Driveway resurfacing cost: a new surface without a full rebuild
Resurfacing — an asphalt overlay — gives a worn driveway a new surface at a fraction of replacement cost. The catch: it only works when the base underneath is still structurally sound. Here's what it costs and how to tell if your driveway qualifies.
2026 example prices
Resurfacing prices by driveway size.
From the same itemized price book our instant estimate uses. Your own price depends on your driveway's measured size and layout.
| Driveway size | Resurfacing |
|---|---|
| 400 sq ft | $2,500–$3,100 |
| 600 sq ft | $3,400–$4,100 |
| 800 sq ft | $4,200–$5,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $5,000–$6,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $7,100–$8,400 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $9,200–$10,900 |
Example straight driveways 12 ft wide. Edge length and crack fill are example allowances, not measurements.
When resurfacing works — and when it doesn't
A good candidate has surface wear, fading and minor cracking, but no sinking, heaving or alligator cracking (the interconnected pattern that signals base failure). Water should drain off properly already.
If the base has failed, an overlay just puts new asphalt over a moving foundation — the cracks reflect back through, often within a couple of seasons. That's why the contractor inspects the base before confirming an overlay.
What resurfacing includes
The crew cleans and prepares the existing surface, fills cracks, mills transitions at the garage and street so the new layer meets them cleanly, and paves a new layer of hot-mix asphalt over the whole driveway.
The example prices below include preparation, crack fill, milling transitions and the overlay itself for typical driveway sizes.
Pricing factors
What affects driveway cost?
Driveway size
Most line items are priced per square foot of driveway, so size is the biggest driver. We measure yours from aerial imagery.
Layout
Curves, loops and multiple sections take more hand work at the edges than a straight run.
Base work
A regraded base costs less than excavating and installing a new, deeper gravel base — but a good base is what keeps a driveway from cracking.
Surface material
Asphalt, concrete and pavers differ a lot in price. Thickness and the number of asphalt layers matter too.
Removal and disposal
Breaking up and hauling away the old driveway. Thicker or multiple old layers add cost.
Sealing scope
For sealing, the number of coats, crack filling and oil-spot priming set the price.
Site conditions
Drainage problems, soft soil, ledge or tight access can change the scope. The contractor confirms these on site.
FAQs
Common questions.
How much cheaper is resurfacing than replacement?
Resurfacing skips the removal, excavation and base rebuild, which are the most expensive parts of a replacement. The tables on this page show both services side by side for the same driveway sizes.
Will cracks come back after resurfacing?
Surface cracks that are properly filled stay sealed. Cracks caused by a failing base can reflect through any overlay — which is why base condition decides whether resurfacing is recommended at all.
Can every driveway be resurfaced?
No. Driveways with base failure, serious drainage problems or widespread alligator cracking need full replacement. The free on-site measurement confirms which scope your driveway needs.
Every figure on this page is a preliminary example from our current itemized price book, not a quote. A local contractor confirms the scope and final price after an on-site visit.
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