How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?

A well-maintained driveway can boost your home's curb appeal and protect your tires from annoying punctures. Many homeowners in temperate climates choose asphalt over concrete or gravel because it's durable enough to withstand harsh weather, easy to maintain and relatively affordable to install.

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Unless you're an asphalt expert, installing your own paved driveway is usually a bad idea. Your driveway takes a lot of heavy use, so hiring a professional is usually the best way to ensure a consistent, long-lasting finish.

According to Bob Vila, most homeowners pay between about $2,930 and $6,570 (CAD 3,920 and CAD 8,770) to install an asphalt driveway, and the national average cost for a paved driveway is around $4,700 (CAD 6,300). This figure includes the cost of materials, installation labor and minor grading for an average-sized asphalt driveway measuring around 600 square feet.

How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost Per Square Foot?

How much installing an asphalt driveway costs per square foot depends on whether you need to remove an existing driveway. Installing a new driveway typically costs between $7 and $13 (CAD 9 and CAD 17) per square foot, including materials and labor.

Replacing an asphalt driveway is more expensive because you'll need to remove the old driveway before installing new materials. This type of project usually costs between $8 and $15 (CAD 11 and CAD 20) per square foot.

Several factors can increase the cost per square foot. For example, you may require grading to create a smooth finish, especially if your driveway has a steep slope. Most people spend between $10 and $15 (CAD 13 and CAD 20) per square foot to grade a blacktop driveway.

Contractors usually use hot asphalt to construct driveways because it provides exceptional durability. The materials to construct an asphalt driveway usually cost between $2 and $6 (CAD 3 and CAD 8) per square foot, and you should expect to pay between $100 and $200 (CAD 135 and CAD 270) per ton of hot asphalt. Cold asphalt is significantly cheaper, but it’s unsuitable for long-term installations.

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How Much Does Labor Cost to Install an Asphalt Driveway?

Most contractors charge labor fees between $5 and $7 (CAD 7 and CAD 9) per square foot to install an asphalt driveway, excluding the cost of materials and grading services. Generally, labor is more affordable if you have a flat, rectangular driveway because the installation process is significantly easier.

Meanwhile, you could pay toward the top end of the average range or beyond if your existing driveway has challenging features. For example, it's usually more expensive to install an asphalt driveway with curved or irregular edges or on sloped ground. Removing obstacles such as tree stumps could also increase how much your contractor charges per square foot.

Your contractor may charge significantly more if you need to excavate an area to extend an existing driveway or build a new one. Excavation involves digging to create a suitable space and removing plants, trees and shrubs from the plot. Excavation costs vary depending on the size of the area, and most contractors charge between $1,500 and $5,100 (CAD 2,000 and CAD 6,800) for excavation services.

Another factor that affects the cost of driveway installation labor is where you live. Often, contractors charge higher rates in places with steep living costs, such as cities and popular suburban areas. Meanwhile, you could pay somewhat less than the national average if you live in an affordable or rural area.

How Much Does It Cost to Reseal an Asphalt Driveway?

You'll need to reseal your new asphalt driveway around six months following installation to protect the surface. Most homeowners spend around $500 (CAD 670) per sealant application, but you could pay significantly more to reseal a large, paved driveway. After that, Bob Vila recommends resealing your driveway every three to five years.

It's best to fix any imperfections, such as cracks and potholes, as soon as you notice them. Otherwise, the problem could escalate into a serious fault and require a new driveway. According to HomeGuide, you should expect to pay between $250 and $800 (CAD 335 and CAD 1,070) for asphalt driveway repairs, or around $2 to $5 (CAD 3 to CAD 7) per square foot.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.