Asphalt Millings Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting purposes. Asphalt millings prices vary by location and availability. Get quotes from local suppliers.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Asphalt Millings Cost Breakdown
| Component | Unit | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Millings | Per ton | $10 – $30 |
| Delivery | Per load (15 tons) | $75 – $200 |
| Compaction | Per sq ft | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Total Installed | Per sq ft | $1.00 – $3.00 |
Coverage per Ton by Depth
| Depth | Coverage per Ton | Tons per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | ~50 sq ft | 2 tons |
| 3 inches | ~33 sq ft | 3 tons |
| 4 inches | ~25 sq ft | 4 tons |
| 6 inches | ~17 sq ft | 6 tons |
* Coverage estimates account for ~20% compaction loss. Order extra material for best results.
How We Calculate
Our asphalt millings calculator estimates project costs based on area, depth, and optional services. The formula accounts for material tonnage, delivery charges, and compaction labor.
How the math works: Tonnage = (area × depth) / 100 (1 ton covers ~100 sq ft per inch). Material cost = tons × $10–$30/ton. Delivery = number of loads × $75–$200/load (15 tons per truck). Compaction = area × $0.50–$1.50/sq ft. Total = material + delivery + compaction.
Coverage Calculator
One ton of asphalt millings covers approximately 100 square feet at 1 inch depth when compacted. For a 2-inch layer, 1 ton covers 50 sq ft. For 3 inches, 1 ton covers ~33 sq ft. Loose millings compact to about 75–80% of their original depth, so always order 20–25% extra material to account for compaction.
Depth Recommendations
2 inches: Suitable for walkways, light-traffic driveways, or resurfacing existing paved areas. Minimum for any driveway application.
3 inches: Standard residential driveway depth. Good for daily car traffic. Most common installation depth for homeowners.
4 inches: Recommended for trucks, RVs, or high-traffic driveways. Provides better load distribution and longer lifespan.
5–6 inches: Commercial or heavy-duty applications. Required for delivery trucks, equipment, or high-volume traffic.
Installation Best Practices
Proper installation significantly extends lifespan. Prepare a stable base by excavating 6–8 inches and filling with 4–6 inches of crushed stone. Grade for 2% slope away from buildings for drainage. Spread millings evenly, then compact in multiple passes using a plate compactor or vibratory roller. Lightly mist with water before compacting to reactivate the asphalt binder. For best results, compact when ambient temperature is above 60°F.
Maintenance Tips
Asphalt millings are low-maintenance but benefit from periodic recompaction. After the first winter, recompact any soft spots or ruts. Fill low areas with additional millings as needed. Avoid snowplow damage by setting blade 1–2 inches above the surface. For weed control, apply landscape fabric before installation or use weed killer annually. Sealing is optional but improves appearance after 6–12 months.
Cost Comparison
Asphalt millings ($1–$3/sq ft installed) cost 60–70% less than new asphalt ($3–$7/sq ft) and are similar in price to gravel ($1–$2/sq ft) but provide a more solid, durable surface. Concrete ($4–$8/sq ft) lasts longer but costs 3–4 times more. For budget-conscious homeowners seeking a solid surface, millings offer the best value.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from recycled asphalt suppliers, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Prices vary significantly by location and material availability. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do asphalt millings cost? +
Asphalt millings cost $10–$30 per ton for material only. For a standard 2-car driveway (600 sq ft at 3" depth), you'll need about 18 tons, costing $180–$540 for materials. Add $75–$200 for delivery and $300–$900 for compaction if hiring a contractor. Total installed cost averages $1–$3 per square foot.
What are asphalt millings? +
Asphalt millings are recycled asphalt pavement ground into small pieces. They're created when old asphalt roads or parking lots are milled up during resurfacing. Millings contain asphalt binder that reactivates under heat and compaction, bonding together to form a solid surface. They're 100% recycled and environmentally friendly.
How long do asphalt millings last? +
Properly installed and compacted asphalt millings last 7–10 years for residential driveways. Lifespan depends on traffic volume, weather exposure, and maintenance. Heavy vehicle traffic reduces lifespan to 5–7 years. Light residential use with good drainage can extend life to 10–15 years. Recompacting every 2–3 years helps extend durability.
Can I install asphalt millings myself? +
Yes, DIY installation is possible for small driveways. Spread millings evenly at 2–4" depth, then compact using a plate compactor (rent for $70–$100/day) or by driving over repeatedly. For best results, wet the surface lightly before compacting — moisture helps reactivate the asphalt binder. Large projects (1,000+ sq ft) are easier with professional equipment.
Do asphalt millings need to be sealed? +
No, asphalt millings do not require sealing. Unlike new asphalt, millings already contain aged binder that hardens naturally through sun exposure and compaction. Sealing is optional for aesthetics but doesn't significantly improve durability. If you want a darker, more uniform appearance, wait 6–12 months after installation before applying asphalt sealer.
How thick should asphalt millings be? +
For residential driveways, install 2–3 inches for light vehicle traffic. Use 4 inches for heavier vehicles (trucks, RVs) or high-traffic areas. Commercial or heavy-duty applications need 5–6 inches. Thicker layers provide better durability but require more material. Always compact to 75–80% of the loose depth — a 3" loose layer compacts to about 2.5" finished.
Are asphalt millings better than gravel? +
Asphalt millings are superior to gravel for driveways. Millings compact into a solid surface that resists rutting and erosion, while gravel shifts and spreads. Millings cost $1–$3/sq ft installed vs $1–$2/sq ft for gravel — similar price but better performance. Millings also generate less dust, require less maintenance, and don't migrate onto lawns like gravel.
What's the difference between asphalt millings and recycled asphalt? +
They're the same thing. 'Asphalt millings,' 'recycled asphalt pavement (RAP),' and 'crushed asphalt' all refer to ground-up recycled asphalt. Suppliers may use different names, but the product is identical. Some suppliers grade millings by size — finer millings (under 3/4") compact better for driveways, while coarser millings (1–2") work for base layers or paths.
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