How much does it cost to pave a driveway? (Pricing Guide)

If your existing driveway has lost its curb appeal and you are planning to repave it or install a new one, you would want to know the cost that will get the job done successfully. A new driveway will make your entryway more appealing, improve winter management, as well as add value to your home. 

However, as much as you seek to know the exact cost, it is also wise to understand that many factors influence how much you will pay to have your new driveway installed or repaving an existing one.

So, how much does it cost to pave a driveway?

The first thing you are to look at when determining the cost for a new driveway is the material options. There are different materials available, including asphalt, gravel, brick pavers, concrete, tar & chip, etc. However, if you need the most cost-effective, hardest, cleanest surface material, then consider asphalt. 

With that said, you should expect to pay up to $3 to $4/SF for asphalt paving, on average. Nevertheless, this price typically depends on the project’s scope; like the quality, slopes, the topography of your house, curves, etc. 

For concrete and stamped concrete, you should expect to spend about $6 to $7 per square foot and $8 to $12 per square foot respectively. Besides, if stamped concrete is to be used for more complex projects, then expect to pay up to $18 per square foot. 

Brick pavers are another good choice, but it typically costs about $17 to $20 per square foot for installation. 

Asphalt can offer you a highly durable and robust driveway for a decent cost (although lots of homeowners do not like the way it looks). Besides, if you need a more colored and decorative driveway, then stamped asphalt is an ideal alternative, but the cost will be more significant. 

Concrete, the most common driveway material, is long-lasting and requires low maintenance. Plain concrete might be inexpensive, but it will cost more if you want it embossed and colored. The aforementioned highlights partly answer the obvious question, how much does it cost to pave a driveway. 

Additionally, since a concrete driveway might crack if constructed improperly, it’s worth spending a little more to hire a competent contractor. 

Brick pavers are also a high-end paving choice for driveways, although the labor expenditures are relatively significant since they are installed by hand. However, they are a good choice of investment as they will give your home an awe – inspiring entry that will endure a lifetime.

While the prices mentioned above are a basic reference to the types of expenditures involved, your particular project may include other factors that can increase the entire cost. For instance, the condition of the place that you will be substituting with a driveway will have the greatest impact on the cost. 

So, if you’re digging up a garden, the soil will almost certainly have to be removed before it can be leveled and a driveway foundation built. Except you are resurfacing an old asphalt driveway, otherwise, you’ll have to scrape up and remove all of the existing material before proceeding with the project. 

What is the cost of a new driveway?

The primary costs associated with having a new driveway installed include the installation, maintenance, the cost of material, and other costs. However, your expenditures per square foot could vary from $3 to $20 based on whether you choose asphalt, brick pavers, plain or stamped concrete, etc. Other factors to consider include durability, esthetics, drainage, and others.

Durability

It is an obvious fact that everyone wants the most value for their investment. As such, you also want your driveway to last the test of time to get the best bang for your bucks. For the question, how much does it cost to pave a driveway, you need to understand that no matter the cost, it is worth the investment. Asphalt is a very durable material for surface paving, and if well installed and properly maintained, it can endure up to 25 years or even longer. 

For homeowners in the northeastern climates of the United States, asphalt is an excellent driveway material to consider. Concrete is not ideal in this type of climate as it is susceptible to cracking and heaving during the period of freezing temperatures of this area, and as a result, repairs can be challenging and repair costs can also be high. In addition, ice melting with salt can develop pits in concrete, leading to blotches throughout the driveway.

Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, individual preference makes all the difference. Lots of people prefer asphalt over other driveway materials when considering beauty since it can be seal coated to offer a fresh look down the line. Although asphalt color schemes are confined to black and sometimes darker red, it is still the preferred choice for many homeowners. Furthermore, asphalt is better than concrete as it also conceals oil spills and stains from automobiles.

• Price is dependent on looks

Yes, extra cost also comes with the way you want your driveway to look. If you want a special tint to be added to your asphalt driveway, either at the end (as a sealer) or during the mixing process, then expect to pay more on expenses.

Maintenance

Maintenance is another cost factor to consider when installing a new driveway. Although it does not directly address the question, how much does it cost to pave a driveway? 

You will always want to be on the lookout for cracks because even little hairline fractures can grow into big gaps and potholes if it’s not fixed on time. This can result in more problems that will require huge expenses. 

In addition, driveways also require seal coating within six months to one year after installation, then every one or two years thereafter, depending on traffic volume. Although this increases the cost, it will improve the appearance of your home and also protect it from the elements such as water, oils, chemicals, and salt.

Other Costs

Regardless of whether you choose asphalt, concrete, or pavers, other costs may factor into the price of your new driveways, including drainage and material costs (as mentioned earlier).

Drainage

Drainage is also one of the factors that will help your driveway last longer. French drains can be constructed to redirect water away from your property if your driveway slopes toward it. Although uncommon, some areas have standards for how water from your home should be handled, including drains at the end of the driveway.

Material cost

The cost of the different driveway materials varied. Therefore, you will want to consider the material option that will cost less compared to the other options. In a nutshell, it all depends on your budget and what you are looking to get out of your project. But, how much does it cost to pave a driveway? As earlier highlighted, driveway installation costs are dependent on many factors; while asphalt is less expensive than concrete, it is as well more costly than gravel.

The difference between the concrete types

In the process of pouring concrete on your driveway, the contractor can add stains to the mix while it is still very wet. As a result, the concrete can be tinted to match the exterior or interior features of your home. Concrete can be embossed as well, which adds texture and patterns to the concrete, making it look like inlaid stone, marble, or even tile. These enhancements are what contributed to the pricing discrepancies.

Conclusion

Some factors influence the cost of installing a new driveway for your property. So, whether you choose asphalt, concrete, brick pavers, or even tar & chip, you should expect to get different price estimates from your contractor. However, rest assured that the benefits your home will get will be far more than whatever you spend on the project.

In addition, new driveway installation can increase the value of your property as well as improving its esthetic appeal. In all, ensure you hire a competent paving contractor to examine your property and recommend the driveway material that is perfect for your property.