probably only use once. Plus, this project involves intensive manual labor that requires time and challenging physical activity.
You also need to consider whether you can do the job as well as a pro. You need to know a lot to take on the job, from the best time to repave the driveway to proper asphalt curing times. If you don't get it right, the asphalt will only last a year or two before you need to do it all over again. Or you'll have to hire a pro in the end to remove the work you didn't lay well, rework the foundation, and install a new driveway.
Save yourself time and money by contacting a driveway paving pro near you to do the job right.
With an asphalt driveway being a major investment, it's essential to take your time when finding a pro to handle this job. Fortunately, knowing to ask just a few key questions can help you make an informed decision. These are the big questions to ask any paving contractor before setting a start date:
Is your company fully licensed and insured?
Do you have experience with driveways with the same size, shape, and slope as mine?
How long will it take to complete a project of this scope and size?
How many years have you been in business?
Can you provide references?
Do you service my area without extra charges?
What materials do you have available for me to choose from?
Can you help with upkeep in the future when I need help with things like how to get rid of moss on a driveway or how to fix driveway cracks?
Remember to contact multiple local paving contractors to get quotes. It's best to contact at least three companies to compare quotes. In addition to placing a call directly to a paving company, it's also wise to look at reviews online to get honest opinions about each pro you're considering.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Yes, asphalt is less expensive than concrete. Asphalt prices range between $7 and $15 per square foot, whereas concrete costs $3 to $18 per square foot. When considering asphalt versus concrete driveways, you’ll want to weigh more than just the costs. While concrete costs more, it costs less to maintain. On the other hand, asphalt has the advantages of a quick installation and shorter drying time.
An asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years, but it depends on your climate, the type of soil under the foundation, the strength of the base, and whether you seal your driveway and maintain it regularly. Sealing an asphalt driveway costs between $250 and $700 per 1,000 square feet.
There are quite a few differences between concrete and asphalt. Concrete is more costly up front and more challenging to repair. Asphalt does better in cold climates and works well with radiant heat systems. Porous asphalt is also excellent for wet climates, as it allows the water to drain away. However, it does get unpleasantly hot in the summer and requires more maintenance than concrete.
Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.
Regular maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs and early replacement. Clean the driveway surface with a stiff brush and water at least twice yearly, and remove any weeds that try to take root. Additionally, every two to five years, apply a sealcoat—this protects the driveway against damaging UV rays and keeps it looking like new.
