Planning a new asphalt driveway in Greenville or the Upstate? It typically costs $5–$12 per square foot installed, or about $2,000–$4,800 for a 20×20 ft driveway, based on HomeGuide’s 2026 national figures. Many paving contractors have a minimum charge of around $2,000, so small jobs cost more per foot. Asphalt is often the better choice for long rural driveways, and on Greenville County roads the apron in the right-of-way has to be asphalt anyway.
Prefer to talk? Call (864) 432-1750. Serving Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Mauldin, Easley, Taylors, Travelers Rest and the surrounding Upstate.
What asphalt paving costs
These are national 2026 prices for professional installation. Local quotes depend on how much digging and base work your site needs, the driveway’s length and the asphalt plant’s distance.
| Driveway size | Area | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10×20 ft | 200 sq ft | $1,000–$2,400 (minimums often apply) |
| 20×20 ft | 400 sq ft | $2,000–$4,800 |
| 20×30 ft | 600 sq ft | $3,000–$7,200 |
| 10×80 ft | 800 sq ft | $4,000–$9,600 |
| 10×100 ft | 1,000 sq ft | $5,000–$12,000 |
Labor typically runs $3–$6+ per square foot and materials $2–$6+. Recycled asphalt costs less ($4–$9 per sq ft). Porous asphalt, which lets stormwater through, costs more ($7–$15).
New driveway, overlay or full replacement?
- New installation means excavating, building a compacted stone base and laying hot-mix asphalt. This is the $5–$12 per square foot price.
- Resurfacing (overlay) puts a fresh layer of asphalt over a driveway whose base is still sound. It costs about $3–$7 per square foot. It only works if the old surface isn’t breaking up from below.
- Full replacement is needed when you see potholes, sinking, or alligator cracking (a web of connected cracks). Those usually mean the base has failed, and an overlay would crack the same way within a few years.
- Repairs to small cracks and potholes cost about $100–$400. Larger repairs run $600–$3,000.
Asphalt driveway specs to ask for
These are the numbers to get written on a quote, so two contractors are pricing the same driveway.
- Base depth. For a typical home driveway, 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel base. For heavier vehicles, 8 to 10 inches.
- Asphalt depth. 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt for cars. For RVs, trucks or regular heavy deliveries, 3 to 4 inches. Ask whether the depth is measured before or after compaction.
- Clay soil. Upstate red clay often needs extra digging and base material to stop settling and cracking. Ask how the contractor will handle soft spots.
- Edges. Unsupported asphalt edges crumble. Ask how the edges will be finished and whether the base extends past them.
- Drainage. Water should run off the surface and away from the house. Standing water shortens asphalt’s life.
- Sealcoat timing and warranty. Ask when the first sealcoat is due and what the workmanship warranty covers. HomeGuide notes reputable contractors usually offer one to five years.
Sealcoating schedule
Sealcoat protects asphalt from sun, water and oil. It costs about $1–$2 per square foot.
- First seal: after about one year, once the new asphalt has cured.
- After that: every two to three years. A faded gray color and a rougher surface mean it is due.
Asphalt in Upstate heat
Fresh asphalt stays soft for days. In hot weather, keep cars off a new driveway for 3 to 5 days, and keep heavy vehicles off for at least a week to avoid ruts and tire marks. Point loads like kickstands and trailer jacks can dent soft asphalt, so use a board under them for the first few weeks.
Long Upstate summers also oxidize the surface faster, which is why regular sealcoating matters here. Sealing protects against UV damage as well as water.
Thinking about concrete instead? Concrete costs more up front ($6–$10 per sq ft) but lasts longer. Our concrete vs. asphalt comparison lays out the trade-off, and the concrete driveway page covers concrete. Paving a business lot? See parking lot paving.
On a Greenville County road without a curb? The driveway approach in the right-of-way must be asphalt, and you need a permit from County Public Works. See the Greenville driveway permit guide.
How it works with us
- Tell us about the job. Fill in the short form with the service, your ZIP code and a rough size. Photos help.
- Local contractors contact you. Our partner network connects you with local contractors who work in your area, usually within 24 hours.
- Get a free quote and decide. A contractor looks at the job and gives you a written quote. There is no cost and no obligation to hire.
Asphalt driveway questions
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
Typically 15 to 30 years with proper installation and maintenance, according to HomeGuide. Sealcoating every two to three years and filling cracks promptly are what push it toward the longer end.
When can I drive on a new asphalt driveway?
Usually after a few days, and 3 to 5 days in hot weather. Keep heavy vehicles off for at least a week. Avoid turning your wheels while parked during the first few weeks.
When should I seal a new asphalt driveway?
After about one year, then every two to three years.
Is there a minimum charge for asphalt paving?
Many contractors have a minimum of around $2,000 because they have to bring a crew, a paver and a roller regardless of size. Small driveways often cost more per square foot as a result.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
For cars, 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over a 6- to 8-inch compacted gravel base. For heavier vehicles, 3 to 4 inches over an 8- to 10-inch base.
Do I need a permit to pave a driveway in Greenville County?
If the driveway connects to a county road, a driveway approach permit comes from Greenville County Public Works (864-467-7016). The building permit for a new home covers one driveway connection; a second driveway needs an encroachment permit. Inside city limits or on a state road, check with the city or SCDOT.
Related services and guides
Get a free quote from a local contractor
Tell us about the job once. Our partner network will connect you with local contractors who work in your part of the Upstate for a free, no-obligation quote, usually within 24 hours.
Request a free quote or call (864) 432-1750.
Sources
- HomeGuide: asphalt driveway cost (2026) — installed prices, minimums, thickness and base depth, sealcoating, lifespan, cure time.
- HomeGuide: concrete driveway cost (2026) — concrete comparison price.
- Greenville County driveway installation guidelines — apron rule and permits.
- SCDOT encroachment permits — work on state-maintained roads.
Prices are national 2026 ranges unless labelled local. How we research costs.
Last reviewed: October 2026