Paving with Asphalt
Asphalt (blacktop) is ideal for driveways due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and speed of installation compared to concrete.
Thickness Guidelines
- 1.5 - 2 Inches: Typical for resurfacing (overlay) an existing, stable driveway.
- 3 - 4 Inches: Required for a brand new driveway installation over a gravel base. This is often applied in two lifts (layers) of 1.5-2 inches each.
Density & Tonnage
The industry standard conversion is roughly 145 lbs per cubic foot. Unlike concrete (sold by volume/yard), asphalt is sold by weight (ton). A single-axle dump truck typically holds 5-10 tons, while a large tri-axle can carry 20-22 tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should asphalt be for a driveway?
For a new driveway on a gravel base, 3-4 inches (compacted) is recommended. For an overlay on existing asphalt, 1.5 to 2 inches is standard.
How much does a cubic yard of asphalt weigh?
Asphalt is dense. One cubic yard typically weighs about 3,900 to 4,000 lbs (approx. 2 tons), depending on the aggregate mix.
What does hot mix asphalt cost?
Prices vary, but hot mix asphalt typically costs between $100 and $150 per ton installed, though small DIY batches (cold patch) are much more expensive per unit.