Asphalt Driveway Cost (2026): Per Sq Ft, Resurfacing & Sealing

Asphalt driveway, installed	$3,154–$7,556
Average	$5,350
Sources checked	2

Angi puts the average asphalt driveway at $5,350, with most between $3,154 and $7,556. HomeGuide lists $5 to $12+ per square foot installed; Angi lists $7 to $15 including labor.

Cost by size

Driveway	HomeGuide	Angi
200 sq ft	$1,000 – $2,400	$1,400 – $2,600
400 sq ft	$2,000 – $4,800	–
600 sq ft	$3,000 – $7,200	–
800 sq ft	–	$5,600 – $10,400
1,000 sq ft	$5,000 – $12,000	–

Resurfacing, sealing and repair

Job	Cost	Source
Resurfacing (overlay)	$3 – $7 per sq ft	Angi, HomeGuide
Sealcoating	$1 – $2 per sq ft	HomeGuide
Sealcoating (every 3 – 5 years)	$3 – $7 per sq ft	Angi
Removing the old surface	$1 – $2 per sq ft	Angi
Small cracks or potholes	$100 – $400	HomeGuide
Major repairs	$600 – $3,000	HomeGuide

HomeGuide notes replacing an existing driveway costs more than a new install because of demolition and hauling. It lists a heated asphalt driveway for two cars at $6,000 to $16,000.

For pavers, see paver patio cost, which includes driveway paver prices.

More sizes (HomeGuide)

Driveway	Cost
300 sq ft	$1,500 – $3,600
500 sq ft	$2,500 – $6,000
700 sq ft	$3,500 – $8,400
900 sq ft	$4,500 – $10,800

Some contractors charge a $2,000 minimum (HomeGuide).

New, replacement or overlay (Angi, per sq ft)

Job	Cost
Overlay on existing asphalt	$3 – $7
Asphalt over concrete	$3 – $7
New driveway	$7 – $13
Full replacement	$8 – $15

Asphalt types

Type	HomeGuide	Angi
Recycled / reclaimed	$4 – $9	$6 – $9
Standard hot mix	$5 – $12+	$7 – $13
Porous / permeable	$7 – $15	–
Stamped or colored	–	$10 – $17
Heated	$12 – $27	$12 – $25

Asphalt vs. other driveways (HomeGuide, installed per sq ft)

Material	Cost	Lifespan
Gravel	$1 – $3	up to 100 years
Tar and chip	$2 – $5	7 – 10 years
Asphalt	$5 – $12+	15 – 30 years
Concrete	$6 – $15	30 – 40 years
Pavers	$10 – $30	25 – 75 years

Site work and timing

Grading and leveling runs $5 to $10 per sq ft and clearing trees and bushes $1,500 to $5,100 (Angi). HomeGuide says curves and slopes add 15% to 30%, and winter installation can save 10% to 15%. Labor runs $3 to $6+ per sq ft.

Asphalt vs. concrete

Asphalt usually costs less upfront than concrete and can be repaired more easily. It needs sealcoating every few years. Concrete lasts longer with less upkeep but costs more and can crack with soil movement.

What goes into a good driveway

A well-compacted gravel base.
Proper thickness of asphalt.
Grading so water drains away.
Clean, firm edges.

Most asphalt failures come from a weak base or poor drainage.

Repair, resurface or replace

Crack filling and sealcoating: for minor wear.
Resurfacing (overlay): a new layer over a sound base.
Full replacement: when the base has failed or the surface is badly broken.

What affects the price

Driveway size and shape.
Removing old material.
Base work and grading.
Asphalt thickness.
Access for equipment.

Questions to ask

How deep will the gravel base be?
What thickness of asphalt is included?
When should I sealcoat?

In Texas

Long, hot summers soften asphalt, so new driveways need time to cure before heavy use. Expansive clay soil in many parts of Texas also makes a strong base important.

How an asphalt driveway is built

Removal. The old driveway is broken up and hauled away, if there is one.
Grading. The ground is shaped so water drains away from the house and garage.
Base. A layer of crushed stone is spread and compacted. This sub-base carries the weight of vehicles and is the most important part for durability. Soft spots in the soil may be dug out and filled first.
Binder layer. On thicker driveways, a coarser asphalt layer goes down first.
Surface layer. Hot asphalt is spread with a paver or by hand and compacted with a roller while still hot.
Edges and transitions. The edges are shaped and the connection to the street or garage is finished.

Asphalt must be laid and compacted while it is hot, which is why paving is typically done in warm months.

Curing and early care

New asphalt stays soft for a while as it cures. Avoid parking in the same spot every day, turning the wheels while the car is stopped, and parking heavy trucks or trailers on it in the first months, especially during hot weather. Kickstands and jack stands can dent soft asphalt, so place a board underneath.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating protects the surface from sun, water and oil. Many contractors recommend waiting several months after installation before the first sealcoat, then resealing every few years. Filling cracks before sealing prevents water from getting into the base, which is what causes potholes.

Drainage

Water is the main enemy of an asphalt driveway. Water that pools on the surface or runs under the edges weakens the base. A driveway should slope slightly so water runs off, and downspouts should not empty onto the driveway edges.

Signs it is time to repair or replace

Small cracks: fill them.
Large areas of interconnected "alligator" cracks: the base may be failing, and that section may need replacement.
Potholes: patch them, and look at why water is getting in.
Widespread wear or crumbling: resurfacing or replacement.

Choosing a paving contractor

Look for an established, insured local contractor with references. Be cautious with door-to-door crews offering leftover asphalt at a discount. These offers often lead to thin, poorly compacted driveways and disputes. A written contract should state the base thickness, asphalt thickness, area and grading.

Asphalt in hot climates

Asphalt softens in strong summer heat, which makes new driveways more prone to marks from tires, kickstands and sharp objects. Light-colored sealcoats and shade from trees help. Avoid parking heavy vehicles in the same spot for long periods during heat waves. Sealcoating in the cooler part of the day and keeping cars off until it dries gives the best result.

Widening or adding a parking pad

If you plan to widen the driveway or add a parking pad later, consider doing it during the main project. Matching new asphalt to an older surface is difficult, and seams between old and new sections are where cracks often start.

City	Businesses listed	Avg. Google rating	Total reviews
Houston	112	4.5	2,276
Dallas	42	4.1	499
San Antonio	40	4.4	1,732
Austin	33	4.6	829
Fort Worth	26	4.3	432
El Paso	19	3.7	175

Asphalt Driveway Cost