When you are going to plan an asphalt paving job, the question you are likely to ask is, how much asphalt will I need? Whether it is a driveway, parking lot, or a personal road, it is always good to know the amount of asphalt to use so that you can stay within the budget and avoid wasted time..

Ordering less asphalt will cause your project to stop half-way, whereas excess asphalt will burn your cash. This guide is written in simple terms to ensure that you have all the information you need to determine your asphalt requirements with confidence.

Why It’s Important to Calculate Asphalt Correctly

Projects are measured in terms of area and thickness, and asphalt is normally sold by the ton. Due to this fact, it is not an easy task to estimate asphalt by just measuring square footage.

The right amount of quantity assists you:

• Avoid unexpected costs
• Prevent scheduling delays
• Reduce material waste
• Make certain a long-lasting durable surface.

The planning is of particular importance to the homeowners and contractors, where the cost of the materials and labor may be easily accumulated.

How Asphalt Is Measured

Asphalt is quantified in terms of weight and not volume.

Asphalt Is Sold by the Ton

Although you lay down asphalt over a surface area, it is sold by the ton by suppliers. This would require you to divide your total square feet into a weight estimate.

Average Asphalt Weight

As general guideline:

• A cubic yard of asphalt has a weight of approximately two tons.
• One ton of asphalt will cover a thickness of two inches on about 80 to 100 square feet.

These figures may change a little according to the mix of asphalt and the compaction, although they are quite common in the industry.

Measuring the Area to Be Paved

• The first step is to calculate the area to be paved.
• Measure the length and width of the space using a tape measure in feet. Divide the two numbers by multiplying to obtain the total square feet.
• For example, a pavement driveway 50 feet long by 12 feet wide would be 600 square feet.

This figure is used as a basis of estimating the amount of asphalt required.

Choosing the Right Asphalt Thickness

Thickness plays a major role in determining how much asphalt is required.

Recommended Asphalt Thickness by Project Type

• The depths of asphalt needed on various projects vary:
• Driveways at home normally require 2 to 3 inches.
• Parking lots that are used commercially normally need 3 to 4 inches.
• High truck roads or highways may require 4 to 6 inches or higher.

Keep in mind that asphalt is compacted after installation, so contractors often apply it slightly thicker than the final depth.

Estimating Asphalt Tonnage

• When you have the square feet and the thickness, you can estimate the total number of tons of asphalt required.
• The industry estimate that is used most often is that one ton of asphalt would cover approximately 80 square feet at a depth of two inches. You will need more asphalt in case your project needs to be thicker.
• To illustrate, a three-inch thick paved driveway of 600 square feet would take more asphalt than a two-inch thick paved driveway of the same area. In the majority of situations, approximately 11 to 12 tons of asphalt would be required in that driveway.

It is always a good idea to make an estimate with a slight increase to prevent shortage.

Asphalt Thickness Guidelines Explained

Driveways

The majority of residential driveways have asphalt that is 2 to 3 inches. This is adequate for cars, SUVs and light trucks.

Parking Lots

A lot of traffic and weight is encountered in parking lots hence it normally requires 3 to 4 inches of asphalt to avoid cracking and rutting.

Roads and Heavy-Duty Surfaces

Regions that accommodate the delivery trucks, construction machines, or heavy traffic require a denser asphalt layer, which may be 4 to 6 inches or more.

Factors That Can Increase Asphalt Needs

The amount of asphalt that is needed in the end may be influenced by several factors.

Base Condition

A sloping or improperly laid base can need additional asphalt in order to make it smooth.

Compaction

Asphalt is squeezed by approximately 20 to 25 percent when installed. This implies that additional material is required prior to rolling.

Waste and Spillage

There is a loss of some asphalt in the transport and installation.

Irregular Shapes

The rounded edges, slopes and unusual shapes may need extra asphalt.

In order to cover these aspects, the professionals advise ordering 5-10 percent more asphalt than you are estimating.

Using an Asphalt Calculator

Asphalt calculators can be used online, which can be used to estimate tonnage.

These tools usually ask for:

• Area size
• Desired thickness
• Project type

Calculators are handy, but it is better to have an idea of how the estimates are made, so that you can make sure that you do not make a mistake.

How Much Does Asphalt Cost?

The prices of asphalt differ depending on the region, asphalt prices are usually between:

• $100 to $200 per ton for materials
• Installation of between 3 and 7 per square foot.

Prices are subject to fuel prices, labor rates, the project size, and the availability in the area. Obtaining several quotations of reputable contractors is always a good idea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some of the asphalt projects fail because of mere planning mistakes.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Selection of excessive asphalt thinness.
• To leave out the consideration of compaction.
• Ignoring base preparation.
• This is ordering without any additional amount.

Minor errors may cause major mistakes in the future.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Small DIY projects can be handled; however, most asphalt jobs can be installed professionally.

Benefits of Hiring a Contractor

• Proper material estimates.
• Proper base preparation
• Professional compaction
• Longer-lasting pavement

There is also improved pricing and specialized equipment for the contractors.