A run-down driveway can become ineffectual and ruin your home’s curb appeal. If you have cracks or potholes in your driveway that require major repairs, it may be time to replace your driveway.

Replacing a driveway can be an opportunity to find a new material that fits both your home and your budget. To help, we’ve broken down what materials to use to replace driveway and how to estimate the cost of a driveway replacement. Read on for everything you should know about replacing your driveway.

Driveway Replacement or Repair

Depending on its condition, it may be enough to resurface your driveway. This is certainly a more cost-effective option than replacing it. On average, it will cost between $600 to $3,000 to complete major repairs or resurface a driveway. Concrete driveways can be more expensive to repair.

However, if your driveway is too damaged or if you want to avoid future repair costs down the road, you should consider replacing the driveway. If you have a damaged concrete driveway, there are other types of driveways that are easier and lower cost to repair.

Factors That Determine the Cost to Replace Driveway

Once you’ve decided to replace your driveway, there are several factors that will influence how much your project will cost. While prices will vary depending on these factors, you can expect to pay between $1,800-$7,200, or $3-$12 per square foot to replace driveway.

Size and Thickness

The size, material, and thickness of a driveway will be the main cost drivers of the project. The driveway material cost is determined by square footage. The larger the area of your driveway, the higher you can expect to pay. Higher-quality materials will also have a higher per-footage cost.

A typical single-car driveway tends to be around 10 by 20 feet. Larger options, such as two-car driveways, will result in a higher cost.

Design and Shape

Additional designs, shapes, or patterns can also add to the cost of a new driveway. Depending on what you wish to add to the material, designs or shapes can add between $2 to $15 per square foot of material.

Site Condition and Prep

The condition of the area your driveway will be installed will also impact the price. If there are trees, plants, rocks, or other objects where you intend to install your driveway, they will need to be removed.

Even if you are replacing an existing driveway, there may still be a need for some site prep. This may be an opportunity to create a wider driveway for additional space. Or, you could consider deeper excavation for a thicker, and more long-lasting driveway.

Old Driveway Removal

When replacing a driveway, the original one will first need to be removed. The cost to take out the existing driveway will be an added cost to your budget. The price to do so will depend on what type of driveway you originally had. Some materials are easier to remove than others.

Typically, removing an old driveway will cost between $1 to $3 per square foot.

Geographic Location

It may be surprising, but the location will also affect the cost of replacing your driveway. Location will affect the price of materials and labor. Increased labor costs can have a significant impact on the total price of a driveway. For some types of driveways, labor can be up to 40 percent of the total cost.

These tend to become more expensive in areas with higher costs of living. However, rural areas will see an increased cost of transportation for materials.

Top Alternatives To Replace Your Concrete Driveway

When replacing your driveway, it’s important to consider the top choices available for your new one.

Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways are fairly common and handle extreme weather conditions better than many other types of materials. They can last up to 30 years before cracking and damaging.

Concrete can be harmful to the environment and expensive to install. Concrete driveways will cost around $4 to $8 per square foot with an average total cost of around $2,000 to $6,000.

Asphalt Driveways

Asphalt driveways are another popular choice. It is cheap to install and easier to repair than concrete driveways. However, its tendency to crack and chip gives it a shorter lifespan than other driveway materials.

Asphalt driveways typically cost slightly less than concrete, about $3 to $7 per square foot or $1,800 to $4,300 in total cost.

Crushed Stone and Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways can offer an aesthetic enhancement to your home. They are easy to install and offer an eco-friendly addition to your home. Their permeability makes them a more environmentally conscious choice.

Gravel driveways are also an extremely cost-effective option. They average around $1 to $3 per square foot and around $500 to $1,800 in average total cost.

Other Driveway Options

While concrete, asphalt, and gravel driveways make up the most common materials, there are other options available. Here are some alternative types of driveways to consider:

  • Grass driveways
  • Permeable pavers
  • Exposed aggregate
  • Rubber
  • Heated driveways
  • Permeable concrete or asphalt driveways

Final Thoughts

Are you considering replacing your driveway? Backyard Bases can help create a beautiful driveway that lasts. With easy installation and competitive pricing, you’ll find everything you need to create the perfect driveway for your home.

Give us a call at 888-897-2224 to get started. We have experts ready to give you a hand in finding the ideal driveway for you.