Asphalt Driveway Cost in Maryland: The Real Numbers Homeowners Need
Planning a new driveway or replacing an old one? Maryland’s mix of freeze-thaw cycles, clay soils, and county-specific regulations can swing asphalt driveway cost by thousands. Below we break down 2024 pricing, the factors that move the needle, and smart ways to stretch your budget—without cutting corners.
2024 Maryland Asphalt Driveway Cost Snapshot
Prices below include standard 3-inch compacted asphalt, 6-inch stone base, and basic edge finishing. Permits, tear-out, and surcharges are itemized later.
Average Price per Square Foot
- New installation: $3.25 – $5.50 / sq ft
- Remove & replace: $5.50 – $8.25 / sq ft
- Overlay (2″ on sound base): $2.00 – $3.25 / sq ft
Total Project Ranges (Typical 2-Car Driveway, 600 sq ft)
- Anne Arundel & Howard Counties: $3,600 – $4,800
- Montgomery & Prince George’s: $4,200 – $5,400 (higher permitting & disposal fees)
- Western MD (Frederick, Washington): $3,000 – $4,200 (lower labor, longer haul distances)
- Eastern Shore: $3,300 – $4,500 (sandier soils = less excavation)
Bottom line: Expect $3.75 – $5.00 / sq ft for most standard installs; complex shapes or poor soil can push you toward $6.50.
7 Cost Drivers Every Maryland Homeowner Should Know
1. Site Access & Terrain
Steep grades, tight side yards, or backyard locations require smaller equipment and hand work. Contractors add 10-25% for limited access.
2. Existing Surface Removal
Concrete removal runs $1.25 – $1.75 / sq ft; asphalt tear-out is $0.75 – $1.25. Disposal fees in Montgomery County are $85/ton versus $55 on the Shore.
3. Base Stone & Soil Type
Heavy clay (common in central MD) needs 8-10 inches of CR-6 stone plus geotextile fabric. That adds $0.75 – $1.00 / sq ft versus sandy loam sites.
4. Asphalt Mix & Thickness
MDSHA spec “Surface E” mix (½-inch stone) costs contractors about $70/ton in 2024, up 18% since 2021. Going from 2″ to 3″ thickness adds roughly $0.60 / sq ft in material alone.
5. Permits & HOAs
Permit fees: $75 – $200 in most counties, but Anne Arundel charges $275 for driveways over 12 ft wide. HOAs may require stamped drawings ($400).
6. Seasonal Demand
April–June bookings are 8-12% higher. Lock in March or late-October dates for 5-10% savings—weather permitting.
7. Edge Enhancements
Belgian block edging: $12 – $18 / linear ft. Ribbon curb: $20 – $28. These upgrades protect Maryland’s freeze-thaw vulnerable edges and add resale pop.
Asphalt vs. Concrete vs. Pavers in Maryland
| Material | Installed Cost/sq ft | Life Span (yrs) | Winter Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $3.25 – $5.50 | 18-25 | Excellent if sealed every 3 yrs |
| Concrete | $6.50 – $9.00 | 30-40 | Prone to spalling with salt |
| Interlocking Pavers | $12 – $18 | 30-50 | Great, individual units flex |
For Maryland’s salt-laden winters, asphalt offers the best balance of cost and freeze-thaw resilience—provided you seal cracks early.
Proven Ways to Save on Asphalt Driveway Cost in Maryland
Bundle With Neighbors
Contractors save on mobilization when two or more homes schedule together. Ask for 5-10% group discount.
Choose Overlay When Base Is Sound
Less than 25% cracks and no settling? A 2″ overlay can cut price by 40%. Core-drill test spots with your contractor first.
Source Your Own Stone (Sometimes)
If you have a pickup, buying 5-10 tons of CR-6 from a quarry can save $5-8/ton on small jobs. Confirm exact spec with paver first.
Seal-Coat on Day 365
Seal too early and solvents trap oils; too late and UV oxidizes the surface. Calendar it at 9-12 months, then every 3 years. $0.20 / sq ft beats replacement.
Step-by-Step: Hiring the Right Maryland Asphalt Contractor
- Verify MHIC License: Search dlca.maryland.gov—required for any job over $500.
- Request 3 Local References Within 10 Miles: Drive by past jobs; check for raveling or edge breaks after winter.
- Demand a Core Sample: Reputable crews will drill a 4-inch hole to prove stone base depth before quoting.
- Get Itemized Proposal: Should list tons of asphalt, stone depth, edge treatment, permit fee, and warranty term.
- Confirm Insurance: Ask for certificate showing general liability + workers’ comp. Minimum $1 M per occurrence.
- Schedule After 3-Day Dry Forecast: Spring rain deluges can ruin fresh mats; insist on 48-hour window.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asphalt Driveway Cost in Maryland
Freeze-thaw cycles plus road salt can shave 3-5 years off the national average. Stick with 3-inch thickness, seal every 3 years, and fill cracks by March to hit the full 20-year mark.
Marshall mix must arrive at 300°F and be compacted above 240°F. Maryland pavers rarely achieve that when ambient temps drop below 40°F. Emergency cold-patch is only temporary; plan for spring.
Most counties require a permit if you change width, add apron access, or disturb more than 100 sq ft of impervious surface. Fines start at $500; your contractor should pull it.
Never pay more than one-third up-front. Reputable Maryland companies schedule materials on credit and only bill balance after final roll-out. Use a credit card for extra protection.