How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
The average asphalt driveway will cost between $7 and $13 per square foot.
This is just a base price, with the national average hovering around $5,000 for the entire job. Some driveways are much cheaper, and others are much more expensive. With so much variance, it can be challenging to calculate the asphalt driveway cost that you can expect.
Don’t worry. Let’s break down why an asphalt driveway costs what it does, so you can see what variables you’ll need to calculate. Remember that this will give you a ballpark figure, which will be an excellent place to start. You’ll need to speak to a contractor to get the exact bid.
Variables in Asphalt Driveway Cost
What explains the significant variance in the cost of an asphalt driveway? Several things will give you an idea of what your driveway will cost. The first thing to remember is that asphalt driveways are priced based on the square footage.
Length of Driveway
The length of the driveway will be a significant component of the price. For instance, the driveway must be longer if you build your garage behind your house. If your garage is to the side of your home, the driveway will be shorter and cheaper.
Another consideration to make is how far from the road your home sits. The further from the road your home is, the longer your driveway must be. If you live back at the end of a cul-de-sac, you will have to pay more than if your home sits next to the curb. If you want to know the square footage, measure the length of the driveway you want to pave, then multiply that by the width of the driveway.
Sidewalks and Curbs
If you need a sidewalk or curb removed or repoured, that will add additional costs. It is important to remember that sidewalks and curbs are made of concrete, which is more expensive. It will also increase the cost of labor, as it will take time to break apart and remove or repour the concrete.
Permission to remove or destroy a curb or sidewalk can take time, depending on your municipality. Any work needing completion in a public right of way may require you to get a permit. Acquiring a permit will add another cost to the job, but it is often necessary.
Labor
The size of the project and how long it will take go hand in hand. You can expect to pay at least $5 an hour for labor, with the price going up from there. The bid you receive from the contractor will consider how many people it will take and charge accordingly.
This is also why a more complex job is going to cost more. Removing obstacles and grading the soil take time and lots of man hours. Every extra step that is added to the job will increase the amount of time or the number of people it will take to get the job done.
The Asphalt
When calculating the asphalt driveway cost, you can expect the materials to be important. Hot mix asphalt is what most professionals will use. Some will also offer RAP or reclaimed asphalt pavement.
If you use a contractor, they will use hot mix, and it can cost up to $200 per ton. The amount of ground each ton will cover depends on the thickness. If the driveway is four inches thick, which is standard, the ton will cover around 40 square feet. If you divide the square footage of your driveway by forty, you will get a rough idea of the number of tons needed.
It All Adds Up
With all the variables that exist, it’s easy to see why the average cost fluctuates so much. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to try and pour an asphalt driveway yourself. Unless you have specific equipment and experience, it will be a nightmare that will take a lot of time and money.
Using the right contractor, the job will be done fast, and you’ll have the driveway you always wanted. If you have any questions about what a contractor is charging or want to break down the bid, just ask. They will be able to answer any questions you have.
Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways are fantastic for both look and safety reasons. They are non-slip surfaces, providing traction even when the surface is wet. Asphalt is tough, able to take long-term pressure and the rigors of being driven on repeatedly every day. Many homeowners also like the way it looks.
If you’re ready to begin your journey to having a brand-new asphalt driveway, CPEX can help. We have experience in pouring asphalt driveways and all the equipment we need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
