How Much Does A Driveway Cost To Pave?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.

If you’re looking to improve your home's curb appeal, a nice-looking driveway can help you do just that. You can design your driveway to enhance the overall aesthetic of your home and improve its value.

If you’ve been thinking about resurfacing your driveway or building a new one altogether, you may be wondering what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. How much does a driveway cost? This article will explain how much you can expect to pay and what factors you should consider.

How Much Does It Cost To Pave A Driveway?

Depending on the size of the project, most driveway installations cost $3 – $15 per square foot. Of course, the size, location, material, decorations and reinforcements could affect the final cost.

If you choose a high-end material, you can expect to pay closer to $30 per square foot. In comparison, less expensive options could be as low as $1 per square foot. Here are the overall costs you can expect to pay for this type of home improvement project:

• Materials like concrete or asphalt
• Labor
• Local permits
• Grading and site preparation
• Sealing

Driveway Installation Costs By Type

The type of material you use will significantly affect the total cost of paving or resurfacing a driveway. There are several different options you can choose from, depending on how much you’re willing to spend.

Asphalt/Blacktop Driveway Cost

An asphalt driveway costs an average of $3 – $7 per square foot, making it one of the more affordable options. For the entire project, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,800 – $4,700.

One of the advantages of choosing asphalt is that the driveway surface can handle extreme temperatures well, and it’s easier to repair than other types of materials. However, an asphalt driveway won’t last as long as concrete — you can expect to get it resealed every 5 years. 

Chip Seal Driveway Cost

Chip seal is a mixture of hot asphalt and chipped stone pieces, and it’s also sometimes called “tar and chip.” Many homeowners select it because it looks similar to asphalt but is slightly less expensive.

For a chip and seal driveway, you can expect to pay between $2 – $5 per square foot and between $1,200 – $3,000 in total costs. Chip and seal driveways only last for an average of 10 years.

Concrete Driveway Cost

Concrete driveways are an excellent midrange option for homeowners. It costs $4 – $8 per square foot, and you can expect to pay $2,400 – $4,800 overall.

Concrete is notorious for cracking in colder temperatures, but it handles heat well. And it can last up to 40 years with very little maintenance, making it a popular option for most homeowners.

Exposed Aggregate Driveway Cost

An exposed aggregate driveway is made up of small pebbles mixed into concrete which provides a naturally textured surface to reduce skidding or slipping. Plus, this type of driveway looks nice and can add a little something extra to the exterior of your home.

With regular maintenance, these driveways can last up to 25 years. However, it’s essential to keep it clean and free of debris and have it resealed regularly to avoid damage. You can expect to pay $6 – $11 per square foot or $3,600 – $7,000 overall.

Heated Driveway Cost

At $12 – $18 per square foot, a heated driveway is one of the most expensive options on this list. But if you live in an area that experiences a lot of snowfall throughout the year, a heated driveway may be worth the cost.

A heated driveway is effective at getting rid of snow and ice and can melt more than 2 inches of snow per hour. This feature will save you from shoveling your driveway every time it snows. It’s beneficial for anyone with limited physical mobility who can’t remove the snow themselves.

A heated driveway can last anywhere from 15 – 20 years. And once it’s installed, it doesn’t require any special maintenance.

Gravel Driveway Cost

A gravel driveway is the least expensive option on this list — it costs $1 – $3 per square foot and $600 – $1,800 in total. Gravel driveways don’t look as nice, but they have an average lifespan of 100 years.

They’re also pretty low-maintenance, though you may have to occasionally rake the rocks or add more stones to the driveway. Gravel driveways are a popular option in rural areas since they can help solidify the ground against rain and snow.

Pavers Driveway Cost

Pavers, like bricks, concrete blocks or stones, are another high-end choice for homeowners. These driveways can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and care.

This type of driveway costs $10 – $30 per square foot, and you could end up spending as much as $18,000 in total. However, the overall price will greatly depend on the type of paver you choose – you may want to reach out to a local contractor for a more detailed estimate.

Rubber Driveway Costs

A rubber driveway is made by pouring recycled rubber over an existing concrete or asphalt driveway. It’s one of the most eco-friendly options on this list, and the soft surface could make it a good option for families with young children.

Rubber driveways cost $5 – $11 per square foot, and you can expect to spend $3,000 – $7,000 overall. However, this material is incredibly durable and available in various colors and patterns.

Factors That Affect Driveway Installation Costs

The prices mentioned above are based on national averages, and you could spend more or less depending on the specifics of your project. That’s why it’s important to do your own research and get a better sense of how much your driveway will cost.

Here are some factors that could impact your driveway installation costs:

• Size and thickness: The wider and thicker a driveway is, the more expensive the installation will be. For instance, you can expect to spend $1,200 – $2,300 for a one-car driveway. In comparison, a two-car driveway costs $1,600 – $3,200.
• Design and shape: If you choose a driveway with a more elaborate design, you may spend more on materials and labor. And driveways that are long and windy will cost more than short, straight driveways.
• Location: The geographic location can also affect the final cost of a driveway installation. That’s because some areas of the country will have much higher labor rates than others.
• Site preparation: If the existing driveway needs to be removed or if the area has to be leveled, you can expect to pay more.
• Finishing: Some materials need to be sealed or sanded after being installed, which will add to the overall price.
• Reinforcing: If you have heavy vehicles on your driveway, you may need a rebar or wire mesh to reinforce the foundation.
• Apron: The apron is the part of the driveway closest to the road. If you plan to widen your driveway, you may need to replace your driveway apron as well.
• Landscaping: You may need to add or refresh your landscaping after a driveway installation. However, you may want to use some DIY landscaping ideas to save money.

Driveway Paving FAQs

If you’re interested in learning more about driveway installation and materials, you may find the following questions and answers helpful.

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

A concrete driveway costs $8 – $18 per square foot, but that amount could change depending on the coloring and stamping pattern. Standard concrete will cost much less at $4 – $7 per square foot. Getting stamped concrete may seem expensive, but it’s a cost-effective alternative to pavers.

What is the cheapest option for a driveway?

Compared to the other common materials used for driveways, gravel is typically the least expensive before chip seal, asphalt, concrete and paver stones. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, gravel may be the right option for you.

Does adding a driveway increase a property’s value?

In most cases, adding a new driveway will increase your home’s value, but the total amount will depend on the material used and other determining factors. On average, a homeowner could expect to see about a $5,000 – $7,000 growth in value. However, it could be more for a larger property.

When is a good time to install a driveway?

The best time to redo or build a driveway is late spring to early fall. That’s because you need mild weather conditions without rain to have the best results.

The Bottom Line

The total cost of repaving or replacing your driveway will depend mainly on the materials you choose. Asphalt and chip seal are great inexpensive options, and concrete is an excellent mid-range driveway option.

If you want something more high-end, choosing a paver or rubber driveway could be the way to go. The right home improvement loan can help you obtain the financing you need for this type of project.