Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost in Franklin?
As a general guide, asphalt driveways in Franklin commonly cost between $65 and $100 per square metre plus GST, depending on the size of the job and the amount of preparation required.
Larger areas with a sound, prepared base may cost less per square metre, while small jobs, difficult access, excavation, drainage, edging and major basecourse work can increase the rate. Because every driveway is different, we inspect the site before providing a firm quotation.
What affects the cost of asphalt surfacing?
The main cost factors are:
Larger, accessible areas generally cost less per square metre because the mobilisation, machinery and transport costs are spread across a greater area.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
In many cases, asphalt is cheaper than concrete, particularly across larger driveways, car parks and accessways. It is generally faster to install, requires less curing time and can be repaired or resurfaced more economically.
The final comparison depends on the groundwork required. Excavation, drainage, basecourse and access often account for a significant portion of the overall cost regardless of which surface is chosen. We can assess your site and explain which option is likely to provide the best long-term value.
How much basecourse do I need for a driveway?
A typical residential driveway may require approximately 100–150mm of compacted basecourse. Weak or wet ground, heavy vehicles and commercial use may require 150–250mm or more, sometimes with geotextile or subgrade improvement beneath it.
Basecourse should be installed and compacted in suitable layers rather than tipped out and compacted all at once. The correct depth depends on the soil, drainage and expected vehicle loading, so it should be assessed on site.
Remember, if you have an existing gravel driveway fairly well aged, we can most likely lay straight over the top of it.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Most residential asphalt driveways are laid approximately 30–50mm thick after compaction. We commonly recommend around 40mm for normal residential use and 50mm or more where heavier vehicles, turning movements or higher traffic volumes are expected.
The asphalt is laid thicker while loose and reduces to the specified depth during rolling. Asphalt thickness is important, but the strength and drainage of the base underneath are just as important.
What is the difference between asphalt and chipseal?
Asphalt is a manufactured mixture of graded aggregate, fines and bitumen that is laid hot and compacted into a smooth, dense surface.
Chipseal is made by spraying bitumen onto the prepared surface and covering it with stone chips. It is generally cheaper for large rural areas but has a rougher appearance, can release loose chip and normally offers less resistance to turning or concentrated vehicle movements.
Asphalt is usually preferred for driveways, parking areas and locations where a smoother, cleaner and more refined finish is wanted.
Can asphalt be laid over an existing driveway?
Yes, asphalt can usually be overlaid onto existing asphalt or concrete, provided the existing surface is stable and suitable.
Cracks, loose areas, drainage problems, movement and changes in finished height must be addressed first. The existing surface may also need cleaning, edge preparation, local excavation and a bitumen emulsion bond coat. An overlay will not permanently solve problems caused by a failing base underneath.
How long before you can drive on new asphalt?
Pedestrian access is normally possible once the asphalt has cooled. We generally recommend keeping vehicles off new asphalt for at least 24 hours, or 48 hours during hot weather or where practical.
Asphalt continues to harden over time, so avoid stationary steering, sharp turning, heavy point loads and parking heavy vehicles in the same position during the early life of the surface.
Why is my asphalt driveway cracking?
Common causes of asphalt cracking include:
The correct repair depends on the cause. Simply filling the visible crack may not be enough if the pavement underneath is moving.
Can potholes be repaired permanently?
Yes, but a lasting repair requires more than filling the hole from the top.
A proper pothole repair generally involves cutting or excavating back to sound material, removing loose and water-damaged material, repairing and compacting the base, applying bitumen emulsion and installing properly compacted hot-mix asphalt. If the drainage or failed base is not repaired, the pothole is likely to return.
Do I need drainage before laying asphalt?
Probably, as effective drainage is essential. Asphalt is water-resistant, but water entering through edges, cracks or underneath the surrounding ground can weaken the base and cause settlement, cracking and potholes.
The driveway should have suitable falls so water drains away rather than ponding. Some sites may also require channels, catchpits, subsoil drainage or kerbing. Drainage should be resolved before the asphalt is laid.
How do I prepare a site for a new driveway?
Typical preparation includes:
Franklin Asphalts can complete the preparation and surfacing as one coordinated job.
How much do earthworks cost in Franklin?
Earthworks costs depend on the machinery required, the volume and type of material, access, ground conditions, cartage distance and whether spoil can be reused on site.
Small jobs may be charged using an hourly machinery rate plus transport and disposal. Larger or clearly defined projects can often be priced as a complete scope. Reusing suitable material on site can significantly reduce trucking, disposal and replacement-material costs.
It’s especially important to use an efficient contractor like Franklin Asphalts. There is currently no regulation stopping anyone from digging up driveways and doing little digger work in New Zealand. It doesn’t take much for someone to turn 10 cubic metres of clean topsoil and 10 cubic metres of firm hard buildable clay into 20 cubic metres of useless waste spoil (spoilt soil).
Send us photographs, measurements and the site address for an initial assessment, or arrange a site visit for a quotation.
What is the best base material under asphalt?
A well-graded, compactable crushed aggregate is generally the best base beneath asphalt. GAP 40 is commonly used for deeper structural layers, while GAP 20 is often used closer to the finished surface where a tighter, more accurately trimmed base is required.
The best material depends on the existing ground, required depth and expected loading. Geotextile, larger aggregate or stabilisation may be needed where the subgrade is soft or wet.
How much landscape material do I need?
Calculate the volume using:
Length × width × required depth = cubic metres
For example, an area measuring 10m × 5m at an average depth of 100mm requires:
10 × 5 × 0.1 = 5m³
Allow extra material for compaction, settlement, uneven ground and wastage. If you provide the measurements and required depth, Franklin Asphalts can help calculate the quantity.
How much does a cubic metre of topsoil, GAP, drainage metal or mulch cover?
Coverage depends on the depth:
These are loose-volume calculations. GAP and other compacted aggregates require additional material because their volume reduces during compaction. Topsoil and mulch may also settle after placement.
Do you deliver landscape supplies to Pōkeno, Tuakau, Pukekohe, and other regions?
Yes. Franklin Asphalts delivers landscape and construction materials throughout Pōkeno, Tuakau, Pukekohe, Mercer, northern Waikato and all surrounding areas, including Auckland and Hamilton.
Delivery pricing depends on the destination, material, load size and truck required. Contact us with your address and required quantity for an accurate delivered price.
What equipment can I hire with a driver?
Subject to availability, Franklin Asphalts can provide operated machinery for excavation, site preparation, material placement, compaction and general civil work.
Our equipment includes excavators of various sizes, loaders, rollers, trucks, dumpers and specialist asphalt machinery. Operated hire gives you both the machine and an experienced operator, helping the work proceed safely and efficiently.
Do I need a truck, digger, roller or skid steer for my job?
It depends on the work involved:
Many projects require a combination of machines. We can assess the job and recommend the most cost-effective equipment rather than supplying machinery you do not need.
Can you remove and reuse old concrete, metal or spoil?
Yes, where the material is suitable. Clean concrete can often be crushed and reused as aggregate, existing metal may be recovered and recompacted, and suitable spoil can sometimes be reused for filling, contouring or landscaping.
Reusing material on site can reduce trucking, landfill charges and the cost of importing replacement material. Contaminated, unsuitable or excess material still needs to be disposed of at an approved facility.
Do you service residential, commercial civil work?
Yes. Franklin Asphalts undertakes residential, commercial and civil projects throughout Franklin, South Auckland and North Waikato.
Our work ranges from small driveway repairs and reinstatements to complete driveways, car parks, earthworks, kerbing, material supply and larger civil projects. We apply the same practical planning and attention to detail regardless of the project’s size.
How do I get an accurate quote for asphalt work?
For an initial estimate, send us:
For the most accurate price, we recommend a site visit. This allows us to measure the area, inspect the base and drainage, confirm access, determine the correct construction method and identify cost-saving opportunities before work begins.
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