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 Arcola, IL

Q: What are the parts of the driveway approach?

• <div><p>A driveway approach is the part of a driveway where the public road meets the private driveway. This section contains several key elements, including the driveway apron, the curb cut, and the end slope. Depending on the slope of the driveway, this area may also contain the trench drain. </p></div>

Q: Can you pave over a cracked asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>If your driveway is cracked, you can repave it with a process called asphalt overlay. Overlay is more cost-effective than a full replacement but is better suited for minor cracks and issues. If you have major cracks or other problems like water pooling, asphalt overlay isn&rsquo;t your best bet. Plus, paving over a cracked driveway only extends the lifetime by about 10 years, whereas replacing it would start the clock over completely to give you up to 30 years.</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: What is the most economical driveway material?

• <div><p>Gravel is the most economical and least expensive driveway material, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot. This is significantly cheaper than alternatives like asphalt or concrete. However, it's important to consider long-term costs, as gravel driveways require regular maintenance. You will likely need to add new gravel filling once or twice a year and regularly rake it to keep it level, which can add to the overall cost over time.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Arcola, IL

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Arcola, IL 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 Arcola, IL 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 December 24, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
It went very well. The crew of workers was very professional. They came on time and finished on time. They cleaned up after they finished the job. The driveway looks brand new. They really walked the talk. My wife and I could not be more pleased. The price was right. I would highly recommend...
Beachy Concrete II LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Tyler and his entire team worked quickly and effectively to get our old, improperly installed metal roof removed and cleaned up and installed an entirely new shingle roof as well as all new sheeting to insure my roof was installed correctly and would last for numerous years to come. He and his...
Redemption Contractors LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
The gentleman that surfaced our driveway did a great job and was very professional. We will definitely use this company again.
Joeye Newell Asphalt
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Reviewed in July 2023
Green Wave Lawn Care tore out our old landscaping and put in all brand new edging, rock and mulch! They were on time, friendly, professional and most of all a great price!!! I would highly recommend Green Wave Lawn Care for all your lawn/landscape needs!! Five star!!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Green Wave Lawn Care
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Reviewed in July 2023
Dan didnâ t outstanding job on my project. His communication was outstanding. He kept me up to date when the weather got bad on the concrete. Couldnâ t be happier with his project. I love my new patio and sidewalk. You I wont go wrong hiring him., and he is a veteran, which in my book makes...
Dan and The Man
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Reviewed in October 2021
I had Ron do an inspection of my house. Ron was great to work with .he explained how and why for needed improvements .after my improvements, I know I will get the most out of my sale...thanks Ron for being so helpful..
Ron Smith Custom Real Estate Inspections
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Reviewed in April 2021
Reuben and his crew were wonderful. We had them install the metal siding, shingle roofing and metal roofing on our home (which is new construction). They were prompt, friendly, professional, and provided excellent quality work. We will be using them again this summer to do work on our dock at...
Marvon Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
It went well. They have always cleaned my carpet! They are hard working people! They did a good job!
FLOOR SHOW
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Reviewed in June 2020
The driveway and patio look great, but he ruined my front yard in the process. Six phone calls and 3 letters later, over the course of the last 8 months, and he still hasn't come to fix my yard. I finally had to hire a landscaper to make it look nice again.
SANDERS QUALITY CONCRETE
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Reviewed in February 2020
Complete tear off & replacement of asphalt shingle roof. We are totally satisfied with the work. It, as well as clean-up, was out-standing. Everyone worked well together to give us a more than great final product. Denny & Jo Williams, Garrett, IL
Otto's Construction
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Arcola

Central Paving & Sealcoating, Inc.

4.7(

)

Serving Arcola, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great job and good detail would recommend them for driveway work,reasonabley price, and nice workers."

+16

Response time2 days

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Serving Arcola, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Overall I was very impressed with K and D Excavating, they did a great job start to finish. Very professional, great work ethic and always on time. I will continue to use them in the future and would highly recommend them."

Response time3 days

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Request Quote

Big and Small Concrete Services

3.5(

)

Serving Arcola, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

"I am a contractor myself and these guys have done numerous projects for me on both parking lots and several driveways. The quality of work and service this company girdles is unmatched!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Stanley's Home Improvement

3.3(

)

Serving Arcola, IL 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

Serving Arcola, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With a knack for excellence, Wells Asphalt can handle all your residential needs big or small. Call us today and let us be your 1 stop solution to all your paving needs.

Response time20 mins

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Gateway Roof Cleaning

1.7(

)

Serving Arcola, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Gateway Roof Cleaning provides quality work to our customers in doing cleaning services we ensure the highest level of service if you need a pro call us. \nThe chemicals we use don't threaten health to family, pets, trees, shrubs flowerbeds, or anything else. We only use low pressure cleaning.\n\n

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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Elite Paving & Sealcoating, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Arcola, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Big enough to serve, small enough to care. Quality is our Goal! We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity, and stands behind our work. We specialize in all asphalt paving and sealcoating services. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction! Give us a call today!

Response time3 hrs

Response rate100%

Request Quote

Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

A driveway approach is the part of a driveway where the public road meets the private driveway. This section contains several key elements, including the driveway apron, the curb cut, and the end slope. Depending on the slope of the driveway, this area may also contain the trench drain.

If your driveway is cracked, you can repave it with a process called asphalt overlay. Overlay is more cost-effective than a full replacement but is better suited for minor cracks and issues. If you have major cracks or other problems like water pooling, asphalt overlay isn’t your best bet. Plus, paving over a cracked driveway only extends the lifetime by about 10 years, whereas replacing it would start the clock over completely to give you up to 30 years.

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.

Gravel is the most economical and least expensive driveway material, costing between $1 and $3 per square foot. This is significantly cheaper than alternatives like asphalt or concrete. However, it's important to consider long-term costs, as gravel driveways require regular maintenance. You will likely need to add new gravel filling once or twice a year and regularly rake it to keep it level, which can add to the overall cost over time.

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.

The Arcola, IL homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

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