Blacktop Driveway Cost

Thinking of a new driveway? Or a getting your previous one repaired or relaid? Well it seems that an asphalt-blacktop driveway is a great idea. Asphalt concrete or blacktop, (as asphalt is informally called) has asphalt, used as a binder with mineral aggregate mixed in it, and laid in layers and compacted. It is one of the most common material used for driveways in the USA. It is durable and reasonably low in maintenance and overall a good choice.

Calculating the Cost of a Blacktop Driveway

Factor 1
To get a rough idea as to how much will be the cost to blacktop driveway, you would need to measure the total area. That will help you determine the amount of asphalt you will require. Consider adding an inch or two to the measurements of the area for giving space to asphalting waste.

Factor 2
Take stock of how big a base you wish to have and would need to lay below the asphalt driveway. It will be an inch or two deeper, but will occupy an area a bit less than asphalt.

Factor 3
How deep you want your driveway to be is another factor in calculating the cost. Usually, a 2 inch depth is alright. You have to measure from the ground up if you are getting a completely new driveway made by tearing off the existing one.
Factor 4
The type of asphalt is also a major aspect when calculating the cost of driveway. There is a pure one and there is a recycled one. The pure asphalt is obviously of a better quality, but a bit expensive. Then you also have to consider the paving cost while making an estimate.

Factor 5
Finally, the labor and material required will have to be included in the total cost. The charges per square foot for asphalt will have to be inquired, as far as material is concerned, in this case along with the gravel.

By getting together these factors, you can get a rough figure as to what could be the amount of money that you will need to spend.

Cost of Blacktop Driveway

Traditional dark black asphalt costs around $1 to 5 for a square foot. So for a 12x50 feet driveway, it would cost anything between $600 and $3,000. The good part is that the price drops per square foot when the area to be made is big. Consequently, if suppose it is a quarter mile driveway, it would average between $21,000 and $52000.

If you do not want a plain asphalt, you can go in for stamped and colored asphalt. These look like bricks and these cost around $1800 to 6,000 for a 12x50 foot driveway. For a quarter mile two-car driveway it can cost anything between $64,000-$100,000 or even more.

Additional Costs

Apart from the asphalt blacktop, there are also additional charges. Any irregularities in the surface where the driveway is going to be built, like slopes, curves, and any other complications can spike up the total cost. Sometimes it so happens that exactly these jobs may cost more. Because these things need extra care and these things cannot be done at one go. They have to be specially looked after. In case you want to get your old driveway needs to be torn out, just make sure that the estimate includes those charges.

At the end of the day, if you want a reasonably durable and reasonably priced driveway, blacktop asphalt is a good option. The only thing is knowing about the cost beforehand would save you from a headache of having to pay more due to ignorance. I sign off here. All the best!