Question 1

How much does a driveway cost?

Accepted Answer

A typical 2-car driveway (20x40 ft, 800 sq ft) costs $2,400 to $12,000 depending on material. Asphalt runs $3-$7 per square foot ($2,400-$5,600), concrete $6-$18 ($4,800-$14,400), gravel $1-$4 ($800-$3,200), and pavers $10-$25 ($8,000-$20,000). The cost depends on driveway size, material choice, site preparation, labor rates, and whether an old driveway needs removal.

Question 2

How much does an asphalt driveway cost per square foot?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt driveways cost $3 to $7 per square foot installed. A standard 2-car asphalt driveway (800 sq ft) costs $2,400 to $5,600. Asphalt is the most popular driveway material because it is affordable, durable (15-20 year lifespan), and easy to resurface. Hot mix asphalt must be installed at temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for proper compaction.

Question 3

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

Accepted Answer

Concrete driveways cost $6 to $18 per square foot installed. A standard 2-car concrete driveway (800 sq ft) costs $4,800 to $14,400. Concrete lasts 30-40 years, requires minimal maintenance, and can be stamped or colored for a premium look. Reinforced concrete with rebar or wire mesh adds $1-$2 per square foot but prevents cracking in freeze-thaw climates.

Question 4

How do I calculate the square footage of my driveway?

Accepted Answer

Multiply the driveway length by the width to get square footage. For a straight driveway, measure the length along the driving path and the width edge to edge. For irregular shapes, break the driveway into rectangles, calculate each separately, and add them together. A typical 2-car driveway is 20 feet wide by 40 feet long = 800 square feet. A single-car driveway is typically 10 x 40 = 400 square feet.

Question 5

Should I choose asphalt or concrete for my driveway?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt costs less upfront ($3-$7/sq ft vs $6-$18/sq ft for concrete) but lasts 15-20 years vs 30-40 for concrete. Asphalt is flexible and handles freeze-thaw cycles better, but requires resealing every 2-3 years. Concrete is low-maintenance and can be decorative, but cracks in cold climates if not properly reinforced. In hot climates, asphalt gets soft and can develop ruts; concrete stays rigid. If budget is the priority, choose asphalt. If longevity and curb appeal matter most, choose concrete.

Question 6

How much does old driveway removal cost?

Accepted Answer

Removing an old driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot, including breaking up the material, hauling, and disposal. For an 800 sq ft driveway, removal adds $800 to $2,400. Asphalt removal is typically cheaper than concrete because asphalt is softer and breaks up faster. Some contractors include removal in their total project quote, so always ask whether the quote includes tear-out and disposal.

Question 7

What is driveway base preparation and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

A driveway base is a layer of compacted gravel (typically 4-8 inches of crushed stone or Class 5 aggregate) placed under the surface material. It costs $1 to $2 per square foot and is essential for drainage and preventing settling or cracking. Without a proper base, even the best asphalt or concrete will crack within a few years. New driveways always need base prep; if replacing an existing driveway with the same material, the base may be reusable if it is still solid and properly graded.

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