Blacktop Coverage Reference
Asphalt weighs approximately 145 lbs per cubic foot (2 tons per cubic yard). Use this quick reference for common project sizes.
| Project | Typical Size | Depth | Tons Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car driveway | 300 sq ft | 2 in | ~2.7 tons |
| Double car driveway | 600 sq ft | 2.5 in | ~6.8 tons |
| Small parking lot | 2,000 sq ft | 3 in | ~27 tons |
| Pathway / walkway | 200 sq ft | 1.5 in | ~1.7 tons |
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply the length × width of your area in feet to get square feet, then multiply by the depth in inches ÷ 12 to get cubic feet. Convert to tons: 1 cubic foot of asphalt weighs about 145 lbs, so divide cubic feet by 2000 × 145. Typically, 1 ton covers 80 sq ft at 2 inches deep.
Residential driveways: 2–3 inches of asphalt over 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base. Commercial driveways and parking lots: 3–4 inches of asphalt. Heavy truck areas: 4–6 inches. A proper compacted gravel sub-base is as important as the asphalt thickness.
Asphalt paving typically costs $3–$7 per square foot installed, including materials and labor. Material alone (asphalt per ton) runs $80–$150/ton. A standard 2-car driveway (500 sq ft) costs $1,500–$3,500 installed. Prices vary significantly by region and oil prices.
Blacktop and asphalt are essentially the same material — a mixture of aggregate (crushed stone) and bitumen (petroleum binder). 'Blacktop' is a common term used for driveways and parking lots, while 'asphalt' is more often used in road construction. Both are the same product.
A properly installed blacktop driveway lasts 20–30 years with regular maintenance. Key maintenance includes sealcoating every 2–3 years, crack filling as needed, and avoiding sharp turns from vehicles. Hot climates cause faster deterioration from UV exposure and temperature cycling.
The ideal temperature for laying asphalt is 70°F–90°F (21°C–32°C) air temperature, with ground temperature above 50°F. Spring and summer are best. Asphalt should not be laid when it's raining or when temperatures are below 40°F, as it won't compact properly and will cool too fast.