Driveway Sealing Cost: Asphalt & Concrete
Asphalt sealcoating avg $570 · Concrete sealing avg $1,500 · DIY vs pro comparison · When to seal (and when not to)
$570Asphalt avg (pro)
$0.15–$0.23Asphalt / sq ft
$0.85–$2.13Concrete / sq ft
~$1.15/sq ftAvg labor rate
⚡ Quick Answer
Sealing an asphalt driveway costs an average of $570 professionally, ranging from $176–$600 for most residential driveways. Concrete sealing costs more: $1,500 average, or $0.85–$2.13/sq ft. DIY asphalt sealing saves about $1.15/sq ft in labor but requires proper prep. Seal asphalt every 3–5 years; concrete every 3–7 years depending on climate.
Asphalt vs. Concrete Sealing: Key Differences
🖤 Asphalt Sealcoating
$0.15–$0.23/sq ft
Liquid coal tar or asphalt emulsion sprayed or squeegeed on. Restores deep black color, blocks UV damage, slows oxidation. Typical driveway: $176–$600. Seal every 3–5 years. DIY-friendly.
⬜ Concrete Sealing
$0.85–$2.13/sq ft
Penetrating or topical sealer applied to concrete. Prevents water penetration, staining, and freeze-thaw cracking. Typical driveway: $1,000–$2,500. Seal every 3–7 years. Requires 30+ day cure for new concrete.
🧮 Driveway Sealing Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
Driveway sq ft
Per sq ft
Seal frequency
Cost by Driveway Size
| Driveway Size | Asphalt (professional) | Concrete (professional) | DIY Asphalt materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car (400 sq ft) | $176–$260 | $340–$850 | $60–$100 |
| Standard (600–800 sq ft) | $250–$470 | $510–$1,700 | $90–$185 |
| Double wide (1,000 sq ft) | $350–$600 | $850–$2,130 | $150–$250 |
| Large (1,500+ sq ft) | $500–$900 | $1,275–$3,200 | $225–$375 |
Asphalt Sealer Types — What You're Actually Paying For
| Sealer Type | Material Cost / sq ft | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal tar emulsion | $0.08–$0.10 | 3–5 yrs | Most common, cheapest. Banned in some areas due to VOC concerns. Deep black finish. |
| Asphalt emulsion | $0.08–$0.10 | 4+ yrs | Most popular — better for environment, lasts longer. Susceptible to oil stains. Apply in warm weather only. |
| Fast-drying (synthetic) | ~$0.10 | 2–3 yrs | Ready to use sooner, but shorter lifespan. Good for late-season applications. |
| Latex acrylic | $0.20–$0.25 | 5+ yrs | Non-toxic, stain-resistant. Premium option. Best for driveways with heavy foot traffic. |
| Rubberized tar (hot pour) | $0.25+ | 3–5 yrs | Best for severe freeze-thaw climates. Commercial-grade. Most durable crack penetration. |
DIY vs. Professional: The Real Comparison
- Pro saves you: 2–4 hours of physical labor (pressure washing, crack filling, sealer application). Industrial-grade sealers not available to the public. Even application guaranteed. Minimum service fee typically $150–$200.
- DIY saves you: ~$1.15/sq ft in labor. A 1,000 sq ft driveway = $1,150 in labor savings. Requires proper prep (pressure wash + crack fill first), correct temperature (above 50°F), and dry forecast for 24–48 hours.
- DIY risk: Uneven application is visible and looks worse than an unsealed driveway. If you rush prep, the sealer won't bond and will peel or chip within a year. Hire a pro if your driveway has significant cracking — crack filling before sealing is critical and requires skill.
💡 Best time to seal: late spring. Sealing requires temps above 50°F and a dry 24–48 hour window. Late April through June is ideal — warm enough for proper bonding, before peak summer heat that can cause bubbling. Fall is second best if temps cooperate. Never seal before winter in freeze-thaw climates — moisture can become trapped and crack the new surface.
⚠️ Don't seal too often. Over-sealing builds up layers that crack and peel — the opposite of protection. Asphalt: every 3–5 years maximum. Concrete: every 3–7 years. Check condition first: if the surface still has color and no visible oxidation, it doesn't need sealing yet.
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Angi — Driveway Sealing Pros
All 50 states · Verified reviews
Search "driveway sealing" or "sealcoating" by ZIP. Ask specifically what's included: power wash + crack fill + sealer application in one quote vs. power wash as a separate charge. Always ask if crack repair is included.
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Thumbtack — Local Sealcoating
All 50 states · Small contractors
Good for finding local independent sealcoating specialists who often beat franchise pricing by 15–20%. Many offer spring scheduling with early-bird discounts in March–April.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does driveway sealing cost?
Professional asphalt sealcoating averages $570, ranging from $176–$600 for most residential driveways. Concrete sealing costs more — $1,500 average, or $0.85–$2.13/sq ft. DIY asphalt sealing costs $0.15–$0.25/sq ft in materials only (saving ~$1.15/sq ft in labor). Most contractors have a $150–$200 minimum service fee.
How often should I seal my driveway?
Asphalt: every 3–5 years. Concrete: every 3–7 years. In severe freeze-thaw climates (MN, MI, CO), seal closer to the 3-year mark. In mild climates, 5+ years is fine. Over-sealing builds up brittle layers that crack and peel — worse than no sealing. Check condition first: if the surface is still darkish and uncracked, wait.
Can I seal my driveway myself?
Yes — asphalt sealing is a common DIY project that saves ~$1.15/sq ft in labor. Requirements: pressure wash the driveway first, fill all cracks over 1/4 inch with crack filler, ensure temps above 50°F with a 24–48 hour dry forecast, apply with a squeegee or brush (not rolled). Main risk: uneven application looks worse than an unsealed surface. Hire a pro if you have significant cracking or have never done it before.