How to Cut Costs on Asphalting a Driveway

Cut costs on asphalting a driveway by first making sure you prep the area properly. When grading an area for an asphalt driveway, you must insure that it is smooth and has no holes in the area you are preparing to pave. Holes cause more expense when paving.

Look at putting a small layer of crush-and-run stone on the area you are asphalting. This is fairly cheap and levels out reasonably well. Crush-and-run fills holes and packs down well, providing a hard surface for the asphalt. This procedure may cut costs on asphalting a driveway because it usually takes less asphalt when you have a crush-and-run base.

Make the thickness of your asphalt 3 inches instead of the standard 4 inches in order to cut costs on asphalting a driveway. Keep in mind, however, that you must have a well-prepared base in order for the 3 inches of asphalt to be sufficient for a sound driveway.

Check around your area to see if anyone else is having an asphalt driveway installed. If so, ask the asphalt company if they can do your job while they are in the area. This normally saves the customer money because the equipment is already near. You may be able to get a break on the asphalt if they have any left from the previous job and cut your costs on asphalting a driveway.