"When Wayne came to give us an estimate, there was a crevice between the end of the garage floor and the driveway. Wayne said the crevice was caused by the salt from the cars eating away the cinder block foundation below the garage floor. The issue was fixed with concrete before the driveway installation. So not only did we get a new driveway, but we fixed a previously undiagnosed problem. In addition, the crew did a good job of cleaning up the street before they left the premises."
"Brady and his crew did a fantastic job! We love our new driveway and will definitely be calling him again for more concrete work. Highly recommend Brady’s Concrete and Construction!"
I let them know a month a head of time that I wanted the driveway replaced before a Graduation party we were having at our house. They had no problem working with the timeline that I provided. They showed up, got to work, and finished all in one day. I was a little concerned how they would handle pouring around the retaining wall blocks and it turned out wonderful! The crew was great to have around. Almost two years later the driveway still looks as good as it day they poured it.
"Very high quality work. Came back and fixed a part that I had messed up when I got gas and oil on the driveway. Most of the neighbors had them come and do work on their driveways after seeing mine."
"It went great! They installed as soon as our grass was down. They let us bundle with our neighbor and have a military discount as well. Great place would hire again for fence purposes!"
"They showed up at the time they said they would and were very efficient, clean and detailed orient. Would recommend them for any driveway and sidewalk job. Will definitely look to them for future work as well. Hopefully a stamped patio in the near future."
A solid driveway starts with the right asphalt mix, and for most homes, dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most recommended. It’s both durable and flexible, making it a reliable choice for residential use. A properly compacted 2-3 inch layer on a well-prepared crushed stone base will hold up for years. In areas with harsh winters or scorching summers, a slightly modified mix can help prevent cracking and rutting. No matter the climate, quality installation is just as important as the material itself, so hiring an experienced contractor ensures a smooth, long-lasting driveway built to last.
While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.
When comparing installation costs, asphalt is often less expensive upfront than concrete. Asphalt prices typically range from $7 to $15 per square foot, while concrete can range from $3 to $18 per square foot. However, long-term costs should also be considered. Concrete driveways generally last longer (up to twice as long) and require less maintenance, which can make them more affordable over their lifespan. While asphalt has a lower installation cost and is easier to repair, it requires more frequent maintenance, such as sealing, which can add up over time. Therefore, while concrete is more expensive initially, its durability may offset the cost in the long run.
You should contact your driveway installer before winterizing a newly installed driveway. Winterizing it before the asphalt or concrete has fully cured can damage the driveway. But in many cases, you don't need to winterize a newly installed driveway anyway since it's likely freshly sealed and won't have much damage yet.
It’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide on your priorities for your driveway. Gravel won’t be an appropriate choice if your driveway experiences heavy traffic. You’ll find that you need to level and top it off regularly, which could make the material a much more expensive option.
The New Prague, MN homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a concrete driveway in Minneapolis, MN, varies based on size and concrete type. This cost guide breaks down all the key factors to help you budget.
Use our guide to calculate the cost to seal an asphalt driveway in Minneapolis, MN. Prices vary based on the type of sealant and the size of the driveway.
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.
