Asphalt
US $7–$15 / sq ft
Flexible in freeze-thaw climates and usually fast to install. Angi reports a typical 15–30 year life with sealing every 3–5 years.
2026 cost guide
Know the price before the paver arrives.
Build a realistic low-to-high budget for asphalt, concrete, gravel, chip seal, or interlock—and see what site prep could add.
No sign-upUS & CanadaDetailed breakdown
A clean base and drainage matter as much as the surface.
Project details
Build your estimate
Prices are planning ranges, not contractor bids. Adjust for the work your driveway actually needs.
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Material comparison
Choose the surface, not just the sticker price
Upfront cost is only one part of the decision. Climate, drainage, maintenance, expected life, and repairability all change the long-term value.
Concrete
US $8–$18 / sq ft
Long service life and many finish options. It can be vulnerable to cracking in very cold climates and de-icing salt exposure.
Gravel
US $1–$2 / sq ft
The lowest upfront range, but expect periodic grading, stone replenishment, weed control, and snow-removal trade-offs.
Interlock
CA $10–$20 / sq ft
Higher labour cost and strong curb appeal. Individual units can be lifted and reset if the base moves or underground work is needed.
What changes a driveway quote?
Driveway area drives the material volume, but the condition under the surface determines whether a quote stays simple. A low price that omits excavation, base rebuilding, haul-away, or drainage is not comparable with a complete quote.
Base and drainage
Standing water, sinking edges, frost heave, and alligator cracking can indicate problems below the surface. Covering a failed base with a fresh layer may look good briefly, but cracking can return. Ask the contractor to state the compacted base material and finished depth.
Thickness and compaction
Ask for the compacted asphalt or concrete thickness—not only the loose depth before rolling. Heavier vehicles, poor soil, and cold climates can call for a stronger section. The quote should also describe edge support and how the driveway meets the garage, sidewalk, and street.
Shape, slope, and access
Curves, steep grades, narrow gates, overhead wires, and long distances from the truck add handling time. Angi notes that complex shapes can add roughly 10%–30%, while difficult access and inclines can also raise labour cost.
Resurface or replace?
Resurfacing is generally suited to a stable base with limited surface damage. HomeGuide recommends it for pavement under roughly 15–20 years old with less than 25%–30% needing repair. Widespread movement, drainage failures, or deep potholes point toward full reconstruction.
Driveway paving questions
How do I measure my driveway?
Measure the longest length and widest width in feet. For a simple rectangle, multiply length by width. Split L-shaped or irregular driveways into rectangles, calculate each area, then add them. Add 5%–10% only if your measurements are rough.
How much does a two-car asphalt driveway cost?
A 20 × 20 ft driveway is 400 sq ft. Using the US 2026 range cited by Angi, the asphalt portion is roughly $2,800–$6,000 before unusual demolition, base failure, drainage, permits, or complex access. Canadian ranges vary by size and region; HomeStars reports typical Canadian projects around C$2,800–C$6,500.
When is resurfacing a good option?
Consider an overlay when the base is stable, drainage works, and deterioration is mostly superficial. HomeGuide cites less than 25%–30% surface repair and an age under about 15–20 years as useful screening signs. A contractor still needs to inspect the base.
Should I choose the lowest bid?
Not until every bidder is pricing the same work. Compare removal, base depth, finished surface thickness, drainage, edge treatment, cleanup, warranty, and payment schedule. A low bid can simply be a thinner or incomplete scope.
Does this estimate include tax?
No. The calculator shows construction planning ranges and common allowances before sales tax. Local taxes, permit fees, minimum charges, material delivery, and unusual site conditions may change the final bid.
Method and sources
Updated October 4, 2026. The calculator applies published low/high unit-cost ranges to the measured area, then adds transparent allowances for selected site work and complexity. It is a budgeting tool, not a quote or engineering assessment.
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