Cost to Build a Driveway Comparison

The average cost to build a driveway ranges from $1,500 to $11,000, depending on the materials. Higher totals usually relate to the price of supplies and don't necessarily mean it will last longer.

Concrete Driveway

Installing a concrete driveway costs $1,800 to $6,000. You can expect to pay $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on customizations like different colors. It is the most popular material because it can last up to 40 years and has little need for maintenance. Just plan to occasionally repair cracks or remove stains from oil and gas.

Asphalt/Blacktop Driveway

The price to pave an asphalt driveway ranges from $3,000 to $6,600, or $7 to $13 per square foot. Homeowners prefer this material because it handles freezing temperatures and high heat better than concrete.

Asphalt lasts 15 to 20 years, about half as long as concrete. But it takes less time to settle in and dry, usually hours instead of days.

Chip Seal Driveway

A chip seal driveway costs $700 to $3,100, which breaks down to about $5 to $10 per square foot. This surface, also called “tar and chip,” mixes hot asphalt and crushed stones. It’s popular for homeowners who want the appearance and durability of blacktop but have a smaller budget.

You can expect chip seal to last 10 years, significantly less time than asphalt or concrete. It’s also easy to damage with a snowplow.

Heated Driveway Cost

Heated driveways cost $1,300 to $7,500. It's $12 to $25 per square foot and includes installation and a new surface on top. They can be essential to homeowners who live in northern areas with a lot of snowfall who don't want to spend time shoveling.

Heated driveways work with a variety of surfaces:

• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Chip seal
• Pavers

It depends on the product and the manufacturer, so be sure to ask when you get an estimate.

Gravel Driveway

The cost to install a gravel driveway averages $1,500. At $1 to $2 per square foot, it is the least-expensive material. It is popular in rural areas and can be composed of rock, sand and clay.

While laying rocks or a mixture makes installation quick and easy, gravel requires regular maintenance. It lasts about 100 years with good upkeep and periodic addition of new gravel because it doesn't crack, sink or soften – just moves.

Concrete, Brick or Cobblestone Paver Driveway

The price to install driveway pavers ranges from $6,000 to $30,000, at a rate of $10 to $50 per square foot. The total is higher than concrete because of material choices and installation, which takes longer.

Pavers come in a variety of textures and colors, so you can choose styles to match your home perfectly. If they break, crack or shift, you may need to replace them.

Rubber Driveway Cost

Installing a poured-in-place rubber driveway costs $3,000 to $15,000, ranging from $10 to $25 per square foot. This material provides a durable surface that is long-lasting, easy to repair and safe for children.

Unlike most driveway options, rubber is non-porous, which means water doesn't drain through it. Make sure you grade the area properly and install an effective drainage system, to lower your risk of flooding.

Grass Driveway Cost

Grass driveway prices range from $3,000 to $9,000 or $10 to $15 per square foot, depending on size and materials. The pro installs interlocking pavers made of plastic or concrete, with gaps for soil, seeds and drainage.

Grass pavers look great, especially when you stagger them with other materials like stamped concrete or bricks. Keep in mind that you’ll need to water and trim it at least once a week during the summer.

Driveway Cost Per Square Foot

Driveway installation ranges from $1 to $50 per square foot, but most people will pay $2 to $15 per square foot. Although material choice makes the biggest difference in the total, square footage comes second.

Driveway Installation Cost Factors

With a range of $2,380 to $6,340, several factors can affect the overall price of your driveway installation:

• Wideth and length.
• Shape, which can increase the total square feet.
• Terrain, especially if you have complicated landscaping you don't want to disturb.
• Added colors, multiple materials or a unique layout.

Average Cost to Replace or Redo a Driveway

Replacing a driveway costs $4,300 plus $1 to $2 per square foot to remove the old one. This process involves:

• Breaking up the old material.
• Hauling it away.
• Minor grading of the area.
• Installation of the new driveway.

You may pay more if you’re making major changes to its location or shape, or changing its grade.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing runs $1 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material. The price to resurface an asphalt driveway ranges from $1,800 to $4,200. By comparison, concrete resurfacing costs $1,800 to $3,000.

Resurfacing involves removing the damaged top layer of the driveway and replacement with asphalt, concrete or another material. This is a popular alternative to repaving when minor repairs won’t be enough.

Cost to Widen Driveway

Widening your driveway costs $2 to $15 per square foot, depending on materials and the condition of the land. For example, adding 200 square feet to the surface runs $400 to $3,000.

If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to add the price to excavate land, which ranges from $1,500 to $5,300.

Driveway Extension Cost

The cost to extend your driveway runs $2 to $15 per square foot, but you should also keep these factors in mind:

• Permits, which range from $50 to $500.
• City rules concerning driveway length.
• Whether you’ll need to replace sidewalks or curbs afterward.

DIY Driveway Installation vs. Hire a Pro

Although professional driveway installation can be as much as 50 percent of the total, the sheer weight of the materials usually makes it a necessity. If you’re skilled at pouring concrete or laying hot asphalt, you may be able to save a lot of money this way. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, you might ruin it and have to start over.

To save yourself the hassle, search for driveway paving contractors near you, and remember to:

• Select a material that works best in your climate.
• Read ratings and reviews for companies in your area.
• Get at least three quotes before you choose a pro.

FAQs

Which is cheaper: a concrete or asphalt driveway?

Concrete is typically more expensive than asphalt, at $8 to $18 per square foot and lasts twice as long. Asphalt runs $7 to $13 per square foot.

Does a paved driveway add value?

In most cases, paving your driveway can increase or maintain your resale value. Ones made of bare grass, packed dirt or thin gravel can look unkempt and are harder to maintain.

How much does it cost to heat a driveway?

Heating a driveway costs $12 to $25 per square foot, including installation of asphalt or concrete on top.

How much does it cost to repair a driveway?

The cost to repair a driveway ranges from $850 to $2,600. The price depends on material and the square feet of damaged area.