A driveway is a major factor in your home’s curb appeal. Any driveway damage becomes an immediate eyesore you just can’t help but notice every time you go outside. And if your driveway has numerous pot holes and is slowly crumbling away at the edges, it’s probably the time to repave. But can you even afford a new driveway? How much will it set you back? No worries, our Maryland driveway paving experts are here to help you budget for this update.
What Goes Into Driveway Cost Calculation
First of all, let’s see what exactly you will be paying for. A typical driveway replacement job involves the following:
- Removal and disposal of your old driveway
- Grading
- Installation of the new surface
Additional services may include:
- Building a turn
- Adding a parking area
- Adding curbs or decorative edging
- Adding decorative stamping to asphalt or concrete
- Installing a heated driveway
Overall, the cost of driveway paving breaks down into labor and materials. The cost of materials will depend on the total square footage of your driveway. The cost of labor will depend on the paving market in your area, as well as the quality of work provided by your contractor.
The Cost of an Asphalt Driveway
An asphalt driveway is one of the most affordable solutions for your driveway. A square foot of asphalt costs between $2 and $5 depending on where you live, and this price may or may not include the cost of labor. When you are asking for quotes, make sure you are comparing apples to apples by having each contractor describe what’s included in their estimate. If you want a stamped asphalt driveway, add an extra $3-$9 per square foot, according to the CostHelper.
Expect to pay between $1,200 and $8,000 for your asphalt driveway depending on its size and your location. If you have an extra long or extra wide driveway, or want to add special features such as stamping or heating, your price may go up to $30K and higher.
The Cost of a Concrete Driveway
Concrete is another popular driveway paving material, but it’s more expensive than asphalt. You will pay between $3 and $9 per square foot for an average, plain-looking driveway. If you would like to dial up the curb appeal with colored or stamped concrete, that’s an extra $12-$16 per square foot. In general, expect to pay 2-3 times more for a concrete driveway than you would for an asphalt driveway.
No doubt, concrete is a durable and attractive surface, but the extra cost is not always worth the investment. Concrete tends to crack, especially on driveways that curve or change elevation. Asphalt is more flexible in this regard and will maintain its structure and appearance longer.
Which One to Choose?
Be sure to weigh all pros and cons before deciding between an asphalt and a concrete driveway. Price alone, although important, shouldn’t be your primary decision factor. Most low-ball estimates are low for a reason—because the job is done by an unlicensed and uninsured contractor who freelances on weekend—or worse—is a scammer who will vanish with your money. At 1-855-Got-Paving, we’ve fixed our share of poorly laid driveways installed by unprofessional contractors.
Contact us today for a free estimate on your new asphalt driveway in Maryland.
