Driveway Resurfacing in Florence, Oregon: Cost & Process

Should You Resurface Your Florence Driveway?

When a driveway on the Lane County coast starts looking worn — faded from salt and sun, raveling, cracked in spots — full replacement is often the first thought. But in many cases, resurfacing is the smarter and far more affordable answer. Resurfacing, also called an overlay, lays a fresh 1.5 to 2-inch layer of asphalt over your existing driveway, giving you a new surface without a full tear-out.

The condition for resurfacing is that the foundation underneath must still be sound — and on the Florence coast, where sandy soil and a high water table put extra stress on driveway bases, confirming that the base is solid matters even more than inland. This guide explains when resurfacing makes sense, what it costs, and how the process works on the coast.

Resurface vs. Replace: The Decision

The choice between an overlay and a full replacement depends on what is happening below the surface.

Resurfacing is the right call when:

• The base is still solid and stable
• Cracking is surface-level, not deep or widespread
• There is no significant settling or drainage failure
• The driveway is structurally sound but cosmetically worn from salt, sun, and sand

Replacement is necessary when:

• The base has failed, shown by alligator cracking across large areas
• The driveway has settled into the sand
• Potholes keep returning after patching
• Deep structural cracks run through the full thickness

On the coast, base failure often traces back to a driveway that was originally built on sand without proper stabilization. An overlay over a failing or sinking base lets the problems telegraph straight up through the new asphalt within a year or two — wasted money. Our guide on driveway resurfacing vs replacement cost covers this decision in more depth.

What Resurfacing Costs in Florence

Industry baseline ranges shown below. Actual costs vary based on driveway size, surface prep needed, and current market conditions. These are not Cojo quotes.

Project Component	Industry Baseline Range
Asphalt overlay (resurfacing)	$2–$5 per square foot
Crack repair and prep (if needed)	$1–$3 per square foot
Full replacement (for comparison)	$5–$13 per square foot

For a typical Florence residential driveway of 600 to 800 square feet, resurfacing has historically been baselined in the $1,500 to $4,000 range, compared with $4,000 to $9,000 or more for full replacement. That gap is why resurfacing is so appealing when the base is sound — a new surface for a fraction of the replacement cost.

Actual costs depend on prep needs and driveway complexity. For the full statewide cost picture, see our complete Oregon asphalt driveway guide.

How the Resurfacing Process Works

Surface Cleaning and Inspection

The contractor cleans the driveway and inspects it closely. On the coast, this is the moment to confirm the base has not settled into the sand — a surface glance is not enough. Areas of deep cracking, settling, or movement are flagged.

Crack Repair and Prep

Existing cracks are cleaned and filled, and minor low spots are leveled. Larger potholes or damaged sections may need patching before the overlay goes on. Good prep is what makes the new surface bond and last.

Applying the Overlay

A fresh layer of hot-mix asphalt, typically 1.5 to 2 inches thick, is spread over the prepared surface. The crew shapes it to maintain drainage so water runs off rather than pooling — critical in Florence's high-water-table, heavy-rain setting.

Compaction and Curing

The new layer is compacted with a roller while hot, locking it into a smooth, durable surface. The overlay then needs a few days to cure before heavy use.

Why Base Condition Matters Even More on the Coast

Florence's sandy soil and high water table mean driveway bases face more stress than inland ones. If the original base was not built with proper stabilization, it may settle over time, and an overlay will not fix that. Salt, constant moisture, and sand abrasion also age the surface faster, which is why coastal driveways often reach the resurfacing point sooner than inland ones.

This makes honest base evaluation essential before resurfacing. A contractor who claims an overlay will fix a settling coastal base is either mistaken or cutting corners. The right approach is to resurface only when the base genuinely supports it and recommend replacement when the base has failed. Our asphalt maintenance services include that straight evaluation.

Is Resurfacing Worth It in Florence?

When the base is sound, resurfacing is one of the best values in coastal driveway maintenance. You get a fresh, smooth surface for roughly a third to a half of replacement cost, and a well-done overlay — kept up with sealcoating against the salt and moisture — can last several years. It also restores curb appeal, which matters for the second homes and year-round residences along the Lane County coast.

The key is deciding based on the base, not the surface. A driveway that looks weathered but sits on a solid, properly built base is an ideal resurfacing candidate. One that has settled into the sand needs full replacement — anything less wastes money.