Asphalt Driveways and Asphalt Driveway Cost

Asphalt Driveways and Asphalt Driveway Cost

As the most common type of outdoor surface, asphalt is durable, easy to repair, and resistant to cracking.  Made from petroleum products, an asphalt driveway has elasticity properties that are not compromised during abrupt temperature changes. And, since asphalt is dark in color, dirt and crime are virtually invisible so cleaning of asphalt does not require the use of expensive cleaning procedures, with a simple rinsing taking care of any necessary cleaning of your driveway.

An asphalt driveway can be installed at your home for anywhere from $1.00 per square foot to $6.00 per square foot, and will last for some ten to thirty years, depending upon the quality of the installation and whether you regularly maintain it by applying an asphalt sealer every few years.  An affordable, practical choice for driveway material, asphalt is an economical, long-lasting choice for driveway construction at your home or office.

First Step in Determining Asphalt Driveway Cost of Your New Asphalt Project

To determine what size of asphalt driveway you need and to get a feel for estimating the asphalt driveway cost of your project, you need to measure the area where your driveway will be located.  Make sure you add an inch or two all around to allow for asphalting waste so you don’t underestimate the cost or the area to be covered.  Next, determine how deep you want your asphalt driveway to be. If you are laying your new asphalt driveway over an existing one, measure your driveway from the top of the surface and add filler areas for any damaged area in your existing driveway. But, if you wish to tear out your existing driveway and start from scratch, you’ll need to measure the driveway area from the ground up. You’ll also need to account for the base of your asphalt driveway, and even though the base will use less area than the asphalt, you’ll want to make sure it is an inch or two deep.

Next call local materials supply stores to find out the price per square foot of the asphalt top coating, asphalt sealant and base you wish to use. An asphalt sealant is important to apply for the protection of your new asphalt driveway.  And, if you are eliminating an existing driveway, you’ll need to ask for the cost per square foot of the base stone as well.  You’ll find that pure asphalt is more expensive that other asphalt; however, pure asphalt will last longer than cheaper recycled asphalt. For a longer-lasting, more durable asphalt, always go with pure asphalt.

Calculating Asphalt Driveway Cost

To calculate your asphalt driveway cost multiply the square foot size of your driveway by the cost of the asphalt price you got from the supply store, plus the base stone (if you need base stone).  Multiply that number by your asphalt driveway’s desired depth, add labor cost or rental equipment, and you’ll have the total asphalt driveway cost of your driveway project.