How Much Asphalt Do I Need?
Asphalt is measured by weight (tons) rather than volume because it compresses during paving. A standard hot mix asphalt weighs about 145 pounds per cubic foot. For a typical residential driveway at 3 inches thick, expect roughly 1 ton per 80 square feet.
Recommended Thickness
Residential driveways: 2-3 inches over a 6-8 inch compacted gravel base. Parking lots: 3-4 inches over 8-12 inches of base. Roads with heavy traffic: 4-6 inches with multiple lifts. Always compact the subgrade before laying base material.
Hot Mix vs. Cold Patch
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the standard for new paving and overlays. It must be placed while hot (275-325 degrees F) and compacted immediately. Cold patch is for temporary repairs and small potholes only. Warm mix asphalt uses additives to lower placement temperatures and extend the paving season.
Cost Factors
Asphalt prices fluctuate with crude oil. National averages range $80-140 per ton for material. Add $2-6 per square foot for professional installation including base work, grading, and compaction. Larger projects get better per-ton pricing from batch plants.