How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost in 2025?
Highlights
Expect to pay about $3,124 and $7,376 or an average of $5,247 for a new asphalt driveway.
At an average of $7 to $13 per square foot, driveway size is a key factor in total costs.
Depth plays an important role in long-term durability as well as costs since it adds to the total material volume required.
Different asphalt types are available, with costs ranging from $3 to $25 for standard, recycled, and specialized materials.
Homeowners pay about $5,247 to install a new asphalt driveway, with costs ranging from $3,124 and $7,376. Prices range significantly depending on the project type, the driveway’s size and shape, and premium materials, with costs sometimes exceeding $13,500.
Asphalt Driveway Cost Factors
Asphalt driveway installation costs vary significantly depending on its size, depth, materials, and other important variables.
Project Type
Installing a new asphalt driveway costs between $7 and $13 per square foot for standard labor and materials. If you’re replacing an existing driveway, expect to pay about $8 to $15 per square foot. Demolition and removal account for the higher cost.
Some homeowners opt for an asphalt overlay or top coat, which costs $3 to $7 per square foot. This option involves a layer of asphalt over an existing surface in good condition, reducing the total materials and labor needed for installation while prolonging the original driveway’s lifespan. Asphalt resurfacing isn’t suitable for every project—major cracks or other damage in the underlying driveway may render the topcoat ineffective.
Driveway Size and Shape
Size directly affects the amount of materials and labor needed for installation. Most driveways are between 200 and 800 square feet—single-car driveways under 400 square feet range from $1,400 to $6,000, while two-car driveways between 600 and 800 square feet cost between $4,200 and $12,000.
Standard driveways are rectangular, which are the most straightforward and cost-effective to install. Keep in mind that circular, curved, or otherwise customized driveways require specialized design, additional labor, and potentially more materials that increase total costs.
| Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $1,400–$3,000 |
| 400 | $2,800–$6,000 |
| 600 | $4,200–$9,000 |
| 800 | $5,600–$12,000 |
| 1,000 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| 1,200 | $8,400–$18,000 |
| 1,500 | $10,500–$22,500 |
Driveway Depth
Standard asphalt driveway depth is two inches, usually over a base layer of crushed gravel or sand. Thicker applications, usually to a maximum of six inches, offer enhanced durability and longevity but also increase material costs. Homeowners sometimes opt for thicker asphalt layers in certain cases, such as:
Hot climates that soften asphalt
Climates prone to freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rain, or snow
Homes with multiple or heavy vehicles
Unstable underlying soil conditions
Asphalt costs between $100 and $200 per ton, with one ton covering 25 to 80 square feet depending on the total depth. Greater driveway depth equates to greater overall volume and increased material, resulting in higher total costs. See this example of various depths and associated materials cost for a 600-square-foot driveway.
| Asphalt Depth (Inches) | Coverage per Ton (Square Feet) | Average Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 80 | $750–$1,500 |
| 3 | 70 | $900–$1,800 |
| 4 | 55 | $1,125–$2,250 |
| 5 | 40 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 6 | 25 | $2,250–$4,500 |
Asphalt Type
Asphalt is available in several types and grades, with costs ranging from $3 to $25 per square foot. These materials are made with various types of aggregates and binders that protect the driveway’s integrity by directing water away rather than through.
Standard asphalt, also known as hot mix asphalt, is the most common type of asphalt used for driveways and costs between $7 and $15. Ranging from $6.20 to $8.75, reclaimed or recycled asphalt is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to standard asphalt, but it doesn’t always have the same durability or visual appeal, depending on installation and other factors. Other specialty options, such as stamped asphalt or heated blacktop, carry higher prices but offer premium visual appeal and other features.
Porous asphalt works differently—instead of letting water run off, its composition encourages water draining. This minimizes the need for leveling and grading, particularly in areas with drainage concerns, but may come with more complex installation and upkeep needs.
| Asphalt Type | Total Cost Range per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard asphalt | $7–$15 |
| Porous asphalt | $3–$8 |
| Reclaimed or recycled asphalt | $6.20–$8.75 |
| Stamped or colored asphalt | $10–$17 |
| Heated blacktop asphalt | $12–$25 |
Labor
Hiring a driveway installation contractor ranges from $5 to $7 per square foot and generally represents about half of total project expenses. For instance, a 400-square-foot driveway costs about $2,000 to $2,800 in labor, while a 600-square-foot driveway is $3,000 to $4,200.
In addition to driveway scale, higher project complexity also translates to higher labor costs since it usually requires more hours to complete. Removing an old driveway, leveling or grading, installing customized driveway shapes, and other tasks are typically associated with higher labor costs.
Other Asphalt Driveway Cost Factors
Site preparation, special features, and other key cost factors affect the final tally for your project.
Site Prep
While extensive site prep won’t apply to every project, it’s an important factor in both upfront and long-term maintenance costs. Ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot, excavation and grading provide a solid base for your driveway. Consider other potential cost factors, such as removing old trees and bushes or adding dirt or gravel fill.
Demolition and Removal
If you’re removing an existing driveway, plan to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot. This includes both dismantling the driveway, hauling, and disposal fees. The total cost depends on how challenging the existing material is to remove.
Features and Add-Ons
Additional features enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your driveway as well as the cost. Consider these add-ons:
Decorative stone or brick edging adds curb appeal and prevents erosion and cracking.
Drainage systems protect your driveway from water pooling and erosion.
Outdoor lighting enhances safety and visual appeal.
An automatic or manual driveway gate adds privacy, security, and curb appeal.
Ongoing Maintenance
Proper maintenance prolongs the life of your asphalt driveway and helps prevent costly repairs. Asphalt driveways require sealing about six months after installation, which protects the surface from cracking and deterioration from exposure to water, extreme weather conditions, and other factors. Expect to pay about $3 to $7 per square foot for seal coating every two to three years, potentially more frequently depending on usage and wear.
Other maintenance includes crack filling and other minor asphalt repairs to prevent further damage. These services cost about $1 to $4 per linear foot, depending on the damage’s severity.
Asphalt Driveway Repaving vs. Repair
Choosing between repaving and repairing your asphalt driveway depends on its current condition and long-term goals. Asphalt driveway repairs are usually suitable for minor or localized damage, such as small cracks, potholes, or surface imperfections. Periodic resealing and resurfacing can also prevent and resolve damage issues, but they can only extend the lifespan of a driveway for a limited time.
Repaving your driveway is often more cost-effective in the long term, especially if it’s more than 15 years old and showing significant signs of wear, such as extensive cracks, uneven surfaces, or eroded base materials. Although it requires greater investment and time than repairs, opting for a new driveway offers a smooth and high-quality upgrade that can yield increased property value and minimize repair costs.
Does an Asphalt Driveway Increase Home Value?
An asphalt drive can boost property value, potentially matching or exceeding your investment. Appraisers and prospective homebuyers may value your home higher based on several benefits, including:
Enhanced curb appeal
High durability compared to other materials
Functional space for parking
Cost-effective maintenance and repair needs
Increased practicality for climates with extreme weather
Added parking for guests or renters
Budgeting for an Asphalt Driveway
Installing a new asphalt driveway is a major investment, but several strategies can help reduce costs while ensuring a high-quality result. Try these tips:
Get detailed quotes from multiple contractors to ensure the best value for your investment.
Look for local material sources to minimize delivery and shipping fees.
Opt for a simple design with minimal customization and affordable but high-quality materials.
Choose a contractor with a reputable history to ensure quality workmanship and building code compliance.
Commit to periodic resealing and routine maintenance to prolong your driveway’s lifespan.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asphalt driveways can last between 15 and 20 years with proper installation and care. Extreme weather, such as frequent freeze-thaw cycles, high precipitation, or extreme temperature ranges, as well as heavy traffic load, can contribute to a shortened lifespan. Regular maintenance and periodic seal coating help protect your driveway.
Permit requirements vary by location, but they’re generally necessary if your installation involves significant excavation or other tasks affecting drainage or soil conditions. Check with your contractor about your local municipality’s permit regulations and how they handle permit applications.
To minimize cracking in your asphalt driveway, apply a seal coat every two to three years to prevent water and UV rays from deteriorating the materials. Avoid parking heavy trucks or machinery on your driveway, and consider installing a drainage system if your home is subject to heavy rain and water pooling.
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