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 Columbus, NC

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: Do asphalt driveways crack?

• <div><p>Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-causes-concrete-and-asphalt-driveway-cracks.htm">cause asphalt to crack,</a> including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.</p></div>

Q: What’s the best type of driveway for the snow?

• <div><p>Asphalt driveways are affordable and able to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The asphalt surface makes it easy to plow snow, and it has excellent traction for slippery winter days. Another benefit: it absorbs heat from the sun and can then help to melt snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces.</p></div>

Q: When should I repair or replace my driveway?

• <div><p>The decision to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-repair-should-you-patch-resurface-or-replace.htm">repair or replace your driveway</a> depends on the extent of the damage. If your driveway has a few small cracks, a simple repair will do the trick. If you see larger cracks and potholes, it may be time to consider resurfacing or replacement. Resurfacing is a great option if more than 25% of the surface is damaged, but if the damage is extensive&mdash;deep cracks or significant sinking&mdash;it&rsquo;s best to replace the driveway entirely. A new driveway, with proper care, can last decades while patching or resurfacing might only hold up for a few years before needing more attention.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Columbus, NC

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Columbus, NC 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 Columbus, NC 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 April 29, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Super job and started on time. They did a great job on both projects - both the driveway and the section of the driveway they underpinned with a great looking retaining wall.
Clad Outdoor Designs
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Reviewed in May 2025
I hired Eastwood Excavation to put in a 850? driveway and prep my site for the building pad. They did a great job and the site turned out great. Brandon knows what he is doing and does it well.
Eastwood Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
We started using them when we purchased our home because they had been used by the previous owners and the landscaping looked great. They have done a great job for us. They also do extra jobs like installing a brand new stone walkway, installing landscaping shrubs when needed, driveway clearing...
Garden Master
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Reviewed in December 2024
DJ and the crew were AMAZING! I could not have asked for a better company to work with. I was living in another state when my driveway was being done and DJ made it so easy to coordinate the project with me. The driveway came out fantastic and their attention to detail was impeccable. If you...
Clad Outdoor Designs LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
We have a large concrete driveway that had lots mildew and needed an aggressive cleaning. Andre worked incredibly hard at making sure the job was done correctly. He showed with new equipment and left us with a spotless driveway and awnings. Job well done! Highly recommend!!
Carolina Power Clean, L.L.C
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Reviewed in October 2023
PSW Services did a great job cleaning not only our house but our driveway, walkway, and back patio. All for a great price too! When my 4- year old saw the walkway he said, â wow Mommy! Our walkway looks brand new! Now thats what I call quality work. If a child can see the difference, then you...
PSW Services
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Reviewed in March 2023
5 stars! The company had great customer services, was easily reachable. The driveway was better than we imagined and they did everything within 24 hours. I would highly recommend their work and will be using them in the future!
Concrete Driveway Co.
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Reviewed in April 2022
I am very pleased with my driveway it was very dirty before and now I can’t stop smiling every time I come home thank you guys very much
A&I Pressure Wash Pros LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
The owner, Cody Bullock was professional, reliable and communicated well. He listened to and addressed my concerns regarding a steep, narrow and curving driveway. All items delivered safely. The price was lower than expected. I would recommend his company Right Choice Moving.
Right Choice Moving, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2021
Fixed driveway after severe storm damage. Home location was not easy to get to and Driveway Doctor came out for estimate and did the work within 2 weeks or so. Job well done, thanks Driveway Doctor.
Driveway Doctor
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Columbus

Ducker Land Management

4.6(

)

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went good. They did a good job. They cleaned up after themselves."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mulch was laid down nicely all along driveway and still looks good after two months of rain. The asphalt sealing job is top notch…not a skimpy spray on job but top quality sealant squeegeed evenly on the asphalt that was showing a lot of signs of wear and cracking. Tie-in to the street looks great and extra time was spent making it look perfect. I’m really happy with the quality workmanship and timely manner in which it was done after having to wait for the rainy days to stop and surface to be dry enough for sealing to happen."

Landscaping Project and Sealing Driveway

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He answered my call right away. He worked around my very busy schedule. They installed Millings in my parking and walk ways and front culvert along the road for weed control! The crew was very polite and went above and beyond. I had a hard project that had lots of fences to work around and objects , and he did a great job getting everything packed in and was very reasonable with the price."

Response time8 hrs

Response rate100%

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Tri-City Paving, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They do a great work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Moore Asphalt

New to Angi

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Moore Asphalt is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Fully Construction LLC

New to Angi

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

We provide complete facility solutions designed to keep your spaces clean, safe, and running smoothly. From routine cleaning and maintenance to repairs and specialized services, we deliver reliable results that give our clients peace of mind.\n\nWhy choose us? Because we focus on quality, consistency, and professionalism in every job. Our team is detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to tailoring solutions that fit your specific needs — whether for offices, retail, industrial sites, or residential properties.\n\nWhen you work with us, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to maintaining your facilities with efficiency and care, so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business and enjoying your space.

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Vr painting and Sealcoating

New to Angi

Serving Columbus, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

I pride myself on my professionalism, as well as my ability to complete every job to the homeowner's total satisfaction. I never leave a job unfinished, or a homeowner not 100% satisfied with my level of service - Call today!

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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.

Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.

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.

Asphalt driveways are affordable and able to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The asphalt surface makes it easy to plow snow, and it has excellent traction for slippery winter days. Another benefit: it absorbs heat from the sun and can then help to melt snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces.

The decision to repair or replace your driveway depends on the extent of the damage. If your driveway has a few small cracks, a simple repair will do the trick. If you see larger cracks and potholes, it may be time to consider resurfacing or replacement. Resurfacing is a great option if more than 25% of the surface is damaged, but if the damage is extensive—deep cracks or significant sinking—it’s best to replace the driveway entirely. A new driveway, with proper care, can last decades while patching or resurfacing might only hold up for a few years before needing more attention.

The Columbus, NC homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

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