About these numbers: These are typical ranges for East Mountain projects in 2026, meant to help you budget. Asphalt prices move with oil prices, and every site is different. Your written estimate is based on your actual measurements, soil and access.
Typical price ranges
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New asphalt driveway (with base prep) | $5 – $9 per sq ft | Includes excavation, base and hot-mix |
| Gravel-to-asphalt conversion | $4 – $7.50 per sq ft | Lower when existing gravel can be reused |
| Remove and replace old asphalt | $6 – $10 per sq ft | Includes demolition and haul-off |
| Asphalt overlay / resurfacing | $3 – $5 per sq ft | Requires a sound base |
| Chip seal (double) | $2 – $4 per sq ft | Over a prepared, compacted base |
| Recycled millings, installed | $1.50 – $3 per sq ft | Graded and compacted |
| Sealcoating | $0.25 – $0.50 per sq ft | Small jobs often have a minimum |
| Crack sealing | $1 – $3 per linear ft | Hot-pour rubberized sealant |
| Pothole / section repair | $6 – $12 per sq ft | Full-depth; small jobs have a minimum |
Example driveway sizes
| Driveway | Size | New asphalt (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car, short | 10 × 40 ft (400 sq ft) | $2,000 – $3,600 |
| Single-car, long | 12 × 80 ft (960 sq ft) | $4,800 – $8,600 |
| Two-car | 20 × 50 ft (1,000 sq ft) | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Two-car with turnaround | ~1,800 sq ft | $9,000 – $16,200 |
| Long rural drive | 12 × 400 ft (4,800 sq ft) | $24,000+ (consider chip seal: ~$9,600 – $19,200) |
What pushes the price up or down
Site prep and base
The single biggest variable. A site that needs soft clay removed, lots of new base, or culverts costs more than one with a firm, well-drained gravel drive already in place.
Size
Larger jobs cost less per square foot because equipment and crew mobilization are spread over more area. Very small jobs often carry a minimum charge.
Asphalt thickness
Driveways for RVs, trailers and heavy trucks need more base and thicker asphalt.
Slope and access
Steep grades, tight turns, and limited access for trucks and pavers slow the work down.
Distance from the plant
Hot mix has to arrive hot. Remote locations add trucking time, which is one reason projects in places like Tajique are often scheduled alongside other nearby work.
Season and oil prices
Asphalt is a petroleum product, so material prices follow oil. Scheduling early in the season can also help.
Ways to save
- Reuse a good existing gravel base through a conversion
- Pave near the house and use chip seal or millings on long runs
- Choose an overlay if your base is still sound
- Split a shared private road with neighbors
- Protect your investment with crack sealing and sealcoating to avoid early replacement
Frequently asked questions
Why do asphalt quotes vary so much?
Mostly because of base preparation and thickness. A low quote may skip excavation or use a thin base and thin asphalt. Always compare base depth, asphalt thickness and square footage across bids.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
Generally yes. Asphalt typically costs less to install than concrete and is easier to repair, which is why it's the most common driveway surface in the East Mountains.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We'll measure your driveway, check the base and drainage, and give you a written estimate at no cost.
Keep reading
Asphalt Driveway Paving
New hot-mix driveways on a properly graded, compacted base built for East Mountain weather.
Learn more →Asphalt vs. Gravel Driveways
Cost, maintenance, snow and dust compared for gravel, millings, chip seal and asphalt.
Learn more →Gravel to Asphalt Conversion
Turn a rutted gravel or dirt drive into smooth asphalt, often reusing the old gravel as base.
Learn more →