How Much Does It Cost to Resurface an Asphalt Driveway?

Asphalt Driveway Resurfacing Cost per Square Foot

It costs between $3 and $7 per square foot to resurface an asphalt driveway. Cracks and similar damage are patched or filled, then up to 2 inches of asphalt is poured over the top to finish the project. 

Other Asphalt Resurfacing Costs

It's not just asphalt driveways that need resurfacing from time to time. Private roads, walkways, and game courts all need resurfacing to repair minor surface damage and to extend the lifespan of the surface. 

Private Road

A standard 30-foot wide private road costs $475,000 to $1.1 million to resurface. This is around $90 to $210 per linear foot. In many cases, it's more cost-effective to resurface smaller areas on private roads as problems arise.

Walkway

By comparison, because a walkway tends to be narrower than a road, usually around 30 inches, it costs between $7.50 and $17.50 per linear foot to resurface asphalt.

Backyards and Game Courts

At $3 to $7 per square foot, resurfacing a blacktop in your backyard costs $450 to $7,000. The total depends mostly on the square footage. Playgrounds vary in size, with estimates ranging from $450 to $7,000 or more. 

Home game courts typically measure 500 to 1,000 square feet, so the price runs $1,500 to $7,000 or more. However, if you have full-size game courts, expect to pay substantially more for resurfacing. 

A basketball court, for example, measures 7,290.5 square feet, including run-offs and sidelines. To resurface this, you'd pay $21,900.50 to $51,000. A standard tennis court is much smaller, with a total square footage of 2,808. So resurfacing an asphalt tennis court would cost between $8,400 and $19,700.

Resurfacing Cost Factors

Resurfacing costs $1,800 to $4,200, in general, but there are numerous factors that impact the total project cost. 

When you look at estimates from asphalt companies near you, you should keep these factors in mind:

• Condition of the existing driveway

• Higher prices for custom designs

• More preparation or services

Asphalt Condition

Resurfacing works well on a driveway that is in good condition. If it needs a little work beforehand, asphalt repair costs $1 to $4 per square foot of the damaged area. Asphalt replacement costs $8 to $15 per square foot. You may need to take this approach if it has considerable damage.

Colored or Stamped Asphalt

If you want a colored or stamped asphalt overlay, you’ll pay $5 to $10 per square foot. This choice lets you add a unique curb appeal with a durable surface that’s great in all weather.

Permits

Permits can cost between $100 and $500 and, depending on the rules in your locale, you may not need a permit at all. However, some states do require permits for extensive driveway repair or resurfacing, so make sure you check with your local authority.

Other Driveway Material Resurfacing Costs

Other driveway resurfacing materials cost between $1 and $5 per square foot. Concrete is most similar to asphalt in terms of durability and cost, while gravel is the least expensive but requires more maintenance.

Concrete

The cost to resurface a concrete driveway runs $1,800 to $3,000, or $3 to $5 per square foot. Decorative overlays, like stamped or colored concrete, range from $7 to $20 per square foot. Concrete driveways are better suited to hot climates than asphalt and are more durable, but they stain more easily and are less suited to cold climates, as they can crack.

Tar and Chip

Tar and chip driveways cost $2 to $5 per square foot. This style is like asphalt but includes stones in the surface layer. Asphalt has a smoother surface and is more durable than tar and chip. Tar and chip consists of layers of loose stone and gravel intermixed with hot liquid bitumen, all of which is then compressed. It's easy to maintain and gives good traction, but it has a limited lifespan and is easily damaged.

Gravel

Gravel driveway installation costs about $1,500, ranging from $1 to $2 per square foot. This usually includes minor leveling and grading. If the land needs a lot of work to prepare, it can run $10,000 to $20,000 more.

Gravel is quick and easy to install and is a good budget-friendly option. However, it shifts easily and requires regular maintenance. It's also prone to ruts and sinkholes if not installed properly. 

Resurfacing vs. Replacing Asphalt

Resurfacing an asphalt driveway costs $3 to $7 per square foot. Compare that to the cost of replacing an asphalt driveway, at $8 to $15 per square foot. To keep costs down and extend the life of your driveway, if it's less than 15 years old and has less than 30% surface damage, then resurfacing is a solid choice. 

If, however, the driveway has extensive damage or is approaching the end of its life, then go straight for replacement. If you choose to try and resurface an old, damaged driveway, you'll probably only get another year or two out of it before you have to have it replaced anyway.

FAQs

How much does asphalt cost?

Asphalt material costs $100 to $200 per ton. The average driveway uses about 7.5 to 15 tons. If you’re having it installed new, you’ll pay $7 to $13 per square foot.

What is an asphalt overlay vs. a pavement resurface?

Asphalt resurfacing and overlay describe the same thing. Both involve placing a new layer of material on top of an existing one.

How long will a resurfaced driveway last?

How long a resurfaced driveway lasts depends on many factors, including the age and condition of the driveway before resurfacing. However, in general, you can expect a resurfaced driveway to last 5 to 10 years.