How Much Does It Really Cost to Pave Driveways? What Homeowners Need to Know

A new driveway can boost safety and curb appeal alike. However, many homeowners are surprised by how much the average driveway paving costs in the St. Louis area varies.

At a Glance: How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway?

Note: The estimates below are average costs for the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Actual costs will vary based on site conditions, materials, and project complexity.

Asphalt Driveway Costs

• 20x20 (400 sq. ft.), total project costs: $4,000.00-$5,500.00
  • 20x20, material costs: $1,200.00-$1,500.00
    • 20x20 labor costs: $2,800.00-4,000.00
• 10x10 (100 sq. ft.), total project costs: $1,500.00-2,250.00
  • 10x10, material costs: $500.00-750.00
  • 10x10 labor costs: $1,000.00-1,500.00

Poured Concrete Driveway Costs

• 20x20 (400 sq. ft.), total project costs: $5,500.00-7,500.00
  • 20x20, material costs: $2,000.00-3,000.00
    • 20x20 labor costs: $3,500.00-4,500.00
• 10x10 (100 sq. ft.), total project costs: $2,000.00-3,000.00
  • 10x10, material costs: $1,000.00-1,500.00
  • 10x10 labor costs: $1,000.00-1,500.00

Gravel Driveway Costs

• 20x20 (400 sq. ft.), total project costs: $3,500.00-4,500.00
  • 20x20, material costs: $500.00-1,500.00
    • 20x20 labor costs: $3,000.00
• 10x10 (100 sq. ft.), total project costs: $1,625.00-1,875.00
  • 10x10, material costs: $125.00-375.00
  • 10x10 labor costs: $1,500.00

Factors Influencing Total Cost of Paving

Old vs New Driveways

If you already have an existing driveway, your costs may increase due to professional removal of the old driveway and proper disposal of the materials. However, new driveways that require significant grading and site preparation can also drive up costs.

Paving Material Costs

Different driveway materials come with different upfront costs. Asphalt is typically the most budget-friendly option, while poured concrete costs more upfront but offers a longer lifespan and durability. Premium options like decorative concrete or pavers can increase costs even further due to installation complexity.

Labor Rates

Labor often makes up a large portion of installation costs. Labor costs often include:

• Site preparation
• Driveway installation
• Sealcoating
• Warranties

Driveway Size

The size of your driveway directly impacts cost; larger driveways naturally require more materials, more labor, and more time to complete. Since paving contractors typically calculate pricing based on square footage, even small increases in size can lead to noticeable price changes.

Upkeep

Every driveway material comes with different maintenance needs. Asphalt may require sealing every few years, while gravel needs occasional leveling and replenishment. Planning for proper maintenance helps protect your investment and can reduce long-term repair costs.

FAQs

How much does it cost to pave a 2000-square-foot driveway?

It typically costs around $20,000.00-27,500.00 to pave a 2000-square-foot driveway.

How much is a 20x20 asphalt driveway?

A new 20x20 asphalt driveway typically costs $4,000.00-$5,500.00.

How much does it cost to blacktop a 1000-sq-ft driveway?

It often costs around $11,000.00-$14,000.00to blacktop a 1000-square-foot driveway.

How much is gravel per square foot?

Gravel usually costs $8.75-$9.50 per square foot.

How much does it cost to repave a 1000-ft driveway with concrete?

The average cost to repave a 1000-ft driveway with concrete is $13,750.00-$18,750.00.

How much does it cost to repave a 2000-ft driveway with concrete?

The average cost to repave a 2000-ft driveway with concrete is $26,000-$35,000.

How much are labor costs for paving a 1000-ft driveway?

The average labor costs for paving a 1000-ft driveway with concrete are [$7,000-$10,000.00.

How much are labor costs for paving a 2000-ft driveway?

The average labor costs for paving a 2000-ft driveway with concrete are [13,000.00-$18,000.00].

What makes driveway paving expensive?

Driveway paving becomes more expensive when projects require extensive site preparation, removal of an existing driveway, installing premium materials, exploring drainage solutions, or creating complex designs.

Paving a Driveway: Why It's Worth It

A professionally installed driveway does more than provide a place to park; it can make your home safer and look better too. Knowing how much it costs to pave driveways can give St. Louisans the confidence they need to move ahead with their next home improvement project.