Paving a driveway can be a great way to improve the look and function of your home. There are a few essentials to keep in mind when paving a driveway:
First, you’ll need to choose the right materials. Paving stones, asphalt, or concrete can all be good options, depending on your needs and budget.
Next, you’ll need to measure the area you want to pave and mark it out. This will help ensure that you have enough material to complete the job.
Finally, you’ll need to hire a professional to handle the job. That’s because they can ensure that the job is done properly and that the driveway lasts for years to come.
But how much does paving a driveway cost? Read more as we’ll talk about this topic in today’s post.
Choosing The Materials For Your Driveway Paving Project
When paving a driveway, it is important to choose the right materials. This will ensure that the driveway lasts for many years and looks great. The most common materials for paving a driveway are asphalt and concrete.
Asphalt is a black, sticky substance that is made from natural or artificial petroleum products. It is often used for roads, parking lots, and driveways. Asphalt is durable, easy to maintain, and relatively affordable. However, it can be affected by weather conditions and can develop potholes over time.
Concrete is a hard, durable material that is made from cement, sand, and gravel. It is often used for sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. Concrete is strong and resistant to weathering, but it can be expensive and difficult to repair if it becomes damaged.
Getting The Correct Measurement
After choosing the materials for your paving project, the next thing to do is to determine the size of the driveway. Measuring the area correctly is key in ensuring that you order the right amount of material and avoid any wasted time and money.
To measure the area of your driveway, you’ll need to use a tape measure or ruler to get the length and width. Once you have those measurements, you can use a simple equation to calculate the total square footage. For example, if your driveway is 20 feet long by 10 feet wide, the total square footage would be 200 square feet (20×10) – which is the standard measurement of an average driveway.
If your driveway is curved or has an odd shape, you can use a simple method known as “carpet bombing” to estimate the total area. This involves loosely estimating the size of each section of the driveway and then adding them all together. While this isn’t an exact measurement, it can give you a good idea of how much material you’ll need.
Hiring A Professional Contractor Is A Must
Paving a driveway is a big job that should only be done by a professional contractor. It’s not something that you can do yourself with just a few supplies from the hardware store. There are several reasons why you should hire a professional contractor to pave your driveway:
- Paving requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
- It’s important to get the grades and slopes correct or you could end up with waterlogged driveway or one that quickly develops cracks and potholes.
- Professional contractors have access to quality materials and asphalt that homeowners aren’t likely to purchase themselves.
So How Much You Be Expecting To Spend Then
On average, it costs between $2 and $5 per square foot to pave a driveway. So, for a typical two-car driveway that is 20 feet wide and 40 feet long, the total cost to have it paved would be between $1,600 and $4,000. Of course, this is just an estimate and the actual cost will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of asphalt you choose and the complexity of the job. Aside from that, you also have to take into consideration the cost of the materials as the final cost of the project will depend based on the material used and the professional fee of the contractor.
The most common type of driveway paving is asphalt. It’s a durable, long-lasting material that can withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions. The average cost to pave an asphalt driveway is between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Concrete is another popular type of driveway paving. It’s a bit more expensive than asphalt, but it’s also more durable and longer-lasting. The average cost to pave a concrete driveway is between $3 and $7 per square foot.
The average fee of a contractor for a driveway paving project varies depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the job.
Moreover, the size of your driveway will also affect the cost as a larger driveway will obviously require more material and labor than a smaller one. The shape of your driveway can also influence the price as a complex or custom design will take longer to pave than a straight, simple one.
Even the location of your home can also affect the cost as paving a driveway in a remote area will require more travel time and expense for the contractor than one that is closer to town.
Final Word
If you’re thinking about paving your driveway, contact a professional contractor like Bluff City Paving’s services in Memphis, TN to get an estimate for the job. They’ll be able to give you a more accurate price based on the specific details of your project.