You know it’s time: your driveway is old and may have cracks or holes.
Or perhaps you’re getting ready to sell your Michigan home and want your house to have the greatest curb appeal possible.
Regardless: you know that replacing your driveway is going to be expensive.
The question you have is: how expensive?
We’re here to answer that question.
Before we do so, we have a question for you:
Do you want a concrete or asphalt driveway?
Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. The cost of installation (and, later, repair) can vary widely depending on several factors.
Some basic numbers: according to ProMatcher.com, the average cost of an asphalt driveway installation is $3.14 per square foot, with the range of $2.34 to $3.93).
This includes tear out and installation.
The average cost of a installing a concrete driveway is $4.91 per square foot, with a range of $3.27 to $6.55, including tear out and installation.
Remember that these figures are just averages.
The actual cost of your driveway depends on several factors. For example, your driveway’s shape and size play an important role in determining the total square footage, which will then affect your total cost.
In addition, if your existing driveway needs to be removed before a new one can be put in, your cost will increase.
Another important factor: is the paving material you choose
Hot mix asphalt is a popular choice for residential driveways; it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
However, it’s not as durable as concrete and may (probably) will require to repair more frequently throughout its life than a concrete driveway.
Concrete, though, is much more durable: it can last 25-30 years with proper maintenance. Yet it’s also – as noted above – much more expensive.
The paving material’s thickness also is a cost factor
A two-inch asphalt driveway is less expensive to install than a four-inch think driveway. Yet it’s also less durable and will need repairs sooner and more often.
A four-inch-thick concrete driveway also is more expensive than a two-inch concrete driveway. It also will last longer.
Let’s talk about labor costs.
The cost of labor is a major factor to consider. This can depend on various factors, including the complexity and size of your project, the experience/skill level of the contractor, and the local labor market.
Labor costs for asphalt driveways (these figures are nationwide, not Michigan-specific) 2022 were between $5 and $7 per square foot.
Asphalt driveway installation costs in snapshot:
- Asphalt costs around $100 to $200/ton.
- A 600-square-foot asphalt driveway needs between 7 and 15 tons.
- A driveway’s absolute minimum asphalt depth is two inches, yet most people should opt for six inches.
Heated driveway costs
Many people in Michigan want a heated driveway. This makes sense as having a heated driveway can keep the driveway to and from your home ice- and snow-free, which can be a serious consideration during Michigan’s notoriously cold/icy/snowy winters.
You might think that such a driveway must be made of concrete or under pavers, but asphalt driveways can be turned into heated paths with PVC tubing placed underneath the pavement.
The tubing zigzags beneath your pavement, and a heated water-antifreeze mixture is circulated via the tubing, warming your driveway – whether made of concrete or asphalt.
These driveways are even more expensive than a concrete driveways (even when made of asphalt. Their costs range between $12 and $21 per square foot, including materials and installation.
In short, a heated driveway often will cost two to three times as much as a “regular” driveway.
Concrete is our recommended driveway material
Ultimately when it comes to choosing between concrete or asphalt for your driveway, we recommend concrete for several reasons. Concrete driveways are not only more visually appealing and modern, they also provide exceptional lifetime value.
Asphalt tends to deteriorate and require frequent repairs, whereas concrete driveways are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions and maintain their structural integrity over time.
With their smooth and sleek appearance, concrete driveways enhance the curb appeal of any property, adding value and leaving a memorable impression. Choosing a concrete driveway ensures a beautiful and long-lasting investment surpassing an asphalt driveway’s aesthetic and functional qualities.
When choosing between a concrete or asphalt driveway, concrete emerges as the superior option for several reasons. Concrete driveways not only offer a visually appealing and modern look, but they also provide exceptional lifetime value. Unlike asphalt, which tends to deteriorate and require frequent repairs, concrete driveways are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and the test of time without losing their structural integrity.
Concrete driveways require minimal maintenance, saving homeowners time and money in the long run. With their smooth and sleek appearance, concrete driveways enhance the curb appeal of any property, adding value and leaving a lasting impression. Whether for residential or commercial purposes, choosing a concrete driveway ensures a beautiful and long-lasting investment surpassing an asphalt driveway’s aesthetic and functional qualities.
Rock Solid Exteriors has been serving Michigan homeowners for 10 years, helping install beautiful concrete driveways.
