Paving an asphalt driveway costs $5000 on average, with a range between $3000 and $7000. This project runs $7 to $13 per square foot, including $2 to $6 per square foot for materials and $5 to $7 per square foot for labor.
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost Per Ton?
The cost of asphalt is around $100 to $200 per ton. A ton covers between 30 and 80 square feet, depending on the depth of the driveway. The minimum asphalt depth for a driveway is 2 inches, and homeowners often go with a depth of up to 6 inches to enhance stability and longevity.
- For2-inch depth, you’ll get 80 sq. ft. of coverage per ton
- For4-inch depth, you’ll get 40 sq. ft. of coverage per ton
- For6-inch depth, you’ll get 30 sq. ft. of coverage per ton
An average driveway of 600 square feet needs between 7 and 15 tons of asphalt, depending on depth and surface area.
Recycled or Reclaimed Asphalt Costs
Recycled or reclaimed asphalt is much more affordable than new asphalt, at just $10 to $20 per ton. Ask your contractor about recycling your existing asphalt, if you have any, and ask if reclaimed asphalt is available in your area.
It pays to be eco-friendly! Choosing recycled or reclaimed blacktop reduces the amount of new asphalt you’ll need and helps bring down the overall materials cost. On an average-sized driveway, you could potentially save up to $1500.
Grading and Base Preparation
Grading and preparing a solid base is a hidden cost of an asphalt project. For your driveway to be as stable as possible, you may need to ensure that the top 6 inches of soil (at least) is stable and 4 to 8 inches of crushed gravel for a solid base.[4]
Never use topsoil as a base for any structures which require stability. Topsoil is the soil you use for flowerbeds. The type of soil you need to prepare your new driveway with should be as free of organic compounds as possible. It is also known as ‘fill dirt’.
Labor Costs
The cost of labor for general contracting work is usually between $40 and $55 per hour. Labor rates differ around the country, and some homeowners may know someone in the industry who may offer a reduced price. However, regarding averages, it is best to assume that labor will cost around $40 per hour.
Existing Driveway Removal
Removing an existing driveway will undoubtedly add to the costs of a paving project. Removing existing paving may take considerable time for the crew, while also generating a significant amount of waste that needs to be disposed of.
Cost to Install an Asphaltic Concrete Driveway – Notes and General Information
These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials. Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS! Explore the full range of asphaltic concrete driveway new installation labor options and material prices here.
These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project – before making any decisions or commitments.
The cost estimate includes:
- Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
- Costs to prepare the worksite for Asphaltic Concrete Driveway Installation, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
- Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Asphaltic Concrete Driveway Installation jobs.
How Many Years Will an Asphalt Driveway Last?
As with most materials, your mileage will vary with use, climate, maintenance and, of course, the expertise of the installer. Best-case scenario is a lifespan of 25 to 30 years for asphalt driveways. While homeowners enjoy a lower cost initially for blacktop driveways, they should budget for resurfacing or replacement over a shorter time period versus concrete driveways.