How much does driveway sealing cost?
How much does driveway sealing cost?
$1 – $2 cost per square foot
$400 – $800 average total cost (400 square feet)
Average driveway sealing cost
Driveway sealing costs $1 to $2 per square foot including labor or $400 to $800 total on average for 400 square feet. Driveway sealer costs $3 to $25+ per gallon for the material alone. The total cost to seal a driveway depends on the driveway size, sealant type, and number of coats.
| National Average Cost | $600 |
| Minimum Cost | $110 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,900 |
| Average Range | $400 to $800 |
Driveway sealer cost by size
The cost of professionally sealing a driveway depends mostly on the size. Large or irregular-shaped driveways cost more to seal.
| Garage size in feet | Size (square feet) | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12x24 (1-car) | 288 | $290 – $580 |
| 20x20 (2-car) | 400 | $400 – $800 |
| 24x24 (2-car) | 576 | $580 – $1,200 |
| 24x36 (3-car) | 864 | $860 – $1,700 |
| 50' diameter circular | 1,650 | $1,700 – $3,300 |
Driveway sealant prices by type
Asphalt driveways typically use emulsion, latex, or eco-friendly sealants. Concrete sealing costs $1 to $3 per square foot installed or $575 to $1,700 for a 2-car driveway. Contractors typically use acrylic or epoxy for concrete driveways, which costs more than other sealant types.
| Sealant type | Price per square foot (materials only) |
Price per gallon (materials only) |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt polymer emulsion | $0.08 – $0.15 | $4.00 – $15.00 |
| Coal tar emulsion | $0.06 – $0.15 | $3.00 – $15.00 |
| Eco-friendly | $0.25 – $0.40 | $12.50 – $40.00 |
| Fast-dry | $0.10 – $0.20 | $5.00 – $20.00 |
| Latex acrylic | $0.20 – $0.25 | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Oil-based | $0.15 – $0.20 | $7.50 – $20.00 |
Driveway sealant typically comes in 5-gallon containers that cover 250 to 500 square feet, depending on the type. Most sealant types will cover 50 to 100 square feet per gallon.
Asphalt polymer emulsion sealant
Asphalt emulsion sealant costs $0.08 to $0.15 per square foot for materials only. This popular sealant is durable and considered more environmentally friendly than fast-drying or coal tar sealers. However, it is prone to staining when exposed to gas and oil.
Coal tar emulsion sealant
Coal tar emulsions sealant costs $0.06 to $0.15 per square foot for materials. Coal tar is stain-resistant and durable. However, many areas have banned coal tar emulsion because it's carcinogenic and may pollute the surrounding soil and groundwater.
Latex acrylic sealant
Latex acrylic sealant costs $0.20 to $0.25 per square foot, excluding labor. This sealant type is non-toxic stain resistant, UV resistant, and can fill deep cracks and holes. Latex acrylic is one of the most expensive sealant types, but it lasts longer than most other types.
Oil-based sealant
Oil-based sealant costs $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot for the material alone. This sealant type is less common than other types because it doesn't last as long and is difficult to work with, but it does a good job of filling small cracks.
Fast-dry sealant
Fast-drying sealant costs $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot, not including labor. This type dries completely within 24 hours but doesn't last as long as other sealants. Fast-drying sealant application requires weather above 75° F and below 35% humidity. This sealant type also contains harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Eco-friendly sealant
Eco-friendly driveway sealant costs $0.25 to $0.40 per square foot for the sealant alone and is a good alternative if your area has banned coal tar sealant. Eco-friendly sealants, especially soy-based sealants, are low-odor and UV-resistant.
Make sure you seal your driveway when the weather is dry and the temperature is 50° to 95° F.
Driveway sealing cost calculator
The cost of sealing a driveway depends mostly on its size, the type of sealant used, and local labor rates.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $0.10 – $0.50 |
| Labor | $0.90 – $1.50 |
| Total cost | $1.00 – $2.00 |
The following factors also affect the total cost:
Minimum fees – Some contractors have a minimum charge for driveway sealing, so you may end up paying more to meet the minimum if you have a small driveway. Consider sealing nearby pathways or patios to bundle services and save money.
Number of coats – Most driveways only need one coat of sealant, but your contractor may recommend two coats if your driveway sees a lot of traffic or you use heavier vehicles.
Driveway condition – If your driveway has cracks, holes, or pitted areas, you'll need to either use a thicker sealant type or repair it.
Driveway repair costs $100 to $400 for small cracks and holes.
Resurfacing an asphalt driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot or $400 to $1,800 total on average.
A driveway costs $4 to $15 per square foot for a full replacement. Consider replacing your driveway if the asphalt is crumbling, buckling, or has large cracks.
Accessibility – Flat driveways are easier to seal than driveways with steep slopes or homes in hard-to-reach areas.
Location – If you live in an area with extreme cold or heat, ask your contractor for a weather-resistant sealant.
Cleaning – Contractors typically clean driveways of debris, oil, and dirt before sealing them. Professional power washing costs $100 to $260 for a driveway.
Dyes / pigments – Some sealants come in colors like brown, white, or green and cost $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot more than average.
Labor
Driveway sealing labor costs are $0.90 to $1.50 per square foot, depending on the condition and accessibility of your driveway. Cleaning, repairing, resurfacing, or patching a driveway before sealing it will raise the overall price.
Driveway sealing FAQs
What is driveway sealing?
Driveway sealing, or sealcoating, uses various materials to create a protective membrane over a driveway. This protects it from rain, ice, sun exposure, and damage.
Is sealing your driveway worth it?
Sealing a driveway is worth it because it helps extend the lifespan of the driveway, improves curb appeal, and protects it from snow, ice, rain, car fluids, and UV rays. Unsealed driveways develop cracks and potholes more easily.
What is the best driveway sealer?
The best driveway sealer for you depends on your climate and the level of traffic your driveway gets. Latex-based sealants typically last longer than other types and are non-toxic, unlike coal tar and fast-dry sealants.
How long after sealing a driveway can I drive on it?
Most driveway sealants take 12 to 72 hours to fully dry and cure before you can park or drive on it. Professionals typically recommend waiting 1 to 3 hours before walking on the driveway.
How often should you seal your driveway?
You should reseal your driveway every 2 to 10 years, depending on the sealant type and your climate. If you just installed a new driveway, wait 3 to 6 months for it to harden and cure completely before sealing.
Most driveway sealants take 12 to 72 hours to fully dry and cure before you can park or drive on it. Professionals typically recommend waiting 1 to 3 hours before walking on the driveway.
Getting estimates from driveway sealers
Before choosing a driveway sealing company near you, follow these steps:
Get at least 3 estimates from licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Verify their credentials and read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid extremely low bids as this often indicates lack of experience or low-quality work.
Have a written contract and warranty in hand before the sealing process starts.
Questions to ask driveway sealers
Asking the right questions can make sure you choose an experienced driveway sealer:
Are you licensed and insured?
How long have you been sealing driveways?
Do you have references or a portfolio?
How will you prepare the driveway before applying the sealant?
Do you give free estimates?
Can you repair the driveway, or do I need to hire someone else?
What's the best sealant for this climate?
Do you thin out your sealants?
How long will this sealant last?
How long will it be before I can walk or drive on the surface?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.