Driveways go through the most wear and tear in our homes. That is because there is a constant influx of traffic, which is why you will need to replace the driveway after a decade or so. Depending on the issue, a new driveway will last a few decades, but you can also repair your driveway.
Of course, it is best to understand how much a new driveway will cost before you make an informed decision. So, if you are looking to install a new driveway on your property, you are in the right place. Here is a complete cost guide for you to make the best decision.
Average Cost of a New Driveway
The average cost of installing a new driveway on your property will be around $4,500. However, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,500 and $6,700. Of course, the final cost depends on many factors such as materials, labor, and the professional you are hiring.
The material cost can range anywhere between $2 and $52 per square foot. An asphalt driveway will cost you around $4,800, and a concrete driveway will average approximately $4,000. It is essential to keep these factors in mind when you are browsing through various driveway choices.
New Driveway Cost According to Type
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,750 to $12,000, depending on the driveway type. We have classified the type according to the materials to help you make a better decision. However, just because a driveway is expensive, it does not mean it will last longer.
Here is an overview of the new driveway cost based on materials:
Materials | Average Cost | Possible Durability Issues |
|---|---|---|
Asphalt | $4,800 | Will become soft in high heat |
Concrete | $4,000 | Extreme cold cracks concrete |
Heated | $12,000 | Challenging to repair |
Chip Seal | $2,100 | Snowplows damage this driveway |
Gravel | $1,700 | Will move in snow and rain |
Rubber | $9,500 | Causes water pools |
Paver | $6,500 | Shifts or cracks |
Grass | $6,500 | Requires weekly upkeep |
Asphalt
Depending on many other factors, a new asphalt driveway can range anywhere between $4,000 and $7,000. The price can also vary between $8 to $15/square foot. Many property owners love the asphalt driveway because it can easily handle high heat and cold temperatures better than a concrete driveway.
The durability of an asphalt driveway is also high as it will last you from fifteen to twenty years at least, but it is less than a concrete driveway. However, the drying time of asphalt is less than concrete. The driveway will dry in hours for you to use.
Concrete
Concrete is the most common material for a driveway because of its durability. The driveway will last you more than four decades, which is why it is a one-time investment in your home. It also requires less maintenance, and you will only have to remove oil stains or repair cracks from time to time. A concrete driveway can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $6,500.
The cost of a concrete driveway per square foot can also range between $10 and $20. Many homeowners personalize their concrete driveway with various colors to make their home look aesthetic and appealing. (Related: Cost Guide: Concrete For Patio And Driveway)
Heated
You can install a heated driveway with various materials such as asphalt, concrete, pavers, and chip seal. The driveway will cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $12,000. The cost per square foot of this driveway can also range between $15 and $30.
If you live in a region where you face freezing temperatures and lots of snow, then this driveway can be the ideal choice for you. It will save you time and effort as you will not have to shovel snow to use your driveway. The cost can significantly vary for this one, which is why it is best to consult a professional.
Chip Seal
The chip seal driveway will cost you anywhere between $800 and $3,500. Your driveway per square foot cost will also vary between $6 and $12. The surface of the chip seal driveway is created from mixing crushed stones with hot asphalt. The driveway is common amongst homeowners who are on a tight budget but still want to enhance the appearance of their driveway.
Remember that this driveway will only last you a decade. Besides that, damage can easily take place if the driveway comes into contact with a snowplow.
Gravel
The cost of a gravel driveway will average at $1,700. You can also expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot, as gravel is the most affordable material you can use. Most people living in rural areas use this material for their driveway as it can easily be made from clay, sand, and rocks.
The installation of this driveway is also efficient, quick, and easy, but it requires constant upkeep to look good. If you take care of it properly, the driveway will last longer than your life at a hundred years. The gravel doesn't soften, sink, or crack as it only moves, so you will only have to add new gravel from time to time.
Rubber
A rubber driveway is expensive as it can cost you anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000. You can expect to pay from $12 to $27 per square foot for this driveway. The best part about a rubber driveway is that it lasts long, is safe for families with kids, and is quick to repair.
However, one issue you can incur with rubber is flooding because it is a non-porous object. Water will not drain through the material, which is why you need to grade the area and install an efficient drainage system. If your region receives lots of rain, this is not the ideal driveway for your home.
Paver
A paver driveway can be of concrete, cobblestone, or brick, depending on your preference. The cost of this driveway can range anywhere between $6,200 and $32,000, depending on the material you choose. The cost can also range from $12 to $55 per square foot.
The best part about a paver driveway is that it is available in endless colors and textures. You can choose any style or aesthetic depending on your home. Remember that you will have to replace the driveway if it shifts, cracks, or breaks.
Grass
Finally, we have the grass driveway, which can cost you anywhere from $3,200 to $9,200. Depending on the materials and your driveway size, you can also expect to pay between $12 to $17 per square foot.
Many professionals install interlocking pavers on this driveway created from concrete or soil with gaps for drainage, seed, and soil. If you mix other materials such a concrete or brick, the grass driveway will look fantastic in your home. However, if you want it to keep looking amazing, you will have to trim and water the grass to ensure its upkeep and appearance.
New Driveway Cost According to Per Square Foot
Many professionals measure the cost of installing a new driveway according to the area. Most installations range between $2 and $52 per square foot. However, many people also pay between $2 and $17 per square foot. The material you choose will make the most significant difference in the cost of a new driveway.
Here is an overview of the average costs you might incur for your new driveway based on per square foot:
Square Feet | Average Costs |
|---|---|
400 | $820 and $6,200 |
600 | $1,400 and $9,200 |
800 | $1,800 and $13,000 |
1,000 | $2,200 and $16,000 |
For more accurate driveway pricing per square foot, you should get estimates from the driveway installation professional. They will give you much more accurate pricing after taking in all other factors.
Other Factors that Affect Installation Cost
Here are the other top factors that will affect the installation cost of your new driveway:
Clearing and Excavating Obstructions
Driveways need to be clear of obstructions because they are high-traffic areas. That is why trees, rocks, and other growths need to be cleared before use.
Of course, your contractor will have to add more time and effort to clear these issues. If your property has many obstructions that need to be clear, the cost will go higher. Besides that, many properties also require excavation to install a perfect new driveway. If excavation is needed, your cost will go even higher than clearance.
For example, if your property has age-old trees or large boulders, the professionals will need to excavate them for safe removal. So, obstruction and clearance of various objects can drive your cost upwards.
Licenses and Permits
Obtaining the appropriate permits and licenses is something you should never forget. Paving a new driveway will require specific certifications from your government. Of course, that depends on the region you reside in.
However, in most places, the government requires homeowners to obtain the right permits and licenses before constructing the driveway. If you want to learn more about this and obtain the appropriate licenses and permits, you should check your locality's building code.
Space
The space your driveway will take is also a determinant of the cost. The more space you need for your driveway, the higher the cost will be. That is why it is essential to analyze the ideal amount of space you need for your driveway.
For example, if your driveway is too big, it will look imbalanced against your house. On the other hand, if your driveway is too small, parking your cars or maneuvering them around the space will be an inconvenience. Of course, the professional you select will take the measurements and advise you on the best action to take.
Drainage
Did you know that your drainage system can affect the durability of your driveway? Yes, you read that right, and you need to ensure the driveway you create is planned, keeping your drainage system in mind. The drainage system will ensure that moisture is kept away from your property, which will lead to a longer life for your driveway.
The professionals you choose for the project should keep this in mind and help you plan your driveway accordingly. If you need to change some drainage systems, your cost will drive upwards.
The Quality of Base Cost
Paving a new driveway will use two base coats. One coat will be at the top of each structure, and the other will be at the bottom of each structure. Of course, the coating materials and process will also increase your cost, but so will the quality of the base coat.
That is because a high-quality base coat will expand the driveway lifespan, and a low-quality base coat will have the opposite effect. So, ask your contractors about this and see how much they charge for this process. You can then compare prices from various contractors to make an informed decision.
Average Cost of Resurfacing the Driveway
Not everyone needs a new driveway. If you have a driveway for a long time, some issues can easily be fixed with resurfacing. The average cost of resurfacing a concrete driveway will range from $2,000 to $3,200. On the other hand, the average cost of resurfacing an asphalt driveway will range from $2,000 to $4,500.
Of course, many contractors also charge a resurfacing fee based on the per square footage. In that case, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1 and $22 per square foot. If you don’t know what resurfacing entails, let us explain.
Resurfacing a driveway entails removing the damaged top surface and replacing it with the material of your driveway. The process usually takes place when you can’t fix your driveway with minor repairs. The contractor you choose will assess your driveway and let you know if resurfacing is necessary.
Average Cost of Widening the Driveway
If your driveway is small and you want more space to park your vehicles, you can always choose to widen the driveway instead of getting a new installation. Widening the driveway will cost you anywhere from $3 to $17 per square foot. Of course, it depends on the condition of your existing driveway and the materials you choose.
For example, if you wish to add 250 square feet to your existing driveway, it can cost you anywhere from $750 to $4,250. On the other hand, if you start from nothing, your cost will go upwards because you will need to excavate the land. The process alone can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $5,500.
Before taking this step, you should always consult with your contractor, as they will offer you the best advice on what route to take. Many people don't opt for this option as it ends up costing a lot more than the average cost.
Signs You Need a New Driveway
Here are the top signs you need to be on the lookout for that will let you know you need a new driveway:
Drainage Problems
When professionals install driveways, they properly level and slope them. However, if it is pooling water now, then it might be a problem of your driveway shifting with time. Pooling water on the driveway leads to cracks and potholes if you don't solve the issue.
If you are witnessing this problem on your driveway, you should call your contractor so they can have a look at the drainage problem. After the contractors assess your site, they will let you know if they can fix your driveway or you will need a new one.
Potholes, Cracks, Warping
Whenever the integrity of the driveway material is compromised, the driveway will form cracks. Leaving the cracks for too long without fixing the issue will lead to potholes, which means you will need a new driveway. Potholes will also be a disaster for your car as it might get hurt navigating the potholes.
Another problem that can happen is warping, which is mostly a problem on asphalt driveways. It will warp if you live in a hot region and place heavy equipment or vehicles on your asphalt driveway. Your contractor will assess and let you know if you need a new driveway after this problem.
Age
If you have had a driveway for many decades now, it might be time for a replacement. A concrete driveway will last more than four decades, but an asphalt driveway will not even offer you half the lifespan.
So, if your driveway is close to reaching its average lifespan, you should consult a professional for their opinion. Your contractor will let you know if it is time for a new driveway. If it requires replacement, you can get a better driveway with a material that will withstand how you use the driveway and the weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
That was your complete new driveway cost and consumer guide. The average cost of a new driveway will always depend on many factors such as materials, labor, installation, space, permits, and much more.
You can get a consultation with your contractor before making a final decision on what material driveway to install.