How Much Does Asphalt Cost Per Square Foot in Vancouver?
Thinking about paving your driveway or upgrading your lot? One of the first questions that comes up is: what’s the asphalt cost per square foot?
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect — whether you’re planning a simple overlay or a full rip-out and pave.
The Real Numbers: Asphalt Cost in Vancouver
In Vancouver, you’re typically looking at $4.50 to $8.50 per square foot to install a new asphalt driveway. That includes standard prep work and laying down a 2–3 inch compacted layer of asphalt.
Here’s a rough cost breakdown:
Typical Cost (CAD/sq ft)
Asphalt removal
$1.00 – $2.00
Base prep / grading (if needed)
$0.50 – $1.50
New asphalt (2”–3” compacted)
$3.00 – $5.00
Total estimate
$4.50 – $8.50
These numbers give you a ballpark, but actual pricing can shift depending on the size of the job and what kind of shape your existing surface is in.
So, What Affects That Price?
Good question. A few key things can move that number up or down:
• Size & shape of your driveway — weird layouts or tight corners can bump up labour and material costs.
• Material quality — higher-end asphalt or thicker layers will cost more, but they’ll last longer too.
• Site prep — if we need to excavate, re-grade, or rebuild the base, that adds to the bill.
• Labour rates — Vancouver’s a busy place. Depending on the season and demand, that can influence final pricing.
Overlay vs. Rip-Out and Pave: What’s the Difference?
Overlay (aka a resurface)
This is the faster, more affordable option. If your current asphalt is still structurally sound, we can add a fresh layer (usually about 1.5”–2”) right over the top. It cleans things up, looks great, and gives your surface a new lease on life — without the full teardown.
Overlay costs: around $3 to $5 per square foot
Lifespan: 8–15 years (if the base is in good shape)
Overlay is ideal if:
• You’ve got surface cracks or fading, but no deep damage
• Drainage is still solid
• The base hasn’t shifted or failed
Rip-Out and Pave (aka full replacement)
If the surface is falling apart — deep cracks, potholes, drainage issues — it’s time for a full replacement. This means tearing out the old asphalt, fixing or rebuilding the base, and starting fresh.
Full replacement costs: $4.50 to $8.50 per square foot
Lifespan: 20–30 years when done right
Rip-out and pave is best if:
• There’s base failure or structural cracking
• You’ve got major drainage issues
• You want long-term durability
Bottom Line: What Should You Do?
If your surface is mostly fine and you’re just looking for a refresh, overlay can be a great move and save you some cash.
But if your driveway’s seen better days, or the base is failing, a rip-out and pave is worth the investment — it’ll last way longer and perform better.
At the end of the day, the best way to figure out what you need is to have a professional take a look.
Let’s Chat About Your Project
Not sure where your driveway stands? We’ve got you. At Ground Up Paving, we’ve been doing this for years across Metro Vancouver. We’ll give you a no-BS assessment and a fair quote — no pressure, no surprises.
Reach out today and we’ll get your project moving.