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Driveway Cost – Gravel vs Asphalt vs Concrete

Quick answer

Driveway cost per m² by surface: gravel $8-15, asphalt $20-40, concrete $40-80, pavers $60-120 - with excavation, base and sealing lines itemized.

Figures are estimates from this calculator’s standard formula — adjust the inputs in the tool below for your exact number.

How the driveway cost calculator works

Total = Area × (Surface Rate + Base + Excavation) + Edging + Sealing

Instead of working from a supplier's ballpark figure, this calculator derives your driveway cost requirement from Total = Area × (Surface Rate + Base + Excavation) + Edging + Sealing using the exact driveway area and surface choice you provide. The arithmetic stays transparent: each result links back to the displayed formula, so you can audit any number. For instance: A 90 m² asphalt driveway: 90 × (30 + 12 + 8) = $4,500 plus $400 edging - reseal every 3-5 years at $1.5/m². Keep in mind: The base costs more than the surface: 60% of driveway failures start below the topping. Quantities are rounded conservatively so offcuts, spillage and delivery shortages never stop work mid-job.

  1. 1

    Measure the space

    Record the driveway area and surface choice at the widest and longest points.

  2. 2

    Enter the values

    Type the measurements into the calculator and select your units.

  3. 3

    Apply the formula

    The tool computes Total = Area × (Surface Rate + Base + Excavation) + Edging + Sealing for your inputs instantly.

  4. 4

    Add waste and order

    Review the total with a 5-10% margin and round up to whole units.

Use Cases

Client presentations

Show driveway cost breakdowns that clients can audit line by line.

Value engineering

Compare driveway cost scenarios to trim budget without cutting scope.

New home budgets

Bracket driveway cost totals against $100-400 per ft² build rates.

Common Mistakes

  • Labor double-counted

  • Using cheapest quote blindly

  • No contingency line

FAQs

Cheapest durable driveway surface?

Gravel at $8-15/m² lasts 10+ years with top-ups; asphalt wins on smoothness at $20-40.

Concrete driveway cost per m²?

$40-80 installed with mesh reinforcement; stamped finishes push to $90-120.

How long does asphalt driveway last?

12-20 years with resealing every 3-5 years; concrete reaches 25-30 years but cracks without control joints.

Base and excavation for a new driveway?

Excavate 20-30 cm, lay geotextile and 15-20 cm compacted base - that hidden work is 40-50% of the budget.

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