Driveway Resurfacing in Junction City, Oregon: Cost & Process

Should You Resurface Your Junction City Driveway?

When a driveway starts looking worn — faded, raveling, cracked in places — full replacement is often the first thing that comes to mind. But in many cases, resurfacing is the smarter and far more affordable answer. Resurfacing, also called an overlay, applies 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. For Junction City homeowners in the southern Willamette Valley, where wet winters work on every driveway, the base condition is the deciding factor. This guide explains when resurfacing makes sense, what it costs, and how the process works in Lane County.

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

Replacement is necessary when:

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

An overlay on a failing base will let the problems beneath 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 Junction City

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 Junction City 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. This is the moment to confirm the base is genuinely sound — a surface glance is not enough. Areas of deep cracking 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 — important in Junction City's wet winters.

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 in the Valley

Junction City's southern-valley location brings wet winters and the freeze-thaw swings that come with them. Water is asphalt's enemy, and a compromised base lets water move beneath the surface where it freezes, expands, and breaks things apart.

That is why honest base evaluation matters so much before resurfacing. A contractor who claims an overlay will fix a structural problem is either mistaken or cutting corners. The right approach is to resurface only when the base supports it and recommend replacement when it does not. Our asphalt maintenance services include that straight evaluation.

Is Resurfacing Worth It in Junction City?

When the base is sound, resurfacing is one of the best values in driveway maintenance. You get a fresh, smooth, attractive surface for roughly a third to a half of replacement cost, and a well-done overlay can last 8 to 15 years depending on traffic and maintenance. It also restores curb appeal, which matters for Lane County property value.

The key is deciding based on the base, not the surface. A driveway that looks rough but sits on a solid foundation is an ideal resurfacing candidate. One crumbling because the base has failed needs full replacement — anything less wastes money.