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>

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Q: What are some gravel alternatives for driveways?

• <div><p>Common alternatives to a gravel driveway include concrete, asphalt, brick, stone pavers, and permeable pavers. Concrete and asphalt are generally the most affordable options. However, concrete can be prone to cracking in cold climates, while asphalt may soften in areas with high heat and direct sun exposure. For enhanced curb appeal, brick, stone, and permeable pavers are popular choices, though their installation can be more expensive due to intricate designs. Stone pavers offer a natural look and are sometimes installed with gravel around them. Both permeable pavers and brick driveways provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent flooding and reduce water runoff.</p></div>

Q: What other driveway materials can I choose for my driveway?

• <div><p>Cobblestone is just one of many <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/choosing-perfect-material-your-driveway.htm">driveway materials</a>. Other, more economical, albeit less elaborate options include concrete, asphalt, and gravel. </p><p>If you want a material that most closely resembles cobblestone, your best option is bricks or pavers. Both cost anywhere from <b>$10 to $50 per square foot</b> and can be laid in all kinds of patterns. Depending on the type of paver you choose, you can also get a good bang for your buck by investing in durable natural stone. </p></div>

Q: How often should new asphalt be sealed after installation?

• <div><p>Sealing coat asphalt after 6-12 months and then every 2-3 years is recommended.</p></div>

Q: Can I retrofit my existing driveway?

• <div><p>Yes, you can retrofit an existing driveway, but this usually involves cutting grooves into the driveway, installing the heating elements, then sealing them. While this is much less expensive than typical heated driveway systems, the final appearance could be diminished. Speak with a driveway paving company to confirm which design method is best for you.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Benson, AZ

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Benson, AZ 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 Benson, AZ 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 26, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Ramon responded quickly to our roof leaking - it was a fairly large crack in the roof coating where it entered one of the scuppers. The leak caused about a two square foot hole to open up in the ceiling. We live way out in the country and his team was here quickly and set about getting the...
Southwest Roofing and Design LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
The team was very professional and worked with me on price to ensure that I had a good quality product and what I needed was complete. They removed face plates outlet covers the fridge, the oven and the washing machine machines to ensure all the walls were painted correctly. The house was about...
D.N.A's Custom Painting LLC
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Reviewed in June 2024
Quick, efficient, professional, affordable. Will be using them again for the St. David and Benson area (yes they do service towns outside of Phoenix!)
DTS Logistics LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
A&K Landscape has done a great job maintaining our lawn as well as keeping our landscape bushes trimmed and looking nice. Anthony is easy to work with and always willing to provide extra paid services when requested.
A and K Landscaping
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Reviewed in November 2023
Great people, excellent job, will hire this company for our home needs.
Desert Edge Construction and Renovations LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
All areas were very good
Southern AZ Home Inspections
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Reviewed in September 2023
Solluna did the restoration of my 1950's two car garage in Hyde Park Austin. The total sf was around 600sf. Since it a restoration we had to retain the original foot print and approximate height of the existing building. Permitting from the City of Austin was very challenging. Solluna did...
Solluna Builders
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Reviewed in August 2023
They are reasonable , they delivered sand to level off the ground, they stayed busy , , they were very polite. Cleaned up the area when done with the job
Jaybird Handyman and Hauling
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Reviewed in June 2023
Reliable,and thorough. Thanks Ed for a great job.
Grimes Gutter Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2022
My husband and I brought our new home ideas to David. He created a custom floor plan that fit our needs and he and his crew built a wonderful custom home in rural Pima County for us. Itâ s been 2 months since we moved in and each day Iâ m in awe of the craftsmanship and canâ t wait to come...
Good Boy Builders
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Benson

APS Chip Seal & Paving

4.8(

)

Serving Benson, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Driveway is done!! They took it from a camper on grass and rocks, falling apart driveway, crumbling parking pad to a gorgeous solid camper pad, parking pad, flat, no standing water on the driveway area. Leonard and the entire crew was the friendliest, most professional group, they worked hard, showed up when agreed on, finished quickly and gave me a “walk around” to make sure it met my standards before leaving. I got to meet the owner several times, he treated us like he’d known us forever each time we talked. I would definitely recommend APS Chip Seal & Paving."

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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Seal Right Specialist LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Benson, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Anthony and his crew were on time and did a fantastic job! They didn't leave until the job was completed. We have a hilltop driveway and all I can tell you was WOW, what a beautiful driveway I have now because of Seal Right. Thank you Anthony!"

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Aaron Trail Contracting Inc

5.0(

)

Serving Benson, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Nothing but a positive experience from Aaron Trail. Very easy to communicate with. Very prompt, kept all appointments. The new paint looks amazing and just the colors we selected. All stucco repairs that were made were blended so well, there is no way to tell where the original issues were! I already have recommended them to friends and family, I will continue to do so. Very happy with Aaron Trail! "

we also do repairing and repainting rod iron

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Common alternatives to a gravel driveway include concrete, asphalt, brick, stone pavers, and permeable pavers. Concrete and asphalt are generally the most affordable options. However, concrete can be prone to cracking in cold climates, while asphalt may soften in areas with high heat and direct sun exposure. For enhanced curb appeal, brick, stone, and permeable pavers are popular choices, though their installation can be more expensive due to intricate designs. Stone pavers offer a natural look and are sometimes installed with gravel around them. Both permeable pavers and brick driveways provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent flooding and reduce water runoff.

Cobblestone is just one of many driveway materials. Other, more economical, albeit less elaborate options include concrete, asphalt, and gravel.

If you want a material that most closely resembles cobblestone, your best option is bricks or pavers. Both cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per square foot and can be laid in all kinds of patterns. Depending on the type of paver you choose, you can also get a good bang for your buck by investing in durable natural stone.

Sealing coat asphalt after 6-12 months and then every 2-3 years is recommended.

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.

Yes, you can retrofit an existing driveway, but this usually involves cutting grooves into the driveway, installing the heating elements, then sealing them. While this is much less expensive than typical heated driveway systems, the final appearance could be diminished. Speak with a driveway paving company to confirm which design method is best for you.

The Benson, AZ 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

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Asphalt Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
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Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? [2026 Data]
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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.
Dan Simms
•
May 16, 2026May 16, 2026
Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways: Which Is Right for You?
Which one is better for your home, an asphalt or concrete driveway? Learn the difference in initial installation, pros and cons, and follow-up costs.
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•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Long Does an Asphalt Driveway Last? And Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.
Allie Ogletree
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Long Until You Can Drive on New Asphalt?
Asphalt driveways take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to dry enough for vehicles. Stay tuned to learn more about how long before you can drive on asphalt.