Asphalt driveway cost does cost less and lasts longer compared to other paved surfaces, and it is very smooth for driveways, but how much must you budget as an expense for driveway paving? However, the average asphalt driveway will cost around $4,996, while that amount ranges from about $3,086-$7,912.
This, guide shall help with paving costs per driveway size, price per square foot and per ton for asphalt, and the subsequently added labor costs for your entire asphalt driveway project budgeting.
We also add in here costs for some of the other exterior amenities usually interfaced with asphalt driveway installation, and of course the benefits of going DIY in asphalt driveway installations versus hiring an expert at it.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a sticky black, solid, or viscous substance derived from petroleum. It is chiefly used for paving roads and driveways but occasionally waterproofs buildings. In combination with gravel, sand, and other materials, it produces asphalt concrete, which is a highly effective paving material.
The cost-effectiveness and convenience of repairs make asphalt concrete one of the most preferred paving choices in America.
Cost Estimator by Driveway Size
The most important factor that determines the cost of an asphalt driveway is the size of your driveway. For a normal-size driveway, expect to pay at least $3,258 at an average price. Sometimes the labor charges are embedded in the price, while sometimes they are added. Now, let’s look at how these costs would break down on a square-foot basis, ton basis, and by labor hours.
Cost by the Square Foot
This is by far the most prevalent means of charging for a new driveway. Here are the average prices for asphalt driveway sizes per square foot.
Low Price: $3.92 per square foot
- Small Driveway (300 sq ft): $1,176
- Average Driveway (640 sq ft): $2,509
- Large Driveway (1,500 sq ft): $5,880
High Price: $6.25 per square foot
- Small Driveway (300 sq ft): $1,875
- Average Driveway (640 sq ft): $4,000
- Large Driveway (1,500 sq ft): $9,375
Average Price: $5.09 per square foot
- Small Driveway (300 sq ft): $1,527
- Average Driveway (640 sq ft): $3,258
- Large Driveway (1,500 sq ft): $7,635
Cost by Labor Hours
Only a few companies will charge extra for labor. Labor ranges from $40 to $55 per hour, with an average price of $47.50. Depending on the number of workers employed and how long they spend on your asphalt, this will vary in the amount added to your bill.
For instance, with a one-person crew working 8 to 16 hours, you could expect to see an addition of $320 to $880. A three-man crew would cost $960 to $2,640 if assigned for the same number of hours.
Other Factors Affecting Cost
Your final bill for your asphalt driveway will depend on a lot of variable factors-the thickness of your asphalt layer, any decoratives (like stamped asphalt) or extra features (like a heated driveway), and the cost of substrate.
Depth of Asphalt Layer: Two inches is usually adequate for normal residential driveways (cars and trucks, yes; semi-trucks, no). There are those, however, who prefer a stronger driveway-4 inches save in asphalt.
A driveway 2 inches thick will need 1 tonne for 80 square feet; A driveway 4 inches thick will require 1 tonne for every 40 square feet.
Let’s test on some standard driveway sizes:
Asphalt stamped
Asphalt stamped, decorated, or colored can add value and character to your home curb appeal. Typically, stamped asphalt costs from $12 to $17 per square foot. Here is what you would expect to pay for getting the entire driveway done with decorative asphalt.
Low Cost: $12 per square foot
- Small Driveway (300 sq ft): $3,600
- Average Driveway (640 sq ft): $7,680
- Large Driveway (1,500 sq ft): $18,000
High Cost: $17 per square foot
- Small Driveway (300 sq ft): $5,100
- Average Driveway (640 sq ft): $10,880
- Large Driveway (1,500 sq ft): $25,500
Cost of a Permit
Certain municipalities require you to get a permit before installing your brand-new driveway. But be sure to verify from your county, city, or township before hiring a professional. The average cost for a permit for an asphalt driveway would lie between $50 and $200.
Cost of Resealing
After placing a completely new driveway with asphalt, the owner wishes to have it nova almost forever. One of the major things any owner should do to keep his/her asphalt driveway long-lasting is to have a fresh coat of sealant applied every two to five years. It forms a barrier membrane and prevents unnecessary damage.
Expect to pay between $0.17 and $0.24 per square foot for a professional contractor to seal your driveway. If you’d rather do it yourself, expect to spend between $50 and $200 for such materials.
Costs of a DIY Asphalt Driveway
Installing your very own asphalt driveway installed privately might sound encouraging for DIY-ing it to save some bucks. However, it is very important to weigh both sides before getting into it.
Benefits of installing DIY asphalt driveways:
- Cost Savings: The big savings accrued here are because you do not have to pay the labor fees that are charged by the professional paving company to do the actual work
- Satisfaction: Doing such a large home improvement by yourself gives one a certain satisfaction and pride. You will now take pride in saying that you built your driveway from the ground up. Labor-Intensive: It takes a lot of hard physical work such as grading, excavating, compacting, and mixing the asphalt to set up an asphalt driveway. It is a big job and can tire a person quite easily.
- Specialized Equipment Needed: For asphalt paving, specialized machinery associated with it is a roller, an asphalt paver, etc. Most usually, the amount to rent or to acquire this equipment is quite high, and it calls for proper know-how to handle it safely and effectively
- Asphalt is Toxic: Again, asphalt is a chemical mix that can be harmful when inhaled and touched. Thus, all stringent safety measures should be ensured, like wearing protective clothing, gloves, and masks, and working in a well-ventilated place.
- Risk of Uneven Surface: Asphalt is less forgiving than other materials for construction purposes. If not applied in the right method, it could lead to an uneven surface or cracking, thus leading to extra costs later for repairs or even replacements.
Estimated Cost of Materials
The installation of an asphalt driveway needs some materials as well as special equipment, which costs quite a lot. Priced as above, this means that for budgeting; 1 ton of asphalt will cover 80 square feet at a 2-inch thickness or 40 square feet at a 4-inch thickness. The estimated costs are given below to help you understand the installation of an asphalt driveway. On the materials needed to put in an asphalt driveway, the estimated costs are these:
- Sealant: $0.17 to $0.24 per square foot
- Gravel: $10 to $50 per ton
- Asphalt: $90 to $150 per ton
How to Install an Asphalt Driveway in 7 Steps
1: Prepare the Land
Prepare the Land Clear the area where you want to make your driveway; often this will entail some tree or stump removal, brushing, and possibly removing an old driveway. Sometimes one must rent heavy machinery, such as bobcats, stump grinders, and forklifts, to assist with this. Grade and level the land once cleared to create the right slope for drainage.
2: Lay the Gravel Base
This is the gravel base that will act as the foundation for your driveway. The prepared land should get 3-4 inches of gravel spread on top. Compact the gravel with a tamper or mechanical compactor until both even and stable. This base layer prevents damage from freezing and thawing in the future.
3: Add the Binder Layer
The binder layer includes big aggregates like gravel along with tar or oil. This layer is laid on the compacted gravel base and imparts driveway strength and stability. Before moving to the next stage, ensure that the binder layer has been evenly spread.
4: Apply the Asphalt Surface
Now comes the top layer of asphalt made with a mixture of small aggregates, sand, and tar or oil. Make sure to mix the asphalt evenly so that it covers the whole surface of the driveway. The goal should be to make it smooth to avoid creating any bumps once the asphalt hardens.
5: Smooth the Asphalt
Use a rake or shovel to level the asphalt surface as much as possible. This will guarantee that the surface is smooth before the final compaction. Proper smoothing is fine for great results.
6: Compact the Asphalt
When the surface is smooth, the asphalt is compacted with a roller truck or vibratory plate compactor. This process flattens and hardens the surface, guaranteeing a highly bonded structure along with a very firm foundation for your driveway.
7: Seal the Driveway
Once the asphalt has cooled and cured (usually within 24-48 hours), it is then subject to the spray seal application.
Cost of DIY Installation vs. Hiring a Professional for an Asphalt Driveway
Installing your asphalt driveway yourself can save you several thousand bucks, as DIY costs can be less than $1,000 for a small driveway. About $5,000 is what you should expect to pay when hiring a pro for complete installation, though.
However, asphalt installation is a work for experts and requires special machines. Without experience, you may end up constructing a badly uneven driveway that will crack up quickly. Furthermore, handling asphalt without the proper safety gear is a dangerous activity; therefore, best to hire a professional to do their work and have the best for your result.
Conclusion
In 2025, the asphalt driveway cost continue to be the budget-friendly driving surface for homeowners. Prices for installation are about $3,086 to $7,912. The prices are differentiated according to the size of the driveway, the thickness of the asphalt, and the price of labor in the area. Caring properly for the driveways can make them last for up to 35 years.
Asphalt is considered a durable, affordable, and low-maintenance material. Future technological advancements may improve the quality and longevity of asphalt, thereby making it a seemingly safe and attractive choice for the enhancement of properties.
FAQS
1: How much time does an asphalt driveway last?
The installation process can vary based on factors such as weather and site conditions. Generally, a residential driveway can be completed in one day, but you should wait 24 to 48 hours before walking on it and at least 7 days before driving on it.
2. What Is the Best Time for Installation?
Warm, dry weather is best for installing an asphalt driveway. They are great setting temperatures above 50°F and no excess saturation in the ground.
3. Can I Install Asphalt Over Concrete?
Yes, you can install an asphalt surface over an existing concrete driveway. However, the concrete must be cleaned and repaired for any cracks before the installation to make it a successful endeavor.
