Asphalt Driveway Materials List: Tons of Asphalt and Base
Part of the project planner: Planning a new driveway.
A 50 × 12 ft driveway with 3 inches of compacted asphalt needs 11.4 tons of asphalt (with 5% extra) laid in 2 lifts, on 18.7 tons of crushed stone for a 6 inch base. Two coats of sealer later take about 16.5 gallons. Here is the whole list and what changes it.
The materials list
| What to buy | How much | How we worked it out |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | 11.4 tons (1 truck load) | Driveway calculator runs our asphalt calculator: 3 in compacted, at 145 lb per cubic foot, with 5% extra |
| Crushed stone base | 18.7 tons | Gravel calculator: 6 in compacted, plus 20% because loose stone compacts |
| Geotextile fabric (optional) | 728 ft² | Over clay or soft soil, under the base, to keep the stone from sinking |
| Sealer (after 6 to 12 months) | 16.5 gallons (4 pails) | Sealer calculator: two coats at 80 ft² a gallon |
Thickness and lifts
| Asphalt thickness | Tons for 50 × 12 ft | Lifts | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 7.6 tons | 1 lift | 83 ft² per ton |
| 3 in | 11.4 tons | 2 lifts | 55 ft² per ton |
| 4 in | 15.2 tons | 2 lifts | 41 ft² per ton |
Asphalt thicker than about 2 inches is laid in two lifts, each rolled before the next. Each extra inch on this drive adds about 3.8 tons.
Asphalt for other driveways
3 inches of asphalt, 6 inch base, 5% extra asphalt and 20% extra stone:
| Driveway | Area | Asphalt | Base stone | Sealer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 × 10 ft | 300 ft² | 5.7 tons | 9.3 tons | 8.3 gal |
| 50 × 12 ft | 600 ft² | 11.4 tons | 18.7 tons | 16.5 gal |
| 80 × 12 ft | 960 ft² | 18.3 tons | 29.9 tons | 26.4 gal |
| 100 × 16 ft | 1600 ft² | 30.5 tons | 49.8 tons | 44.0 gal |
| 150 × 20 ft | 3000 ft² | 57.1 tons | 93.3 tons | 82.5 gal |
Before you order
- Get quotes that state the thickness, the tons and the base. A cheap quote often means a thin base or a thin layer.
- Asphalt is a contractor job. It has to be laid hot and rolled within minutes, which needs a paver and a roller. Use this list to check a quote.
- Call 811 before any digging, and ask your building department about a permit and the rules for the apron.
- Plan the drainage. A slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot sends water away, and standing water breaks asphalt up.
- Keep cars off for a couple of days, and avoid turning the wheels while stopped for the first few weeks.
Mistakes that cost people money
- A thin or poorly compacted base, which is the main cause of cracked and sunken driveways.
- Paving over a failing driveway with no repair. Cracks reflect through a thin new layer.
- Sealing too soon. The oils need 6 to 12 months to cure.
- Letting water collect against the edges, which undermines the base.
See also the asphalt for a driveway guide and the gravel driveway materials list, which is cheaper and easier. Estimates only: check your local code, and follow the product labels.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of asphalt do I need for a 50x12 driveway?
A 50 × 12 ft driveway needs 7.6 tons at 2 inches thick, 11.4 tons at 3 inches and 15.2 tons at 4 inches, all with 5% extra.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Two to three inches of compacted asphalt is usual for cars, in one or two layers, and 3 to 4 inches for heavy loads. The base under it matters more than the asphalt.
How deep should the gravel base be?
Four to eight inches of compacted crushed stone, depending on the soil. A 6 inch base for this drive takes about 18.7 tons.
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 3 inches thick, one ton covers about 55 ft², and at 2 inches about 83 ft².
When can I seal a new asphalt driveway?
Wait 6 to 12 months so the oils can cure. Two coats for a 50 × 12 ft drive need about 16.5 gallons of sealer.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.