When you're looking for a professionally installed driveway, patio, or sidewalk, it pays to know about the variety of services available, as well as what they cost and what level of quality to expect. While many driveway and concrete installers have their own business practices and pricing structures, there are still many industry-wide standards that apply across the country. Learning about these standards for yourself is a great place to start when considering work on your driveway.

On average, paving an asphalt driveway costs around $4,800 and can range between $3,000 and $6,500. Concrete paving is significantly more expensive, nearly double that price, coming in between $5,500 and $12,000.

To start sealing your own driveway, you only need a few basic materials including commercial sealer, an application brush or broom, and a mixing paddle. On a clear, sunny day, start by thoroughly washing your driveway. Once it's clean, apply the sealer evenly, row by row. Then, simply let it dry for 48 hours.

The best way to get oil spills off your driveway is to coat the area thoroughly with baking soda. After the powder has sat for several minutes, simply wash the area with water and a stiff-bristled brush. Scrub thoroughly until the area is clear, using two or three applications of baking soda if necessary.

Asphalt paving costs between $3,000 and $6,500, at an average of around $4,800. However, this price can vary, depending on several factors, including the size of your driveway. Generally, pavers charge between $14 and $26 per square foot, including materials and labor.

Pressure washing is a simple process, as long as you have the right tools on hand. Start by wearing eye protection and covering nearby grass and plants with tarps to keep them from burning. Then, turn on your pressure washer, and run it over the full surface of your driveway in slow, even strokes.

Concrete driveways are between one-and-a-half and two times as expensive as an asphalt driveway, ranging between $5,500 and $12,000. This comes to about $28 to $50 per square foot, including labor and materials.

Driveway sealers can often set within 24 hours, but to be safe, it is better to wait a full 48 to ensure you don't mar the surface with car tires or footprints. If it rains during this period, you will likely have to start the process over and seal the driveway again.

Power washing a driveway is relatively affordable and can cost between $180 and $240 for a 600 square foot area. Smaller driveways can cost as little as $100 while larger ones may be as much as $300.

To fully repair cracks in a driveway, it will be necessary to tear out the concrete completely and have it professionally repoured. However, there are less expensive alternatives, such as self-leveling sealants which can be quickly and affordably applied to the cracks to maintain structural stability.

A standard concrete driveway should be poured 100mm deep to help prevent cracking or shifting over time. If you plan on regularly parking larger vehicles, it is better to go with a 150mm-deep slab.

Gravel driveways are some of the most affordable material options available, costing as little as $1,500 for the entire job. You can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot of gravel, including materials and labor.

Replacing a driveway costs more than a fresh installation because you have to pay for the labor of removing the existing materials. In addition to the installation costs listed above, a driveway replacement costs $2 to $6 per square foot

Generally, it is best to reseal your asphalt driveway every three years to prevent deterioration. If your asphalt is old and worn, you may want to consider sealing it every year.

Heating your driveway costs between $12 and $21 per square foot. However, this cost doesn't factor in the removal of your old driveway, which will be a necessary step. In total, you can expect to pay as much as $25,000 for the entire project.

One benefit of gravel driveways is that they are some of the easiest and least expensive to repair. To repair a pothole, simply clear the hole of any debris that may have fallen into it, shovel in fresh gravel, and level the area thoroughly to prevent a hole or rut from reforming.

When choosing a drainage pipe for your driveway, you can choose from PVC or corrugated metal. Generally, PVC is more expensive but also more durable, making it a good choice especially for those who live in an area with wide temperature fluctuations.