In 2023, the average cost of an asphalt driveway installation ranges between $7-15 per square foot, giving homeowners an estimated cost between $2,000-7,000 for a new driveway. The estimate you’ll receive depends on numerous factors, such as the type of asphalt you choose, what the desired size and depth are, whether you need major land excavations, and if you want additional add-ons like stamped/colored asphalt or heated blacktop. Let’s dive in and break down the costs across all these factors so that you can know what to expect when budgeting for your next driveway project.
5 Factors That Affect The Average Cost of Asphalt Driveways
When it comes to the average cost of an asphalt driveway, the main categories that influence the estimate will be excavation, materials, labor costs, size, and additional features/finishes.
1. The Size and Depth You Desire For Your Driveway.
On average, a two-car driveway measures 600 sq. ft. which requires between 7-15 tons of asphalt depending on the depth you choose. The minimum depth recommended is 2 inches, with 6 inches being best for stability and longevity. The cost of asphalt is between $100-200 per ton, which means that a 2-inch, 600 sq. ft driveway will average between $750-1,500, while a 6-inch, 600 sq. ft. driveway will range between $2,000-4,000.
2. How Much Excavation & Grading Is Needed.
Before asphalt can be installed, the area for the new driveway must be graded to ensure that it’s level, and will drain correctly. Grading averages out to $5-10/sq ft, but if you need excavation of bushes or trees, this can increase the estimate by $1,500-5,100.
3. Labor Costs or Paving Costs.
The average cost of asphalt driveway installation or labor costs ranges between $5-7/sq ft. At 600 square feet, this is between $3,000-4,200 but can be heavily impacted by the depth you choose, the type of asphalt you choose, and whether an old driveway is being removed or if significant grading and excavation needs to be done.
4. The Type of Material Being Used.
Another big factor that will impact the average cost of an asphalt driveway, is whether you choose recycled, standard, porous, stamped, or heated asphalt as your material of choice.
- With recycled or reclaimed asphalt, these are a cost-effective and eco-friendly option that costs between $6-9/sq ft. which includes installation. The breakdown of this is: material costs work out to be $10-20 per ton or $0.20-0.75/sq. ft. and the labor cost $5-7/sq. ft.
- With standard asphalt, a new driveway ranges between $7-13/sq. ft. which includes the material costs of $5-7 and the labor costs of $2-6/sq. ft. You’re going to have an additional cost of $0.50-$1.00/sq. ft for the gravel layer.
- If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, porous asphalt is an excellent option as it allows for easy water drainage while minimizing runoff. This ranges from $3-8/sq. ft, and may include additional costs for a layer of crushed stone underneath the blacktop to help improve drainage.
- Stamped asphalt is great for homeowners who want to add a design to their driveway. This is more expensive, ranging from $10-17/sq. ft including the materials and labor. The breakdown of the average cost of asphalt driveway installation with stamped is $2-6/sq. ft with labor being $8-11/sq. ft.
- If you live in colder climates that gets a lot of snow and ice, a heated asphalt driveway is a game-changer. The cost of this is $12-25/sq. ft, which includes the asphalt material ($7-13/sq ft) and the heating system below the asphalt ($5-12/sq ft).
5. Regular Sealcoating.
Another factor to keep in mind when budgeting, is that regular sealcoating should be performed every 3-5 years to help protect the asphalt’s surface and prevent cracking/environmental damage. The average cost of asphalt driveway sealcoating is $3-7/sq. ft.
Wrapping It Up
While installing a new asphalt driveway is a significant investment, it’s one that does come with quite a bit of flexibility depending on the material you choose, the size you need, and the depth you want. If you’re looking for an asphalt driveway that will last you 25-30 years, contact our team here at DCPLM. We can give you a detailed estimate regardless if it’s a new driveway, a replacement, or an asphalt overlay project. Give us a call at: (407) 618-9646 or use our contact form to get in touch.
