"I have been finishing the basement over the past couple of years and have dealt with many contractors. Larry is the best I have come across by a good measure. Prompt, communicative, helped pick out the pavers, kept me informed as the project progressed, and all at a reasonable price. I could not recommend him more."
"It went great. They showed up quicker than I could believe, got right to it, didn't mess around an did a beautiful job on that nasty, rutted rocky driveway. Great people, explained everything and didn't leave a mess."
"everything went amazing, workers are great and fiendly, to be honest this is the best local company with amazing prices & great customer service, i will defently use them again im inlove with my new driveway"
"Very professional and competent. Did great job for reasonable cost. On time and my driveway looks terrific. Highly recommend and hired them to replace my son’s driveway."
"Called Bent Oak only two days before the blizzard of January 2016. Phil made the effort to inspect the driveway beforehand, in order to estimate what would be needed. He was accurate in his estimate. And did excellent work -- twice because of the steady snow over the many hours."
"This was about the fourth time we have hired Chad Hurry for landscaping services. In the past, he did a curved paver sidewalk, circular large circular raised planters that coordinate with stacked stone and paver retaining walls in the front ditch and sides and back of our house, two patios on either side of the back deck, and total landscaping (with large rocks and plants) of the front yard. People have actually stopped and taken pictures of our yard. So, when we decided to add a walkway to the side of our house and remove a dying tree and re-landscape, we did not bother to call anyone else... just called Chad. Why mess with success? Chad and his assistant, Rob, were extremely easy to work with. We discussed our vision and Chad sketched out his ideas based on that... it was exactly what we were thinking. They were friendly, professional, and hard-working. The walkway they constructed exceeded our expectations... it was far sturdier than I thought it would be. They cleaned up the driveway and work area at the end of each work day and completed the entire project in 7 days... extremely reasonable. We felt the price was very reasonable as well. We have hired Chad several times and would hire him again without hesitation! "
"The process from start to finish was excellent and very easeful with Richard. He came and gave a quote promptly and explained everything about the process very thoroughly and made us feel very comfortable about the job that he was going to do. He got the job done when he said he would and it came out even better than we had imaged it could. Whetzels will be the only company we ever use for a driveway."
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.
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.
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.
Costs range from $3 to $7 per square foot, depending on the area size and project scope.
Yes, a paved or repaved driveway can boost your home's value by increasing its curb appeal and the functionality of your outdoor space. A new driveway can add anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to a property's value. An old, crumbling driveway can be a red flag for potential buyers and inspectors.
The amount of value added depends on the materials used, the design, and local market conditions. Concrete is often cited as adding the most value due to its long lifespan, though asphalt may be more desirable in colder climates. The return on investment is greatest when replacing a driveway that is in poor condition; repaving a driveway that is already in good shape will not yield as significant an increase in value.
The Stanley, VA homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
