Driveway Resurfacing in Bend, Oregon: Cost & Process

What Is Driveway Resurfacing — and Is It Right for Your Bend Driveway?

Resurfacing, also called an overlay, lays a fresh layer of asphalt — usually 1.5 to 2 inches — over your existing driveway. It restores a smooth, dark surface and extends the driveway's life at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. The catch is that resurfacing only works when the base and the existing pavement underneath are still structurally sound.

In Bend, that condition is worth scrutinizing. Deschutes County's freeze-thaw winters and porous volcanic soils mean a driveway that looks tired on the surface might actually have a base problem hiding underneath. If the foundation has failed, an overlay just telegraphs the old cracks back through in a season or two. Our guide to driveway resurfacing vs. replacement lays out the decision in detail.

What Driveway Resurfacing Costs in Bend

Industry baseline ranges shown below. Actual costs vary based on driveway size, prep needed, overlay thickness, and current market conditions.

Driveway Size	Approx. Square Feet	Industry Baseline Range
1-car	400–600 sq ft	$1,500–$3,500
2-car	600–900 sq ft	$2,500–$5,500
3-car / extended	900–1,400 sq ft	$4,000–$8,000+

Resurfacing typically runs 40 to 60 percent less than full replacement because there's no demolition or base rebuild — the existing driveway becomes the foundation for the new layer. Costs climb if the surface needs significant crack repair or leveling before the overlay goes down.

These are reference ranges from national contractor data. Your actual cost depends on prep work, overlay thickness, and access.

The Resurfacing Process in Bend

1. Inspection — The contractor confirms the base is sound and the existing asphalt can support an overlay. In Bend, this is where freeze-thaw damage gets caught.
2. Cleaning — The surface is cleared of debris, dirt, and vegetation so the new layer bonds properly.
3. Crack and pothole repair — Significant cracks are filled and any low spots leveled. Skipping this step lets old cracks reflect through.
4. Tack coat — A bonding agent is applied so the new asphalt adheres to the old surface.
5. Overlay — A fresh layer of hot-mix asphalt is laid and rolled to compaction.
6. Curing — The surface needs time to harden before heavy use and sealcoating.

When Resurfacing Works in Bend — and When It Doesn't

Good candidates for resurfacing

• Surface cracking and fading without structural damage
• A base that's still firm and well-drained
• Driveways under about 15 to 20 years old with a sound foundation
• Cosmetic wear and minor unevenness

When replacement is the better call

• Widespread alligator cracking across more than a quarter of the surface
• Sunken or heaved sections pointing to base failure
• Freeze-thaw damage that has compromised the foundation
• Drainage problems undermining the base

If your driveway fits the second list, see our driveway replacement in Bend guide instead.

Why Bend's Climate Matters for Resurfacing

Freeze-thaw can hide under a good surface

A driveway can look fine on top while water has been working into the base all winter. Resurfacing over a freeze-thaw-damaged base wastes money. A contractor who knows Central Oregon will probe for this before recommending an overlay.

UV oxidation

Bend's intense high-desert sun dries and oxidizes asphalt faster than valley climates. Resurfacing restores the surface, but timely sealcoating afterward is what protects your investment against UV.

Volcanic soils and drainage

The porous local soils drain well when the driveway is graded correctly. If drainage is part of why the surface failed, that needs addressing before any overlay — otherwise the new layer faces the same fate.

What a Contractor Can't See Until Work Begins

Even careful inspection can't reveal everything. Common surprises in Bend resurfacing jobs include:

• Base damage hidden under intact-looking pavement — Freeze-thaw can soften the base without obvious surface signs
• Cracks deeper than they appear — Hairline surface cracks may run into the base
• Drainage issues — Water patterns that contributed to wear and will affect the overlay
• Old patches that won't bond — Previous repairs that need removal before overlay

These unknowns are why a site assessment beats any price chart. A contractor who evaluates your base gives a far more accurate recommendation.

Making the Resurfacing Decision

Resurfacing is the smart, economical choice when your Bend driveway's bones are good and only the surface is worn. When the base has failed, replacement is the honest answer. For pricing context, see our asphalt driveway cost in Bend page and the complete asphalt driveway guide for Oregon. Building fresh instead? Our new driveway installation in Bend guide covers that.