The average costs to pave a driveway range between $3 and $15 per square foot. The cost depends on materials, size of the driveway and installation requirements. Expensive materials can cost as much as $30 per square foot while cheaper materials are as low as $1 per square foot. In addition to labor and installation costs, add-ons like unique designs or excavation can drive up a total cost figure, as well. Homeowners can expect to pay around $2,000 to $7,000 to pave a driveway.
Cost to Pave Driveway Per Square Foot
| PAVE DRIVEWAY COST PER SQUARE FOOT ESTIMATE | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $10 |
| Highest Cost | $30 |
| Lowest Cost | $2 |
Driveway Cost Per Square Foot
The cost of driveway installations is typically determined by the driveway site’s square footage. While the material itself and the installation cost affect the price per square foot, the square footage of a driveway will sum the total cost of the project. Some major changes to the landscape may add to the cost, as well; excavating, grading and drainage systems may cost extra.
To estimate the total cost to pave a driveway, first measure the site’s square footage by measuring the length and width of the site, then multiply the two numbers together. Then research the average cost for the desired material. Multiply the average material price by the total square footage to find an estimated cost.
For example, the average size of a two-car driveway in most homes is about 600 square feet. To install a concrete driveway that costs $8 per square foot, a homeowner can expect to pay at least $4,800 for installation. Other factors like design additions, excavation and the site’s condition can drive up the total cost.
Driveway Cost by Material Type
Depending on the material, paving a driveway can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $11,000. Concrete is a popular choice because of its durability and long-lasting nature. Other popular types of driveways include asphalt or blacktop, gravel, pavers and rubber.
Concrete Cost Per Square Foot
Concrete can be more affordable than other materials and requires little maintenance. It can be decorated with colors, stamped patterns, borders or custom finishes (all of which add to the base price) and can last up to 30 to 40 years. This makes it a great option for most homeowners who live in warm climates. Concrete costs between $4 and $8 per square foot but can last up to 75 years.
Asphalt Cost Per Square Foot
Asphalt, a popular second choice, has a life cycle of up to 15 to 30 years and does best in colder climates. Asphalt costs $7 – $13 per square foot.
Gravel Cost Per Square Foot
The most affordable of driveway options, gravel costs $1 – $3 per square foot. They are especially ideal if you have a long, winding driveway.
When deciding which type of material to pave a driveway with, consider how labor-intensive it is to install. Heated driveways, for example, require expert installation that can be more costly than the actual material used to pave. Periodic maintenance can also drive up the cost of a driveway in the long run; gravel driveways may be the cheapest type of driveway to install, but regular raking and new gravel filling once or twice a year can add up over time.
Type of Driveway Material Cost Per Square Foot
| DRIVEWAY MATERIAL COST PER SQUARE FOOT ESTIMATE | |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $3 - $18 |
| Asphalt/Blacktop | $7 - $13 |
| Gravel | $1 - $3 |
| Chip Seal | $2 - $5 |
| Heated | $12 - $21 |
| Pavers | $10 - $30 |
| Permeable pavers | $4 - $6 |
| Grass pavers | $4 - $6 |
| Exposed aggregate | $4 - $12 |
| Rubber | $6 - $11 |
Please note that these costs may vary widely outside of these ranges as well. Cost of both materials and installation in your area may be more or less due to myriad factors, including availability, installer expertise and more.
Driveway Installation Cost
The total cost of driveway installation depends on the size of the driveway, site conditions and the material used. Labor can make up about half of the total price per square foot while the price for new material can make up the other half. Thickness can affect material cost, especially for concrete and asphalt. Special materials, like heated driveways, are more labor-intensive and thus, more costly to complete.
Any special design choices like stamped patterns, colored stains or unique finishes can tack on at least a few more dollars per square foot. Homeowners may need their contractors to excavate plants or trees from the site, which will cost extra.
Accessibility for laborers can be an added charge if there are large obstructions blocking machinery. Grading and site prep to ensure the base of the site is stable and can drain water properly can also drive up the total cost.
Costs to Redo a Driveway
Redoing a driveway includes replacement, widening, resurfacing or extending. Complete replacement tends to be the most costly as it involves breaking up the old driveway, removing the material, then installing a brand new driveway. Removing an old driveway can cost $1 to $3 per square foot, plus the average price for a new driveway.
The cost to widen or extend a driveway can range from $2 to $15 per square foot depending on the material and the site’s condition. Any excavation will cost extra.
Resurfacing a driveway is one of the least expensive projects, especially if the driveway is in good condition with no holes or cracks. Depending on the material, resurfacing can range from $1 to $10 per square foot.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Material for My Driveway?
Your driveway is the first impression you make on visitors, so choosing the right material is imperative. However, when choosing a driveway material, there are many factors to consider, including cost, durability, maintenance and aesthetics.
Cost
Picking a suitable material to install on your driveway is a big decision. The costs of materials vary widely, but there are several things you should consider when comparing their initial costs and long-term value, like how often and what traffic will drive over it. Also, what is the weather like in your area? These variables may determine which material is best suited for your driveway, especially since you want a material that won’t break the bank but also withstands the elements and traffic.
Maintenance
Installing a driveway involves much more than digging up the earth, laying down pavers, and calling it good. The cost of a driveway also depends on how much maintenance your materials will require during their lifetime. Some might be expensive to install but require minimal upkeep to maintain their original shape over the years. Others may be of lesser quality and entail extra time, money, and effort for upkeep.
Usage of Driveway
Whatever driveway material you choose, durability is one of the most critical factors. The type of traffic the driveway will have to handle will determine how long you can expect it to last. For instance, if you are looking for a material that is extra durable for heavy use, consider concrete. Concrete is a very popular choice among homeowners because it requires minimal maintenance and can handle heavy traffic loads.
Weather Conditions
The type of driveway you install may depend on your climate. For instance, some materials are unsuitable for colder areas due to freeze and thaw cycles. If you live in a colder climate, consider an asphalt driveway. This type of material is not affected by temperature or weather conditions. Also, asphalt is a more robust material that lasts longer than concrete. However, concrete is still an excellent option for your driveway if you live in a warmer climate.
How Long Does It Take to Pave a Driveway?
Homeowners should expect two to three days to install their driveway, with an additional two to three days for the materials to cure properly. You should be able to use your driveway one week after starting the project.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Bottom Line
Installing a new driveway is a significant project that should be researched carefully. The total cost to pave a driveway is determined by the size of the driveway, desired material and installation factors. The average homeowner may spend about $1,800 to $9,000 for a new driveway installation. When deciding on a material, consider the home’s location, exterior and possible excavation. Always ask for quotes from contractors to compare and contrast costs and check credentials before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest type of driveway material?
Gravel is the least costly material to pave a driveway. The price ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. The average total cost is usually around $1,200, though this number may not account for the fact that gravel is usually used to pave much larger driveways as a cost-reduction solution.
How long can a driveway last?
It depends on the material used to pave the driveway. Gravel can last up to 100 years with a solid foundation and regular maintenance. Concrete can last 30 to 40 years, while asphalt lasts for 15 to 30 years with regular sealing every few years.
How long does it take before you can drive on a new driveway?
Different materials require different times to cure. Asphalt takes at least 48 to 72 hours to fully cure while concrete can take seven to 10 days. Gravel and paver driveways are typically ready to drive on immediately after installation.
What's the difference between asphalt and blacktop?
Asphalt and blacktop driveways appear to be essentially the same. However, a blacktop driveway has a higher mixture of stone than asphalt, which ultimately makes the difference between the two.
Should I sealcoat my driveway?
By sealing your driveway, you protect it from the elements and preserve its quality and durability. If your driveway has pavers, asphalt, concrete, tarmac or exposed aggregate, it is recommended to sealcoat it once every one to three years to maximize its lifespan.
