Cost Per Material
You’ll notice close to an even split for the cost of driveway materials vs. the cost of labor. If you have the skills to DIY your driveway, or a way to source the materials yourself, here’s what you can expect from material prices alone. Keep in mind that these prices account for a 24-by-24-foot driveway—a design large enough to host two cars side by side.
| Material | Lowest Cost | Average Cost | Highest Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grass | $600 | $1,700 | $2,900 |
| Chip Seal | $1,200 | $2,050 | $2,900 |
| Asphalt | $600 | $2,300 | $4,000 |
| Exposed Aggregate | $1,700 | $2,900 | $4,000 |
| Concrete | $2,300 | $3,500 | $4,600 |
| Gravel | $600 | $3,300 | $6,000 |
| Pavers | $2,800 | $8,600 | $14,400 |
| Heated | $6,900 | $10,700 | $14,400 |
| Permeable Pavers | $4,600 | $11,500 | $23,000 |
Cost Per Square Foot
If you’re ready to calculate the cost of your specific driveway design, start by taking a look at the per-square-foot prices. The table below includes both materials and installation costs.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Grass | $4 – $12 |
| Chip Seal | $5 – $10 |
| Asphalt | $7 – $13 |
| Exposed Aggregate | $8 – $12 |
| Concrete | $9 – $24 |
| Gravel | $1 – $10 |
| Pavers | $5 – $50 |
| Heated | $12 – $25 |
| Permeable Pavers | $10 – $70 |
Total Cost by Driveway Type
When we combine the cost of driveway materials and installation prices, we can get a better sense of overall cost. Remember that each type of material requires different steps to prepare the land, seal it for longevity and ensure proper drainage.
Grass
Grass is a straightforward driveway option that encourages drainage and skips the hefty installation. However, you will often need a plastic or stone set of permeable grids to prevent erosion and to handle the weight of the vehicle. This is why grass driveways, with labor and materials, cost between $4 and $12 per square foot.
Chip Seal
The middle sibling between asphalt and gravel, this sealed, aggregate-based material costs between $5 and $10 per square foot when installed. While it is not as durable or long-lasting as asphalt, it does provide a similar look at a lower price point.
Asphalt
Asphalt driveways are popular for a reason. They are durable, versatile and easy to repair. You can even add ongoing sealant to ensure they last longer. When you hire a great asphalt driveway repair team, you’ll pay between $7 and $13 per square foot for installation.
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Exposed Aggregate
Made up of a mixture of concrete aggregate and pebbles, this mix is both eye-catching and affordable. You’ll pay between $8 and $12 per square foot for materials and installation, though you can also spread the aggregate yourself, lowering the costs to just materials and delivery.
Concrete
Extend the life of your driveway by opting for classic concrete for between $9 and $24 per square foot. The larger price range for a concrete driveway accounts for both basic concrete as well as custom designs with stain, stamping or reinforcement.
Gravel
As long as you’re up for the monthly maintenance, gravel driveways are both effective and cost-friendly. You’ll pay just $1 to $10 per square foot for the cost of a gravel driveway, primarily because installation is minimal and often DIY-able.
Pavers
Paver driveways get into a whole new category of style, longevity and even technology. While you can install some on your own, it’s often best to leave the complex process to a pro. For this reason, you’ll pay between $10 and $50 per square foot for installation and materials.
Heated
Say goodbye to snow shoveling and slippery driveways. Heating your driveway will cost an extra $12 to $25 per square foot, but remember that this is in addition to the materials that go on top of the radiant system.
Permeable Pavers
While similar to traditional pavers, permeable pavers allow water to naturally trickle into the soil below. The process avoids rainwater runoff, overloading gutters and building up as ice on the surface. The process costs anywhere from $10 to $70 per square foot for full installation.
Labor
Paying for the installation of the driveway will account for at least half—if not more—of the total cost. Labor prices range between $5 and $11 per square foot depending on the complexity of the material. For example, delivery and installation of a gravel driveway will take minimal time and expertise whereas you may need a specialist to install permeable pavers or grid systems beneath your grass driveway.
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Factors That Affect the Cost of Building a Driveway
Your driveway design will be as unique as your home and how you use it on a daily basis. Keep these additional driveway cost factors in mind when calculating your bottom line.
Thickness
Your contractor will determine the thickness of your driveway depending on the material and the maximum weight load you require each day. The price range covers a standard driveway that falls between four and six inches thick. The cost will rise if you require a double layer of materials, ranging up to 12 inches, for heavy vehicles such as trucks and special equipment.
Protective Coats
The cost of sealing a driveway adds between $160 and $1,000 in addition to the installation. Sealing asphalt, concrete and paver driveways can prolong the driveway’s life and protect it from water damage, scratches and general wear and tear.
Finishes
Concrete driveways offer a wide range of creative finishes, allowing the material to mimic pavers and natural stone. Expect to add between $2 and $15 per square foot for the cost to stain concrete and another $9 to $25 per square foot if it’s stamped.
Drainage
In addition to permeable materials such as grass, gravel, aggregate and permeable pavers, thicker materials have drainage options as well. Permeable concrete, for example, costs between $4 and $21 per square foot to install and permeable asphalt costs $3 to $5 per square foot. Drainage systems in your yard cost an additional $2,500 to $8,000, depending on the type of drain.
Replacement Costs
Are you tearing up the old driveway and starting from scratch? Removing concrete costs $2 to $6 per square foot, while asphalt is just $1 to $3. Be sure to include the cost of junk removal if you’re handling this part yourself.
How to Save Money on a New Driveway
Installing a new driveway doesn’t have to cause sticker shock. There are ways to forgo professional installation with some materials, such as if you’re comfortable spreading gravel or laying interlocking pavers yourself. Additional tips for cutting costs include:
- Managing the land preparation and excavation on your own
- Speaking with at least three contractors to compare prices and contracts
- Adding finishes and sealants yourself
- Extending your timeline to avoid high-demand times of the year
- Opting for a cost-friendly material such as gravel or grass
- Avoiding installing your driveway over large tree roots
- Keeping your driveway as narrow as possible for your daily car load
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DIY Driveway Construction vs. Hiring a Professional
As previously mentioned, DIY driveway construction can be hit or miss. You may be able to distribute gravel, aggregate or even lay some homeowner-friendly pavers or grass grids without a professional.
However, keep in mind that many driveway designs require some form of excavation below the driveway. Not only is this process labor-intensive, but you may need specialized equipment to do it right and ensure proper drainage.
If you’re laying concrete, asphalt or pavers with a complex adhesion process, call a local driveway installer to get the job done.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed two providers and five cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a driveway last?
Driveways last an average of 20 years, though this depends on the driveway style you choose. Concrete and asphalt driveways, when well maintained, can last up to 30 years. Gravel and aggregate driveways can last much longer, but will need to be topped up every two to three years.
How much value does a new driveway add?
You can increase your property value between 5% and 10% when you install a new driveway. The exact number will vary based on the type of driveway you install, though concrete, asphalt and pavers will often come out on top. However, factors such as where you live, the local climate and even your neighborhood’s aesthetic can tip the scales.
Which is cheaper—a concrete or asphalt driveway?
An asphalt driveway addition is typically cheaper than installing concrete. Asphalt costs an average of $7 to $13 per square foot and concrete costs up to $9 to $24 for the same. Remember, asphalt will require more repairs over time, so you may save money in the long run when opting for concrete.
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