Driveway Paving: An Overview
Driveway paving is the process of installing or resurfacing a driveway with materials such as asphalt, concrete, or gravel. In Nashville and Middle Tennessee, asphalt is a popular choice due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to withstand the region’s varying weather conditions including hot summers and occasional freeze-thaw cycles.
Types of Driveway Paving Materials
There are several options for driveway surfaces, each with distinct advantages:
Asphalt: Affordable, quick to install, and provides a smooth, durable surface. Typically lasts 12 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Ideal for Nashville’s climate.
Concrete: Longer-lasting (25 to 30+ years) but more expensive upfront. Offers a clean, modern appearance and requires less maintenance.
Gravel: The most affordable option but requires regular maintenance to keep the surface level and address displacement.
Common Asphalt Services
Professional asphalt contractors in Nashville offer a range of services:
New Driveway Installation: Complete removal of old surface (if applicable) and installation of fresh asphalt.
Resurfacing/Overlay: Adding a new layer of asphalt over existing pavement to extend its life.
Sealcoating: Applying a protective coating to prevent water damage, oxidation, and wear.
Crack Filling: Repairing cracks before they expand and cause larger problems.
Patching: Fixing potholes and localized damage areas.
Top 3 Driveway Paving and Asphalt Companies in Nashville, TN
1. Crown Paving
Best For: Commercial properties, large-scale projects, government contracts, and clients seeking a certified woman-owned business enterprise.
Approach: Three generations of paving experience combined with professional project management. Named a 2021 and 2024 Top Contractor in all four categories by Pavement Maintenance and Reconstruction magazine.
Services:
Asphalt Paving: New installation for driveways, parking lots, and roadways.
Asphalt Maintenance: Sealcoating, crack filling, and regular maintenance programs.
Milling: Removal of old asphalt surfaces for resurfacing projects.
Striping and Line Marking: Parking lot striping and ADA compliance markings.
Concrete Services: Installation, repair, and ADA accessibility improvements.
Patching and Repairs: Pothole repair and localized damage restoration.
Location: Greenbrier, TN (Serving all of Middle Tennessee)
Contact: crownpave.com
Credentials: Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBENC), DBE certified with TDOT, WBE and SBE with Metro Nashville, on-call contractor for Nashville International Airport and Metro Nashville Public Schools (160+ properties).
Pricing: Free on-site estimates. Pricing based on project size and materials. One-year warranty on completed work.
2. Rocky Top Asphalt Inc.
Best For: Residential homeowners, commercial businesses, and clients seeking a family-owned company with personalized service throughout Greater Nashville.
Approach: Commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Treats each project with expert care and attention to detail, using high-quality materials and modern equipment.
Services:
Driveway Installation: New asphalt driveways for residential properties.
Parking Lot Construction: Commercial asphalt paving for businesses.
Asphalt Resurfacing: Overlaying existing pavement with new asphalt.
Sealcoating: Protective coating to extend pavement life.
Crack Repair: Sealing cracks to prevent water infiltration.
Asphalt Milling: Removing damaged layers for proper resurfacing.
Full-Depth Pavement Replacement: Complete removal and replacement of failed pavement.
Service Area: Nashville and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius, including Murfreesboro.
Contact: (615) 949-5331 | rockytopasphaltinc.com
Special Offers: 5% discount for senior citizens and military personnel. Free estimates available. Service available seven days a week.
Pricing: Free estimates provided. Contact for customized quotes based on project specifications.
3. Tennessee Elite Asphalt Paving
Best For: Homeowners and businesses seeking reliable asphalt work with transparent pricing and professional service.
Approach: Expert craftsmanship with a focus on customer satisfaction. Drug-screened and background-checked employees ensure trustworthy service.
Services:
Residential Driveway Paving: New driveways for homes of all sizes.
Commercial Asphalt Paving: Parking lots, access roads, and commercial properties.
Asphalt Repair: Patching, crack filling, and pothole repair.
Resurfacing: Extending the life of existing asphalt surfaces.
Concrete Services: Driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
Service Area: Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities.
Contact: tneliteasphaltpaving.com
Credentials: Trusted by general contractors, TxDOT, and homeowners. All employees are drug-screened and background-checked.
- Pricing: Free estimates provided. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does it cost to pave an asphalt driveway in Nashville?
On average, asphalt driveway paving in Nashville costs between $3 and $5 per square foot. For a typical residential driveway (approximately 600 to 1,000 square feet), homeowners can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 depending on factors such as site preparation needs, driveway size and shape, accessibility, thickness of asphalt applied, and whether old pavement needs to be removed.
2. How long does an asphalt driveway last in Tennessee?
With proper installation and maintenance, an asphalt driveway in Tennessee typically lasts between 12 and 20 years. Some well-maintained driveways can last up to 30 years. Longevity depends on factors including quality of installation, proper drainage, regular sealcoating (every 2 to 3 years), prompt crack repair, and avoiding heavy equipment that can damage the surface.
3. What is the best time of year to pave a driveway in Nashville?
The best time to pave an asphalt driveway in Nashville is during warm, dry weather, typically from late spring through early fall (April through October). Asphalt requires temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for proper compaction and curing. Hot summer months provide ideal conditions, though experienced contractors can work in cooler temperatures when necessary.
4. What is the difference between asphalt paving and sealcoating?
Asphalt paving involves installing new asphalt material to create or replace a driveway surface. Sealcoating is a maintenance procedure that applies a protective liquid coating over existing asphalt to protect it from water, UV rays, oil, and general wear. Sealcoating should be done every 2 to 3 years to extend the life of your asphalt driveway and is much less expensive than repaving.
5. How long should I wait before driving on a newly paved asphalt driveway?
You should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before driving on a newly paved asphalt driveway, though many contractors recommend waiting 3 to 5 days for optimal curing. During hot weather, asphalt takes longer to fully harden. Avoid parking in the same spot repeatedly during the first few weeks, and do not turn your steering wheel while stationary, as this can cause surface damage to the fresh asphalt.