A residential asphalt driveway should be 4 inches of compacted hot mix asphalt, laid in two layers over a firm stone base.
That is what we install on every full driveway replacement in Southeast Michigan. Parking lots get 3 or 4 inches in two lifts, sized to the traffic.
- 4 intwo compacted lifts
- 4.9★234 Google reviews
- 2009in business since
- Freewritten estimates
What is inside a 4-inch driveway
Two thinner layers compact better than one thick one. The base lift carries the weight. The surface lift gives a dense, smooth top that sheds water.
Thin asphalt is a common shortcut. A thin layer can look the same on day one and break up years sooner.
How thick for each job
| Job | Asphalt | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Home driveway replacement | 4 in: 2 in base lift + 2 in surface lift | Existing base checked; extra stone if soft |
| Parking lot replacement | 3 or 4 in in two compacted lifts | Subgrade compacted; 21A crushed stone if soft |
| Mill and overlay | New surface over a sound base | Only when the base is still firm |
Source: Anthony’s Asphalt job scope on our live Ann Arbor driveway and commercial paving pages.
The base matters as much as the asphalt
Asphalt is only as strong as the ground under it. Before we pave, we check the base. If it is soft, we firm it up with stone before any asphalt goes down.
That base stone is quoted separately, before work starts, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
What moves the price of a 4-inch driveway
Price depends on driveway size, how soft the base is, and whether the old asphalt must come out first. Remove-and-replace costs more than an overlay because the old asphalt comes out first.
You get your exact price in writing after a free estimate. Extra base stone for soft ground is quoted separately.
5 questions to ask any paving contractor
- How many inches of asphalt, after compaction?
- One lift or two?
- Which mix for the base and the surface?
- What happens if the base is soft, and what does it cost?
- Is it all written on the estimate?
More warning signs: how to spot an asphalt paving scam.
Planning a new driveway?
We check the base, measure and give you a written price for 4 inches in two lifts.
Driveway thickness: common questions
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
4 inches of compacted hot mix asphalt for a home driveway, laid in two layers: a 2-inch base lift and a 2-inch surface lift.
Is 2 inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?
Not for a full replacement. We install 4 inches in two lifts. A single thin layer is a common shortcut that wears out sooner.
How thick is a parking lot?
Our parking lot replacements are 3 or 4 inches of hot mix asphalt in two compacted lifts, over a compacted base.
What goes under the asphalt?
A firm, compacted base. If the ground is soft, we add 21A crushed stone before paving and quote it separately.
How much does a 4-inch driveway cost?
Price depends on driveway size, base condition and whether the old asphalt comes out first. You get your exact price in writing after a free estimate.
See our asphalt driveway paving service, or the town pages for Ann Arbor driveway paving.
