The short answer
Most residential asphalt driveways in southern Maine land in the **$4,000–$12,000** range. On a per-square-foot basis you are usually looking at **$5–$12 installed** for new hot-mix asphalt over a properly prepped base. Recycled asphalt millings and gravel driveways cost significantly less; long, wide, or steep driveways cost more.
Every real number should come from a free on-site estimate — the site conditions drive most of the price.
What actually drives the price
1. Square footage
A standard two-car driveway is around 600–800 sq ft. Doubling the length or width roughly doubles the material and labor.
2. Base preparation
This is where corners get cut in Maine — and where driveways fail. A driveway installed over a soft, undrained base will alligator-crack within a few winters no matter how thick the asphalt is. Real base prep means excavation, geotextile fabric where needed, 6–12 inches of properly compacted gravel, and drainage grading.
3. Asphalt thickness
Residential driveways: typically **2 inches** compacted for a top course, sometimes with a 2-inch binder course underneath for heavier use.
Commercial and heavy-vehicle lots: thicker binder + top, and often a stronger base.
4. Access and site conditions
Tight access, steep grades, tree roots, existing pavement removal, and disposal costs all add hours and equipment moves.
5. Season and scheduling
Maine's paving season runs roughly late spring through mid-fall, when pavement temps are above about 50°F. Late-season jobs get squeezed.
Ballpark ranges for southern Maine
- **New / replacement asphalt driveway:** ~$5–$12 per sq ft installed
- **Asphalt overlay / resurfacing** (when the base is still sound): ~$3–$7 per sq ft
- **Recycled asphalt millings driveway:** commonly 40–60% less per ton than new hot mix
- **Gravel driveway:** ~$1,500–$6,000 depending on length, base, and access
- **Sealcoating:** ~$0.15–$0.30 per sq ft; typical residential ~$150–$450
These are general market ranges, not a quote.
Overlay vs. full replacement
If the base is solid and the surface has minor cracking, a 1.5–2 inch **overlay** is usually the right call and saves thousands. If you see alligator cracking, sinking areas, or standing water, no overlay will fix that — the base has failed and the driveway needs to be removed and rebuilt.
Bottom line
Cost per foot is the wrong question to lead with. The right question is: *what does this specific site need to hold up for 15–20 Maine winters?* A free on-site estimate answers that in about 20 minutes.