Resurfacing an asphalt driveway costs, on average, $2,050, with a typical range of $1,100 to $3,000, or $2 to $5 per square foot. The total cost of driveway resurfacing depends on a number of factors, including the size, the condition of the existing surface, the resurfacing material, and the decorative finish and colors you select.
Driveway resurfacing is less expensive and labor-intensive than repaving or installing a new driveway. It essentially involves putting a new layer atop the existing asphalt after cracks and potholes are filled. Repaving, on the other hand, calls for the removal of the old driveway before installing the new asphalt layer or new material.
Read on as we discuss driveway resurfacing costs in detail.
This cost guide covers:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Cost of Driveway Resurfacing by Material
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Costs to Resurface a Driveway in 2024
| National Average Cost | $2,050 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,100 – $3,000 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $200 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $6,000 |
The national average cost is based on a 600-square-foot asphalt driveway estimated at $2 to $5 per square foot, but costs can range from $1,100 to $3,000. Resurfacing can cost as little as $200 for a one-car driveway or as much as $6,000 for larger or commercial driveways, depending on materials, patterns, and add-ons.
Homeowners can keep driveway resurfacing costs down by;
- Using a less expensive material for the driveway
- Doing it themselves
- Doing prep work to reduce labor costs
- Using recycled materials
- Comparing multiple quotes to find the best deal for their money
Asphalt Resurfacing Cost Estimator by Size
Driveway size is the most important factor affecting the cost of your project because larger driveways require more material and more labor. On average, asphalt driveway resurfacing costs range from $2 to $5 per square foot.
Below is an overview of the different driveway sizes and their average costs
| Driveway Size | Cost Range |
| ‘10 x 10’ (1 car) | $200 – $500 |
| ‘12 x 24’ (1 car) | $576 – $1,440 |
| ‘15 x 20’ (2 cars) | $600 – $1,500 |
| ‘24 x 25’ (2 cars) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| ‘24 x 36’ (3 cars) | $1,728 – $4,320 |
| ‘40 x 40’ (3 cars) | $3,200 – $8,000 |
Driveway Resurfacing Cost by Material
Asphalt, or blacktop as it’s sometimes called, is the most popular material, but it’s not the only option. Different materials carry different price tags.
Concrete
Concrete is another great long-lasting material for driveways. It also comes with many design options. Concrete driveway resurfacing costs between $3 and $6 per square foot, depending on thickness. Homeowners who want decorative concrete surfacing, such as stamping and staining, should expect to pay between $6 and $20 per square foot.
Tar and chip
If you’re looking for a simple, attractive, low-maintenance, yet affordable surfacing material, consider tar and chip—also known as chip and seal, seal chip, or macadam. The rough surface provides better traction but has a limited lifespan compared to concrete and asphalt. Resurfacing a tar and chip driveway costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Gravel
Gravel is a good option for homeowners on a tight budget. It’s inexpensive and easy to install on your own. However, it’s not a low-maintenance material. Over time, gravel can be ground into the dirt below, or can be spread around through erosion or normal use. Gravel driveway costs about $2 to $3 per square foot.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Many factors can affect the price of resurfacing an asphalt driveway, such as:
Asphalt condition
The driveway’s condition will determine the extent of repairs needed and how much you’ll be charged. Surfaces with minor issues, such as cracks, range in repair cost from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, while a driveway that requires complete removal and replacement will cost $6 to $15 per square foot.
Type of finish
Adding decorative features and colors, such as colored or stamped asphalt overlays, will increase your home’s curb appeal and project costs. Expect to pay $4 to $9 per square foot for colored or stamped overlays.
Project type
Asphalt driveways aren’t the only projects that need resurfacing. Some other residential and commercial areas, such as parking lots, walkways, backyards, etc., also need this facelifting, but at different costs.
- Resurfacing a one-lane private asphalt road costs between $15 and $40 per linear foot..
- Resurfacing an asphalt parking lot typically costs between $2 and $5 per square foot or between $200 and $500 per parking space.
- Resurfacing an asphalt walkway costs about $7.55 to $17.50 per linear foot.
- Resurfacing a backyard blacktop averages between $425 and $5,000.
- Resurfacing a home game court costs between $2,250 and $7,500; a basketball court costs between $21,950 and $51,050; a tennis court costs between $8,450 and $19,750.
Permit
Driveway resurfacing in some locations requires a permit, which costs between $60 and $280. Check with your city or county permitting department for exact prices. Generally, the contractor bears the responsibility of securing the permits.
Related Services
Homeowners who are tired of seeing the same driveway and want to transform their landscape have a wide variety of driveway options to choose from.
Heated driveway
Heated driveways use radiant heating to prevent ice from forming. The obvious benefits of this driveway include not having to hire a snow removal service, which saves a lot of money.
- Heated asphalt driveways cost between $15 and $27 per square foot.
- Heated concrete driveways cost between $15 and $26 per square foot.
- Heated paver driveways cost between $20 and $50 per square foot.
Concrete driveway
Concrete is a terrific upgrade to asphalt, but it costs a little more. It’s durable, highly customizable, requires little maintenance, and is strong enough to support the weight of any vehicle. Installing a new concrete driveway costs between $6 and $16 per square foot.
Paver driveway
Driveways built with pavers offer an unmatched aesthetic appeal with a variety of colors and patterns. It’s a low-maintenance and durable material. The cost of a paver driveway ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot.
Gravel driveway
A gravel driveway is the most economical of all driveway options. It’s quick and can be installed without professional help. A professionally installed gravel driveway costs between $1 and $3 per square foot.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Hiring a paving contractor to resurface your asphalt driveway will cost between $1,100 and $3,000. Do-it-yourselfers can easily resurface smaller cracks and potholes. However, if your driveway is severely cracked or has large potholes, it’s better to leave the work to the professionals.
Below are the materials and equipment needed for a small and medium driveway (100 to 300 square feet) DIY resurfacing project.
| Materials | Average Cost |
| Resurfacer | $68 |
| Renting a power washer | $70 per day |
| Tamper | $48 |
| Trowel | $11 |
| Asphalt sealant | $59 |
| Crack filler | $49 |
| Renting air compressor | $32 – $55 per day |
| Putty knife | $8 |
| Paddle mixer | $18 |
| Paint brush | $10 |
| Squeegee | $21 |
| DIY Total | $394 – $417 |
Cost of Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing by Location
The national average cost can vary depending on where you live. In the Northeast and on the West Coast, where labor costs are much higher, homeowners can expect to pay more than in smaller cities and rural areas.
FAQ
A batch of asphalt costs between $70 and $140 per ton, while recycled asphalt costs between $15 and $25 per ton.
If the damage is minor, asphalt pavement resurfacing can extend the life of the driveway at least another 10 years.
It depends on the project’s size and the asphalt’s condition. On average, resurfacing takes between a day and a week. After that, it takes another 2 to 3 days before the asphalt can be used.
Final Thoughts
At an average cost of $2,050, driveway resurfacing can enhance and complement your home’s landscaping, increasing the resale value of your home if you choose to sell in the future.
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Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock
