Asphalt paving costs typically range from $2.75 to $5.00 per square foot for new installations, depending on the thickness and any necessary base work. Milling and overlaying existing asphalt is generally more affordable, ranging from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot.  Sealcoating, which protects and extends the life of asphalt, costs between **$0.25 and $0.50 per square foot**.

The labor cost for asphalt paving can vary depending on the complexity of the project. Here's a general estimate:

• Typical labor rate: $50 - $75 per hour per worker
• Crew size:  Varies depending on the size and scope of the project
• Estimated cost: $2 - $4 per square foot (this may include demolition and site preparation)

Factors that can influence labor costs include:

• Accessibility: Difficult-to-access areas may require more labor.
• Demolition: Removing existing asphalt adds to the labor cost.
• Base work: Preparing the base layer for new asphalt can be labor-intensive.
• Equipment: The use of specialized equipment (e.g., rollers, pavers) can affect labor costs.

Asphalt Driveway Replacement:

An asphalt crew can typically tear out and replace an asphalt driveway in 1 to 3 days. The first day or two are usually spent on demolition, base preparation, and grading. The final day is for paving and compacting the asphalt.

Asphalt Sealcoating:

Sealcoating an existing asphalt driveway is a faster process, typically taking half a day to complete.

The prices in the table are based on standard asphalt paving installations in an average suburban area. Asphalt paving costs can vary substantially by location. If you are located in the East or West Coast, you could expect to pay 15% to 50% more than the recommended price provided.

Consult our location multiplier index for more accurate pricing in your market.

Contacting local asphalt paving contractors is the best way to get accurate pricing. Explain that you are a real estate investor who needs a rough budget for asphalt paving. Be specific about the type of project (driveway, parking area) and the approximate size. Most contractors should be able to provide a general range.

Tips for contacting contractors:

• Be upfront about your needs:  Let them know you are gathering preliminary estimates.
• Don't pressure them for a firm quote:  Explain that you will contact them for a formal quote when you have a specific project ready.
• Get multiple quotes:  Reach out to several contractors in your area to compare pricing.

Several factors can influence the final cost of your asphalt paving project:

• Amount of Pavement: As with many construction projects, larger asphalt paving jobs often benefit from economies of scale. This means that the cost per square foot may be lower for more extensive driveways or parking areas compared to smaller ones.
• Pavement Removal: If your existing asphalt is in relatively good condition, your contractor may be able to simply mill and overlay a new top layer, which is more cost-effective than complete removal and replacement. However, if the existing asphalt and base layer are severely deteriorated, they will need to be removed and replaced, adding to the overall cost.  Asphalt removal typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot.
• Repairs to Adjacent Areas: The process of removing and installing asphalt can sometimes cause damage to surrounding landscaping or grass. Factor in potential costs for repairing or re-seeding these areas after the asphalt work is completed.
• Location: Labor and material costs can vary significantly depending on your geographical location. Urban areas and regions with high construction demand often have higher asphalt paving costs than rural or less populated areas.
• Seasonality: Asphalt paving is best done in warmer weather.  Spring and summer are peak seasons for asphalt paving, which can lead to higher prices due to increased demand and contractor availability.

Accurately estimating the amount of asphalt needed for your paving project is crucial for budgeting and material ordering. Here's how to measure for various scenarios:

For simple rectangular areas (like a standard driveway):

1. Measure the length and width: Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the area in feet.
2. Calculate the area in square feet: Multiply the length by the width.
3. Calculate the area in square yards (optional):  While asphalt is often priced per square foot, some contractors may use square yards. To calculate square yards, divide the total square footage by 9 (since 1 square yard equals 9 square feet).

For more complex shapes (with curves or angles):

1. Divide the area into smaller sections: Break down the complex shape into simpler shapes like rectangles, triangles, or circles.
2. Measure each section: Measure the necessary dimensions of each section (length and width for rectangles, base and height for triangles, radius for circles).
3. Calculate the area of each section: Use the appropriate formulas:
   • Rectangle: Area = length x width
   • Triangle: Area = (base x height) / 2
   • Circle: Area = π x radius² (where π ≈ 3.14)
4. Add the areas together: Sum the areas of all individual sections to find the total square footage.
5. Convert to square yards (optional): If needed, divide the total square footage by 9 to get the area in square yards.

Important Considerations:

• Driveway width:  Consider the desired width of your driveway. A standard single-car driveway is typically 10-12 feet wide, while a double-car driveway is 18-24 feet wide.
• Additional areas:  If you're paving other areas, such as walkways or parking areas, include those measurements in your calculations.
• Waste factor:  It's a good idea to add a small percentage (5-10%) to your total area to account for material waste and ensure you have enough asphalt.

By carefully measuring and calculating the area, you'll be well-prepared to estimate the asphalt needs for your project accurately.

Now that you've measured the area of your asphalt paving and have a good understanding of the total square footage (or square yards), you can calculate a rough budget for your project. To do this, multiply the total square footage (or square yards) by your budgeted price per square foot (or square yard) for the type of asphalt work you want to do.

For example, let's say you have a 1,000 square foot driveway that you want to replace. If your budgeted cost for a new asphalt driveway is $3.38 per square foot, your estimated budget would be:

• 1,000 square feet x $3.38/square foot = $3,380

Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate. The actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the asphalt, whether you need to remove existing asphalt, and if any base work is required. Always consult with local asphalt paving contractors for accurate pricing in your area.

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For a 600 square foot driveway that needs to be replaced:

• Driveway area: 600 square feet
• Estimated cost for new asphalt (5" thick, using $3.38/sq ft): 600 square feet x $3.38/square foot = $2,028

If you only need to mill and overlay the existing asphalt:

• Mill and overlay cost (using $2.25/sq ft): 600 square feet x $2.25/square foot = $1,350