Should I get a blacktop driveway?

Question

We have about a 18'X90' driveway. Concrete would be sooo expensive. How much and should I consider blacktop? We have gravel now (hate it)

Answer 1

It's up to you. If you'd like. It's your driveway so whatever you choose won't bother me ...I hope...

Answer 2

asphalt is about 20.00 a foot so figure from there

Answer 3

I think that blacktop is horrible if you have kids. but if you don't have kids blacktop is okay. the only reason i say no blacktop with kids is because it gets hot in the summer and it burns their feet.

Answer 4

Cost depends on where you live.  Ours was about the same size as yours and it was $2500.00 US.

Answer 5

I know concrete is expensive, but in the long run it's a savings.  We had black top, and it wore out quickly and we had to fill and tar it, all the time.  Black top also gives off heat during summers.  I can understand how you feel about gravel.  I would hate it, too.

Answer 6

i don't belive concrete would be that much expensive as a matter of fact a blacktop would be more than concrete

Answer 7

I have never liked a "poured in place" surface. They Don't last(comparatively), repairs and patches are unsightly, and cost is excessive when compared to the shelf life.

Consider concrete, stone, or brick pavers. (in that order) When properly installed will outlast any poured in place surface.

I have seen pricing from $12-$15+ per sq/ft.

It has been my observation in this forum that people are confused about the truth of interlocking paver systems, everything from ants, freeze thaw cycle, lbs per sq/in, not lasting, moss, weeds, roots and I can continue.  Respectfully MOST of the opinions against interlocking paver systems are false and do apply to if not cause more issues with a poured in place surface(ants, frost heave, weeds, roots, moss).  The oldest street-scape in the world is an interlocking stone paver system (Egypt) Then Europe and I can continue..... Not to mention the enviromental impact of black top/ poured in place surfaces.

Just food for thought, and what ever you decide I hope your project turns out well.  I found a good source of information and photo gallery of concrete, stone, and brick pavers at:

http://creativehardscape.net/

Good Luck!

-PCK

Answer 8

Blacktop and concrete prices will vary depending where you are located. It would be best to call two different contractors and have them quote you a driveway in both. Most contractors will do this for free. You will expect to pay labor for the concrete to be formed along with wire and possibly rebar to be installed to make it stronger. If you are only going to drive normal cars and trucks and not heavy tractors and equipment then 4 inches would be fine for concrete. Otherwise you would want 6 inches and possibly a thickened edge. If you are not real concerned about cost then have the contractors dig out your old driveway a little bit  so the concrete doesn't set high above the normal ground level. I would not recommend making it flush with the yard due to the possibility of water standing on it during wet seasons. Concrete has less maintenance and once done has no requirements where asphalt has to be sealed and patched over time. A good concrete driveway will cost more unless asphalt has to be trucked in from a long distance. Labor on the forms and pouring the concrete isn't cheap. Would easily cost you around $2k.

It will mainly boil down to personal preference as to wether you want a black driveway with maintenance down the road or a little more expensive concrete driveway.

Answer 9

Have you considered grasscrete? It's definitely more eco-friendly.

Try looking at Paving Expert - AJ MCormack & Son website.

It's a fantastic free information site that will give all the technical info you need in plain English.

Answer 10

We black topped ours 3 years ago and it's great.  Shop around for it to get the best deal. We saved a great deal by not going as wide as we originally planned. We just put top soil along the sides to cover up any gravel and sewed grass.