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How much does driveway replacement cost?
The short answer
Driveway replacement, including tearing out the old one, typically costs $6 to $12 per sq ft for asphalt, $8 to $18 for concrete, $2 to $5 for gravel over a proper base, and $12 to $25 for pavers. A standard two-car driveway of about 600 sq ft therefore runs roughly $4,000 to $7,500 in asphalt or $6,000 to $11,000 in concrete.
Replacement costs more than a fresh install because you pay to remove and haul the old driveway first, about $1 to $3 per sq ft of the total. Get quotes that separate tear-out, base work, and surface, because the base is where cheap jobs cheat and where lifespan is decided.
Whatever surface you choose, water decides its life. A driveway pitched to drain away from the garage, with a compacted base at proper depth, outlasts a prettier surface laid on shortcuts.
Cost by material
| Material | Per sq ft, replacement | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel, over compacted base | $2 to $5 | 10 years, with top-ups |
| Asphalt | $6 to $12 | 20 to 30 years, sealed every few years |
| Concrete | $8 to $18 | 30 to 40 years |
| Concrete pavers | $12 to $25 | 30 to 50 years, repairable per unit |
Stamped or colored concrete prices between plain concrete and pavers. In freeze-thaw regions, air-entrained concrete and proper control joints are not upgrades, they are requirements.
Repair, resurface, or replace?
- Isolated cracks and minor settling: repair and seal, hundreds of dollars
- Surface worn but base sound: asphalt overlay or concrete resurfacing, mid-range
- Widespread cracking, heaving, or drainage failure: full replacement, the base is the problem
- Any driveway sending water toward the foundation: replacement with regrading, whatever the surface looks like
Questions for your contractor
Ask base depth and material in writing, compaction method, concrete thickness and reinforcement, joint spacing, and the cure plan. Vague answers here are the most expensive kind.
Questions homeowners ask
How long until I can drive on it?
Asphalt: usually 2 to 3 days for cars, longer for heavy vehicles in heat. Concrete: 7 days for cars is the common guidance, full cure at 28 days.
Why did my quote include drainage work?
Because standing water and bad pitch destroy driveways. A contractor who prices drainage is fixing the cause, not padding the bill.
Do I need a permit?
Often yes, especially where the driveway meets the street apron. Your contractor should know the local rule and pull it.