A blacktop driveway costs $7 to $15 per square foot for new installation, or $4,200 to $9,000 for a standard two-car driveway. Blacktop and asphalt are the same material -- both are a mix of aggregate stone and liquid asphalt cement used to create a smooth, durable paved surface.
What Is Blacktop?
Blacktop is the common name for hot-mix asphalt used in driveway and road paving. The term comes from its characteristic dark black color when freshly laid. There is no meaningful difference between blacktop and asphalt for residential driveways -- contractors use the terms interchangeably. When you request a blacktop driveway, you are getting an asphalt driveway.
Blacktop Cost by Project Type
The type of work you need has the biggest impact on your total cost.
Blacktop driveway cost by project type
| Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New Blacktop Driveway | $7 – $15/ sq ft |
| Blacktop Resurfacing | $3 – $7/ sq ft |
| Sealcoating | $0.5 – $1.5/ sq ft |
| Crack Filling | $1 – $3/ sq ft |
| Pothole Repair | $100 – $400each |
New Installation
A new blacktop driveway includes site preparation, grading, laying a compacted gravel base (typically 6 to 8 inches), and applying 2 to 3 inches of hot-mix asphalt. The entire process takes 1 to 3 days depending on the size.
Resurfacing
Resurfacing applies a new 1.5 to 2 inch layer of blacktop over your existing driveway. This is the best option when the base is still solid but the surface is cracked, faded, or worn. Resurfacing costs roughly half the price of a full replacement and adds 8 to 15 years of life.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating applies a protective layer over the blacktop surface to guard against UV rays, water, oil, and chemicals. It should be done every 2 to 3 years starting about 6 months after initial installation. Regular sealcoating is the single best thing you can do to extend your driveway's life.
Cost by Driveway Size
Here is what to expect based on common driveway dimensions for a new blacktop installation.
- Single-car driveway (200 sq ft): $1,400 to $3,000
- Two-car driveway (600 sq ft): $4,200 to $9,000
- Large driveway (1,000 sq ft): $7,000 to $15,000
- Long rural driveway (2,000 sq ft): $14,000 to $30,000
Larger projects often have a lower per-square-foot cost because the mobilization and setup costs are spread across more area. If you are paving a long rural driveway, ask contractors about volume discounts.
What Affects Blacktop Pricing?
Base preparation: If significant grading, drainage work, or old pavement removal is needed, costs increase. A solid base is critical for a long-lasting driveway.
Thickness: Standard residential blacktop is 2 inches thick over a 6 to 8 inch gravel base. Heavy-duty driveways for trucks or RVs may need 3 to 4 inches, increasing cost by 15 to 25 percent.
Oil prices: Asphalt is a petroleum byproduct, so material costs fluctuate with oil prices. Prices tend to be higher in summer when demand peaks.
Location: Labor and material costs vary by region. Urban areas generally cost more than rural locations.
How Long Does a Blacktop Driveway Last?
A well-installed blacktop driveway lasts 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. The keys to maximizing lifespan are regular sealcoating, prompt crack repair, and good drainage. Avoid parking heavy equipment in the same spot during hot weather, as blacktop softens in extreme heat.
For a detailed comparison of blacktop versus other driveway materials, see our asphalt driveway cost guide and concrete vs asphalt driveway comparison.
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