Driveway materials compared
| Material | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | Lowest upfront cost, drains well, easy to repair | Needs regrading and topping up; can rut; snow plowing scatters stone |
| Asphalt | Smooth, flexible in freeze–thaw, quick to install | Needs periodic sealcoating; softens in heat |
| Concrete | Long life, low maintenance, many finishes | Higher upfront cost; cracks need joints; salt can scale the surface |
Driveway installation: base preparation and excavation
Contractors remove topsoil and organic material, grade the subgrade so water runs off, and place and compact a crushed-stone base in layers. Poor soils may need geotextile fabric or a thicker base. Ask every bidder how deep they excavate, what base they use and how thick it will be after compaction — this is where low bids often cut corners.
How much material you need
- Asphalt is ordered by the ton: area × compacted thickness × about 145 lb/ft³. Use the asphalt calculator.
- Gravel by the ton or yard: area × depth × density. Use the gravel calculator.
- Concrete by the cubic yard. Use the concrete yard calculator.
Drainage and slope
Every driveway needs a path for water — a crown, a cross-slope or a consistent grade away from the garage and house, plus swales or drains where runoff collects. Many municipalities also limit maximum driveway grade. Check slopes with our slope calculator.
Driveway installation permits and curb cuts
New driveways and widened aprons often need a permit for work in the public right-of-way. Rules on width, curb cuts and drainage connections are local.
Asphalt & Gravel Driveways costs in 2026
Confirm with current local bids.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway, installed | $7–$13 per sq ft |
| Asphalt (material) | $100–$200 per ton |
| Gravel driveway | $1–$3 per sq ft |
| Driveway gravel (material) | $15–$75 per cubic yard |
| Concrete slab (materials + labor) | ≈ $4–$10 per sq ft |
Typical national ranges. New York City and other high-cost metros often run above them — get several written bids for your project.
Calculators for this project
New York rules and permits
NYC. Curb cuts require approvals from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Buildings — confirm requirements for your property before planning a new driveway. The adjacent owner is responsible for the sidewalk, which a driveway apron crosses; see our sidewalk guide.
Elsewhere in NY. Towns and villages set driveway permit rules, culvert requirements at ditches, and maximum grades.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
Asphalt driveways typically run $7–$13 per sq ft installed, with asphalt at $100–$200 per ton (2023-dated page).
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
About $1–$3 per sq ft, with driveway gravel around $15–$75 per cubic yard.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways commonly use 2–3 in of compacted asphalt over a compacted aggregate base; heavier use needs more.
Which driveway installation lasts longest?
Well-built concrete generally lasts longest; asphalt lasts well with sealcoating and crack repair; gravel needs the most ongoing maintenance.
