How Much Does Driveway Paving Cost in 2025?
Driveway paving costs $4,909 on average, but people often pay between $2,525 and $7,293. A local pro can give you a unique quote based on your driveway size and paving material.
Gravel driveways have the lowest cost at $1 to $2 per square foot, and pavers can cost up to $50 per square foot.
Custom designs, premium materials, drainage systems, and other features account for higher costs.
Driveway paving costs are often distributed evenly between labor and materials.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Driveway paving costs can range from $1,000 to $13,000, with an average cost of $4,909. Whether you're looking to boost your home's curb appeal or replace a worn-out driveway, paving is a significant investment that enhances both the look and functionality of your property. Factors like location, size, material quality, and design complexity will influence your total costs. Here's everything you need to know to budget for your driveway paving project and make informed decisions along the way.
Driveway Paving Cost Factors
Several key factors influence the cost of paving your driveway, including the materials you choose, the size of your driveway, and local labor rates. How often you need to maintain or replace your driveway will also affect your long-term expenses. If you're considering custom designs or additional features like drainage systems, these will impact your budget as well.
Size
Contractors price driveway paving based on square footage, with costs averaging between $7 and $22 per square foot. So, whether you have a compact single-car driveway or a spacious area for multiple vehicles, the size of your driveway will significantly impact your budget. The materials you select, the labor involved, and the time needed to complete the project all play a role in the total cost.
Driveways range from 4 to 6 inches deep—most concrete driveways are 4 inches, while asphalt driveways are about 2 to 3 inches thick. Deeper driveways are potentially necessary if they’re subject to heavy vehicle loads and cold climates, but additional layers equate to more material volume and associated costs.
See this cost breakdown based on common driveway sizes:
| Driveway Size (Square Feet) | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | Compact single-car driveway | $1,000–$1,400 |
| 300 | Small two-car driveway or large single-car | $1,400–$2,100 |
| 560 | Standard two-car driveway, extra width for easier maneuvering | $2,900–$4,000 |
| 640 | Spacious two-car driveway with added room for turning or wider vehicles | $5,120–$16,000 |
| 540 | Two-car driveway with ample maneuvering space, ideal for wider vehicles | $4,320–$13,500 |
| 1,000 | Large driveway, suitable for multiple vehicles or larger vehicles like RVs | $8,000–$25,000 |
Material
Driveway paving materials range from $1 to $30 per square foot and represent between 40% and 60% of total costs. Some materials can cost $50 per square foot or more. Each material offers different installation requirements, durability, maintenance frequency, and other characteristics that influence total costs over time.
This table outlines cost ranges for each material based on standard one or two-car driveways.
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | $8–$18 | $960–$8,640 |
| Asphalt/blacktop | $7–$15 | $850–$6,240 |
| Chip seal | $5–$10 | $600–$4,800 |
| Gravel | $1–$2 | $120–$960 |
| Pavers | $5–$50 | $1,200–$24,000 |
| Rubber | $10–$25 | $1,200–$12,000 |
| Grass | $10–$15 | $1,200–$7,200 |
Concrete
Installing a concrete driveway averages $960 to $8,640. Concrete driveways last up to 40 years with minimal maintenance besides periodic resealing every 2 to 3 years, but they’re prone to cracks in freezing climates. Expect to pay $8 to $18 per square foot, with high costs reflecting decorative finishes.
| Concrete Finish | Cost Range per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Colored | $8–$12 |
| Exposed aggregate | $8–$12 |
| Polished | $8–$12 |
| Stamped | $12–$18 |
| Stained | $18–$20 |
Asphalt
Installing an asphalt driveway costs an average of $7 to $15 per square foot. Asphalt withstands freezing temperatures and is less likely to crack than concrete. Asphalt is more affordable than other materials but may not last as long before needing resurfacing every 10 to 20 years or replacement. It may not perform as well in hot climates—its composition and dark color make it prone to softening, which may lead to loss of structural integrity.
Chip Seal
Also called tar and chip, chip seal driveways cost $600 to $4,800 or $5 to $10 per square foot. Chip seal consists of hot asphalt and crushed stones. It’s popular for homeowners who want the appearance and durability of blacktop but have a smaller budget. Expect chip seal to last 10 years, after which it requires resurfacing to protect its integrity.
Gravel
Installing a gravel driveway averages $120 to $950 or $1 to $2 per square foot. Popular in rural areas, gravel is a low-cost option with a long lifespan if properly maintained. It requires regular maintenance, such as adding fresh gravel annually to even the surface.
Pavers
Driveway pavers range from $1,200 to $24,000 or $10 to $50 per square foot. Available in concrete, stone, brick, cobblestone, and other paving stones, these driveways carry higher costs due to material availability as well as labor-intensive and specialized installation. Pavers can last 30 to 50 years with proper care and occasional maintenance, such as replacing individual pavers as needed.
Rubber
Rubber driveways cost $1,200 to $12,000, ranging from $10 to $25 per square foot. Rubber driveways are poured in place, and they’re popular among homeowners for their durability. Rubber is non-porous, meaning it requires extra consideration for drainage. Maintenance includes periodic cleaning and resealing every three to five years.
Grass
Grass driveway prices range from $1,200 to $7,200 or $10 to $15 per square foot, depending on size and material quality. Made with interlocking plastic or concrete pavers with gaps for soil and seeds, grass driveways are a unique and eco-friendly alternative to conventional driveway materials. They require regular lawn maintenance and may need reseeding periodically.
Design and Shape
Driveway costs can increase by 10% to 30% for non-standard designs and shapes. Rectangles and squares are common for driveways and straightforward to install. Alternative shapes, such as semi-circles and extra curves, require additional time and effort to install.
Labor
Labor costs make up about half of your driveway installation expenses, ranging from $5 to $30 per square foot. These rates can vary based on the materials you choose and how complex the installation is. For instance, hiring a local driveway paving pro for a concrete driveway averages $2 to $3 per square foot, while asphalt driveway labor costs about $5 to $7 per square foot. Keep in mind that ongoing maintenance tasks, like resealing or resurfacing, will also affect your labor costs over time.
Demo and Removal
If you're replacing an old driveway, you'll need to factor in the cost of removing the existing one. Demolition and disposal add an extra $250 to $3,000 or $2 to $6 per square foot to your project. So, including installation, your total costs could average $9 to $29 per square foot. The cost of removal depends on the size and accessibility of your driveway and includes hauling away debris and regrading the site to prepare for the new installation.
Permits
Don't forget to factor in the cost of permits, which average $50 to $200 for new driveway installations. Check with your local city or county—sometimes they waive permit fees if there's already a driveway apron connecting your home to a public street.
Additional Features
If you're thinking about adding extra features to your driveway, there are a few additional costs to keep in mind.
Drainage
Installing culvert drainage for your driveway averages $1,500 to $5,000. Driveway culverts drain water away from your home and create a crossing from the street to your property.
Landscaping
Driveway landscaping features, such as pavers, plants, and edging, vary in cost. Depending on the landscaping complexity and materials, expect costs to range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Heated Driveway
Heated driveways cost $3,000 to $25,000 or $12 to $25 per square foot, averaging $13,000 depending on the material used. Featuring warming systems installed beneath the surface of your driveway, heated driveways are advantageous for homes in cold climates and heavy snowfall.
Driveway Replacement vs. Resurfacing
Resurfacing averages $3 to $20 per square foot (for example, $1,800 to $4,200 for an average two-car driveway), while replacing a driveway costs between $8 and $15 per square foot. Resurfacing involves cleaning and repairing damage to the existing driveway, such as cracks and holes, and applying a fresh layer of asphalt, concrete, or other materials. This option is best for repairing surface issues with driveways in mostly good condition and with minimal structural issues. Regular resurfacing can extend the life of your driveway, and the frequency depends on the material—for example, asphalt driveways may need resurfacing every 10 to 20 years.
Resurfacing doesn’t address major structural damage or severe cracking. While more costly up front, replacement is a better choice for driveways with significant damage and provides long-term durability and value.
Does Driveway Paving Increase Home Value?
A well-paved driveway not only boosts your home's curb appeal but can also increase its overall value. First impressions matter, and a pristine driveway can make your property more attractive to potential buyers. On the flip side, a driveway in poor condition might deter buyers who don't want to deal with the hassle of replacing it. The exact impact on your home's value depends on factors like your local market, the materials you choose, the design, and the quality of the installation.
Budgeting for Driveway Paving
Paving your driveway is a significant investment, but there are smart ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to help you save:
Get multiple quotes: Reach out to several contractors to compare rates and services. This way, you can find the best deal that fits your budget.
Keep the design simple: Opting for a straightforward rectangular design can save you money compared to custom shapes or elaborate layouts.
Choose affordable materials wisely: Consider materials that offer a good balance of cost, durability, and appearance. Gravel or asphalt can be cost-effective options.
Plan for maintenance: Investing in proper drainage and scheduling regular maintenance, like resealing, can extend the life of your driveway and save you money in the long run.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to install a driveway is from late spring to early fall. This period offers ideal conditions with warm days and cool nights that enable materials like asphalt and concrete to properly set. During this season, moderate temperatures enhance curing, reduce thermal stress, and minimize the risk of premature surface damage. These stable conditions ensure that your driveway is installed with optimal durability and longevity.
Maintaining your driveway requires consistent care, including annual sealing for concrete and periodic sealing for asphalt. Regular sealing prevents water penetration, reduces cracking, and protects the surface from weather-related damage. Following a scheduled maintenance routine not only retains the driveway’s attractive look but also extends its functional lifespan and structural integrity. Prompt repairs and systematic upkeep are essential for long-term durability.
Installing a driveway takes between one and three days for concrete and about two days for asphalt. This timeline reflects the standard duration required for material preparation, installation, and finishing processes. Additional features such as landscaping, custom designs, or complex layouts may extend the overall installation period. A well-coordinated project schedule by skilled professionals ensures high-quality results within the outlined timeframe.
A well-constructed driveway lasts for around 30 years. Consistent maintenance practices such as scheduled sealing, timely crack repairs, and routine inspections are crucial to achieving this longevity. Regular upkeep prevents water damage and surface deterioration while preserving the driveway’s structural integrity and visual appeal. Engaging in proactive maintenance ensures that the driveway remains safe, attractive, and durable over its lifespan.
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