Professional Blacktop Installation Services

Blacktop installation in New Jersey typically costs $3-$7 per square foot for driveways and $2-$5 for larger areas like parking lots. A standard 600 sq ft driveway ranges from $1,800-$4,200. Factors affecting price include site preparation, thickness, and accessibility.

Blacktop and asphalt are essentially the same material - a mixture of stone aggregate and petroleum-based binder. "Blacktop" typically refers to the finished surface you see on driveways and parking lots, while "asphalt" is the technical term for the material.

Residential driveways need 2-3 inches of blacktop over a properly prepared base. Commercial parking lots require 3-4 inches, while heavy traffic areas need 4-6 inches. The base layer should be 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone.

You can typically walk on new blacktop within 24 hours and drive on it after 3-5 days. However, avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary for 7-10 days, and wait 30 days before parking heavy vehicles to prevent indentations.

The ideal time for blacktop installation in New Jersey is late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Hot weather helps with proper compaction and curing of the asphalt.