Home owners prefer asphalt driveways because they are cheap, long lasting and beautiful. When you are planning to install or replace an asphalt driveway, it is important to know the cost of doing so that you can budget your project. Asphalt driveways are very economical, and the price is very reasonable, although the overall cost will be determined by many factors, including size, location, and installation needs. This blog will simplify the prices and give a step-by-step guide to assist you in planning your asphalt driveway project.
Factors That Influence Asphalt Driveway Costs
The overall price of an asphalt driveway is based on a number of essential factors. These aspects decide the cost per square foot and may influence the total budget.
Size of the Driveway
The most apparent aspect that will influence the price is the size of your driveway. The cost of asphalt driveway is calculated depending on the square footage therefore the bigger the driveway the higher the amount you will pay. The average price of installing an asphalt driveway range between 3 to 6 dollars per square foot and the overall price is higher on larger driveways.
For example:
- 10×20 feet (200 sq. ft.): Approximately 600 to 1200 dollars
- 12×30 feet (360 sq. ft.): Approximately 1,080 to 2,160 dollars
- 20×40 feet (800 sq. ft.): Approximately, 2400 to 4800 dollars
Thickness of the Asphalt Layer
The depth of the asphalt may also influence the price of your driveway. The average thickness of a residential asphalt driveway is 2 to 3 inches, although you might require a thicker layer depending on the climate and traffic on the road. A thicker asphalt needs more materials and labor and makes the whole process more expensive. As an example, an additional inch of asphalt may cost an additional 1 to 2 dollars per square foot.
Type of Asphalt
Asphalt comes in various forms with varying prices.
The most common types are:
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): It is the most common type of residential driveways. It has a long life and durability at an affordable cost.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): It is the same as HMA but it is manufactured at lower temperatures, which makes it more environmentally friendly. It is slightly more expensive than HMA.
Recycled Asphalt: Recycled asphalt is a cheaper option since it is made using recycled materials though it might not be as durable as fresh asphalt.
The kind of asphalt that you will use may affect the initial cost and the future performance of your driveway.
Site Preparation and Grading
Before laying asphalt, the ground must be properly prepared. Preparation work will increase the overall cost of your site when it needs a lot of grading, clearing and leveling. Grading usually costs between 1 and 2 dollars per square foot depending on the complexity of the site and equipment required.
Location and Accessibility
The cost of your asphalt driveway can vary greatly depending on where you are. The cost of transporting the materials and equipment can be higher in case you live in a rural area or in a place that is hard to reach. Also, labor cost may be different in different regions, and usually, the higher the city, the higher the labor cost. It is important to obtain several quotes by contractors in your locality to obtain the best price.
Additional Features
In case you are interested in additional options on your asphalt driveway, like edging, drainage systems, or a decorative finish, they will add to the total price.
For example:
Edging: This will cost between 1 to 3 dollars per linear foot, depending on the material to be used (concrete, stone, etc.).
Drainage Systems: You will need them in case your driveway tends to accumulate water or in case your place experiences heavy precipitation. The cost of installing drainage can be between 1,000 to 2,000 dollars depending on the complexity.
Sealcoating: If you want to make your asphalt driveway last longer and still look good, you might want to sealcoat it. The cost of sealcoating is usually 0.15-0.30 dollars per square foot and the sealcoating should be done after every 2-3 years.
Average Cost of Asphalt Driveways
Having discussed the different factors that affect cost, it is time to examine a breakdown of the average prices of asphalt driveway installation.
Basic Asphalt Driveway (Standard Size)
The average driveway (approximately 600 to 800 square feet) will cost between 2,000 and 4,800 dollars. This price covers the basic asphalt, basic grading and installation, but not the extra features like sealcoating, drainage or decorative edges.
Large Asphalt Driveway (Extended Driveway)
In bigger driveways (1,000 to 1,500 square feet) the price may be between 3000 and 9000 dollars. Bigger driveways will consume more material and labor and more site preparation.
Complex Driveway Installation
In case your driveway needs heavy grading, extra drainage systems, or complicated features, it may cost you up to 15,000 dollars or even more. This involves bigger, thicker asphalt, additional site preparation and installation of other systems or features.
The average cost of asphalt driveway installation is between 2000 and 9000 dollars, which depends on the size of the driveway, asphalt thickness, type of asphalt, preparation of the site and other features. Although asphalt driveways are among the cheaper alternatives to homeowners, one should be prepared in advance and calculate all the expenses. With the help of the size of your driveway, the type of asphalt, and the possibility of other features, you can make a sound choice and have a long-lasting and beautiful driveway.