Asking the cost of asphalt per square metre is not as bad as asking “how long is a piece of string?” it’s more like asking “how much is sand per square metre?”. There are some understandable variables that are going to change the price of asphalt per m2.
Just to begin with, the size of the area, the thickness of the asphalt, and the type of asphalt are all factors that change the price of asphalt per m2.
In this article, we’ll dive into what affects the cost of asphalt is per square metre, how to calculate the cost of asphalt, and how to save on the cost of asphalt.
Asphalt Driveway Cost
The cost of an asphalt driveway can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These include the size of the driveway, the thickness of the asphalt, the type of finish applied, and the cost of labour in your area. You should also allow for optional extras like kerbing and any drainage systems. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to get a quote from a professional asphalt company like NK Asphalt.
How Much is Asphalt per Square Metre?
To calculate the cost of asphalt per m2, you’ll need to figure out the following factors and then request a quote from an asphalt contractor.
Existing Surface
Any existing surface will need to be prepared for asphalt surfacing. The extent of the preparation will depend on the type of existing surface (e.g. concrete, bricks, or gravel) and the condition of the surface.
Any repair works that need to be done to the existing surface may cost extra and increase the asphalt cost per m2. The worst-case scenario is damage to the base, the layer below the surface, this could require complete excavation to get to and new baseworks to create a stable base to lay the asphalt.
Size of the Area
Asphalt is a commercial surfacing product that is ideal for larger areas. For affordability, we usually only recommend asphalt for areas larger than 150m2.
Use of the Surface
Depending on how the surface will be used (e.g. car parking, driveway, or hardstand), there will be different design requirements and state regulations.
Will vehicles and machinery be moving or stationary on the asphalt? The longer weight sits on the asphalt, the more pressure builds. If vehicles are going to sit on the surface for long periods, the thickness of the asphalt and baseworks may need to be increased.
The accessibility of the surface will also impact how easy it is for the asphalt to be laid. If the area is awkward to get to, it may slow down the asphalt surfacing and increase the labour costs, increasing your overall cost of the job and cost per square metre.
Vehicles Using the Surface
The heavier the vehicle or machinery that are using the surface, the thicker the asphalt and the baseworks generally need to be. By anticipating heavy vehicle use, asphalt contractors can provide a more durable asphalt surface that will be resistant to cracking from the weight.
A professional asphalt contractor can assess whether a stiffer/coarser material needs to be used in the asphalt to assist with durability.
How to Calculate the Cost of Asphalt Surfacing?
To get an exact cost of the hot mix asphalt for your surfacing project, we recommend getting a quote from an asphalt contractor, but to do that there a few things you’ll need to be able to tell the contractor.
Measure the size of the area
Using a measuring tape or laser measure, determine the length and width of the area and multiply them to get the square metre area.
If you’ve got an unusually shaped area or a large area too big to measure, request a free measure and quote from an asphalt contractor, like us. We can use aerial imagery technology to get a birdseye view and accurately calculate the square metres.
Assess the existing surface
Is there an existing surface that needs to be replaced or repaired first? Here’s how to know:
Asphalt
If the existing surface is asphalt, then it’s likely you won’t need any excavation work done. The existing asphalt can be repaired and levelled and a new layer of hot mix asphalt will be laid over the top.
Gravel
If you currently have a gravel surface, it’s unlikely any excavation work will be needed. The gravel will be levelled and any potholes will be filled. Then a new layer of hot mix asphalt will be laid over the gravel.
Concrete
Concrete surfaces that are cracked or potholed may need to be removed before asphalt can be laid, but this is not always the case. We recommend having the existing surface inspected by an asphalt contractor.
Bricks or Pavers
Any existing bricks or paving will most likely need to come up to make way for the new asphalt surface. Because of the gaps between bricks and pavers, they tend to move and will allow roots and water to get between them. This can compromise the asphalt base and lead to cracks.
Choose your design
- Select a colour of hot mix asphalt
- Decide on any extra features you’d like:
- Kerbing – to keep the edges tidy and prevent damage to the asphalt
- Soak wells and drainage – to avoid water damage to the asphalt
- Driveway crossovers – to meet state regulations and avoid damage to the asphalt
- Line marking – for car parking, roads or hardstands
Now get a quote for the cost of asphalt
Even if you don’t do all of the things above before you get a quote from an asphalt contractor, we can still walk you through the process, give you upfront advice, and help you choose a design you’ll be happy with.
Get a free measure and quote for an accurate cost of asphalt per square metre.
How to Save on the Cost of Asphalt
To save on the cost of asphalt, there a few steps you can take to make the process go faster and ensure you’ll end up with a high-quality asphalt surface that is resistant to damage.
Remove the existing surface
When you speak to an asphalt contractor, ask if the existing surface needs to be removed and if this is something you can do yourself without causing further damage.
We don’t recommend taking a jackhammer to the surface before getting professional asphalt advice. You could end up damaging the base and requiring new baseworks, which could cost you more in the long run.
Choose a highly-regarded asphalt contractor
Getting a good asphalt job done right the first time will pay off in the long term. A professional and responsible asphalt company will provide upfront free advice on your asphalt project so you can make a wise and informed decision.
We also recommend using one contractor for multiple services to save money. For example, if you can use one asphalt surfacing company that will also install kerbing, ramps, speedbumps, drainage, and make asphalt repairs (like we do!) you’ll save yourself time and money.
Compare apples with apples
When comparing quotes from asphalt contractors, make sure you know the specifications of each quote. You may think you’re getting a cheaper cost on asphalt until you find out the asphalt is thinner and weaker than what you need.
What to look for in an asphalt quote:
- The thickness of the base
- The thickness of the asphalt
- The material in the base e.g. is the roadbase new quarried granite or a recycled concrete/waste?
- The size of the kerbs e.g. Are the kerbs full-sized commercial grade with 32Mpa concrete or a lighter duty garden-kerb type?
Call a Highly-Recommended Asphalt Contractor
For upfront advice on your asphalt project and an accurate quote on the price, speak to the friendly team at NK Asphalt. We’ve been surfacing with asphalt for over 30 years and we’re happy to have a free chat about what you need.
We’re known for our customer service and high-quality asphalt work, contact us today.
Get a definitive Perth asphalt quote
If your job is 150m2 or more and in the Perth or surrounding areas.
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