There is nothing sleeker than a brand-new driveway snaking its way up the front of your property. But with all of the wear and tear that New Zealand’s weather system wreaks on driveways across the country, it’s no wonder that you see so many driveways in desperate need of a refresh.
A lot of the time, we find that the idea of the cost of asphalt driveway repairs or replacements can put people off before they’ve even enquired. If booking a new or replacement driveway is something you’re considering, read on to get the real breakdown on how much a new asphalt driveway can cost you (and why it might not be as much as you think).
How Are Asphalt Driveways Priced?
In figuring out the cost of asphalt driveway estimates, you’ll usually be dealing with a quote per square metre, although this can vary from company to company. Here are some of the most common pricing methods you might see pop up on an asphalt driveway quote:
- Cost per square metre: This is the standard method. In New Zealand, asphalt driveway prices range from $80 to $150 per m², depending on materials, location, and site conditions.
- Site preparation costs: If your site needs excavation, drainage solutions, or levelling, these can add a one-off project cost (usually somewhere between $1,000 to $5,000), though keep in mind that this is not always the case.
- Driveway complexity: Sloped driveways, curved shapes, or long rural accessways are often a bit tougher to create, so they can cost more, but this is dependent on the company you work with.
- Base layer construction: A strong base layer is essential for durability. If your base layer needs replacing or hasn’t stood the test of time, this can increase your costs.
While these phases of your project can impact the cost of asphalt driveway replacement or repairs, they aren’t the only factors at play.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Asphalt Driveways?
The size and layout of your driveway.
Pretty straightforward: the bigger the driveway, the more it’ll cost. But it’s not just size. If your driveway has bends, a roundabout, or is steep, that’ll take more work and material.
The ground conditions.
If your site is soft or uneven, it’ll need more prep work before any asphalt goes down. This could mean compacting the soil, sorting out drainage, or first digging out the old surface.
The thickness and quality of the asphalt.
Not all asphalt is the same. A standard residential driveway might get 25–30mm of asphalt, but you’ll want a thicker layer for strength if you’ve got heavy vehicles or a trailer parked on it. Thicker asphalt costs a bit more, but it lasts longer, too.
The turnaround time.
If you need a new driveway sorted really quickly, the rush might raise the price a bit. You might strike gold and find a company happy to take on the work at a moment’s notice, but most of the time, you’ll need to plan your driveway overhaul well in advance.
What About the Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveway Cost?
If you’re considering asphalt or concrete for your new driveway, then it’s helpful to know how some immediate and long-term costs might differ. From a purely upfront perspective, the cost of asphalt driveway installation is generally lower than concrete, although this can also depend on the company.
Maintenance-wise, both are excellent options, but concrete is well-known as being a fairly robust option with little maintenance required. That said, it can crack in very cold weather.
Asphalt, on the other hand, requires a quick resealing every few years that can cost a few hundred dollars, but it also tends to handle Aotearoa’s climate swings better than concrete. Many Kiwi property owners choose asphalt as their go-to for driveways.
Cleaning, crack repair in the years to come, and an occasional seal coat are the only ongoing costs to expect. All of these are manageable and can be minimised with the right amount of care.
Oddly enough, one of the most important things you can do to minimise the cost of asphalt driveway installation is to choose a reputable contractor. Contractors with little experience or poor technique will end up costing you more in the long run, as your driveway will give up well before its time and need to be excavated for replacement.
The best way to find out how much an asphalt driveway will cost is to secure a quote from a trusted team.
Find out the cost of an asphalt driveway estimate for your project with Asphalt and Civil.
At Asphalt & Civil, we are proud to be the trusted name for concrete and asphalt paving in New Zealand. If you want to know the cost of an asphalt driveway estimate for your property or simply have questions about the process, enjoy a no-pressure enquiry with our team to get started!