How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

• <div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Melbourne, AR

Q: What is asphalt edging?

• <div><p>Asphalt edging secures the sides of your driveway to prevent crumbling and cracking over time. Most driveways have edges with a 45-degree grading. This helps transfer some of the stress from the asphalt to the ground underneath. If your driveway doesn&rsquo;t have proper edging, the pressure from your car may break down the edges over time.</p></div>

Q: How long does an asphalt milling driveway last?

• <div><p>With proper maintenance, asphalt milling driveways can last 30 years or more. Over time, you&rsquo;ll need to regularly sealcoat your driveway. You should also have your driveway inspected every few years and make any repairs as soon as they are necessary; this will prolong the lifespan of your driveway.</p></div>

Q: What is the best material for steep driveways?

• <div><p>Several materials are suitable for steep driveways. Gravel and crushed stone are affordable options that provide good traction. Permeable pavers&mdash;such as plastic, rubber, or concrete&mdash;filled with gravel or crushed stones are also excellent, as they allow water to drain without causing erosion and perform well in ice and snow. Another option is resin, which can be coated with an anti-slip finish and helps prevent puddles. For added stability, you can install a retaining wall to prevent pavers and gravel from shifting over time.</p></div>

Q: Why should I use asphalt for my outdoor basketball court?

• <div><p>Asphalt, which is stone mixed with tar, is the most common material for outdoor basketball courts because it&rsquo;s so sturdy and versatile. However, you don't have to use it: another option is polymeric rubber, which has shock pads that can prevent injury. This option is a little more expensive, ranging between <b>$16 and $25 per square foot</b>.</p><p>Materials used for indoor basketball courts, such as hardwoods, aren&rsquo;t really an option outdoors.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your asphalt driveway service project in Melbourne, AR?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Melbourne, AR

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Melbourne, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Melbourne, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on October 23, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Burrow home improvements did a wonderful job on our home! Full bathroom remodel, new subflooring, carpet and laminate plank flooring, drywall and painting/staining, everything! They are very knowledgeable on the best products to use and always kept us informed through the entire process. They...
Amy Burrow
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2025
Mike & JR did gr8 work rebuilding my 60'x8' deck at a very good price. They ran into a few problems but worked them out like they weren't even there and never stopped. Pleasant, professional and knowledgeable and went above to complete the job on time. Very happy with the results...
2 Bros Construction, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2025
Very polite,and friendly, did a good job,cleaned up afterwards. Would highly recommend their service.
Simpli Property Preservation LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Did an excellent job on my yard and installed a window. Gave me a good rate for both and was very courteous
Manning's Maintenance and Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2023
Went smooth with professional like Tony
Storehouse Remodeling LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
We have an old network and needed help to see if it would interface with some current applications that did not exist when the network was set up. Grant walked us through what we needed to do. Showed up on time very professional.
NeoPhoenix Digital Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
Our project was to refurbish a gravel driveway and construct a new section of gravel driveway through a heavily wooded area. They did an excellent job. Driveway is smoother to drive on than ever before.. I do not hesitate to recommend their service.
MPX LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2021
We are so pleased with the work that was done. They were very thorough, and even cleaned up some structural issues that they did not have to do. You can trust these folks.
Arkansas Performance Roofing LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2021
It was a pleasure dealing with Triple S Guttering. After I called they were very prompt and fair with the appraisal. Within just a few days the crew professionally installed my gutters. After installation they made sure I was happy and asked if I had any questions about what they had done. I...
Triple S Guttering
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2021
They were quick to respond!
Bramlett's Tree Service
Request a quote

Find Asphalt driveway pros in Melbourne

Tony's Paving

5.0(

)

Serving Melbourne, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I’ve hired Tonys Paving on numerous occasions! Tony and his crew is a great company, they do exactly what they say they’ll do. I will definitely hire them again when the necessity arises!"

+12

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

HAT Seal Coating & Asphalt Repairs LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Melbourne, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

"They did a great job. And communication was awesome!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Stanley's Home Improvement

3.3(

)

Serving Melbourne, AR and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did a great job.. I had a lot of big trees hanging over my house They brought the bucket truck in and got it done very fast and professionally. Very polite workers"

Recommended by77%of homeowners

Request Quote

Mega Movers Builders and Developers, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Melbourne, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

"Extremely professional, punctual, great company."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Asphalt edging secures the sides of your driveway to prevent crumbling and cracking over time. Most driveways have edges with a 45-degree grading. This helps transfer some of the stress from the asphalt to the ground underneath. If your driveway doesn’t have proper edging, the pressure from your car may break down the edges over time.

With proper maintenance, asphalt milling driveways can last 30 years or more. Over time, you’ll need to regularly sealcoat your driveway. You should also have your driveway inspected every few years and make any repairs as soon as they are necessary; this will prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

Several materials are suitable for steep driveways. Gravel and crushed stone are affordable options that provide good traction. Permeable pavers—such as plastic, rubber, or concrete—filled with gravel or crushed stones are also excellent, as they allow water to drain without causing erosion and perform well in ice and snow. Another option is resin, which can be coated with an anti-slip finish and helps prevent puddles. For added stability, you can install a retaining wall to prevent pavers and gravel from shifting over time.

Asphalt, which is stone mixed with tar, is the most common material for outdoor basketball courts because it’s so sturdy and versatile. However, you don't have to use it: another option is polymeric rubber, which has shock pads that can prevent injury. This option is a little more expensive, ranging between $16 and $25 per square foot.

Materials used for indoor basketball courts, such as hardwoods, aren’t really an option outdoors.

The Melbourne, AR homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway? [2026 Data]
The average cost to pave a driveway is $4,897, but prices vary by size and material. This guide breaks down common cost factors and helps you budget.
Timothy Moore
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? [2026 Data]
Calculate the cost of installing a new asphalt driveway based on dimensions, depth, finishes, and other custom driveway details.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost? [2026 Data]
Don’t knock it until you try it. A heated driveway can save you a lot of manual labor in colder months. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of a heated driveway.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
22 Driveway Ideas: Styles and Shapes Suitable for Every Home
Get new driveway inspiration with this list of the best driveway ideas for all types of homes.
D.P. Taylor
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
6 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Pavement
Asphalt is a long-lasting material, but it is at risk of damage from moisture and contaminants. Here’s how to protect your asphalt pavement for years.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
The Best Driveway Paving Alternatives
Here are some driveway paving alternatives if you'd like a cheaper, more durable, or more aesthetically pleasing option than a paved concrete driveway.