Driveway Resurfacing in Medford, Oregon: Cost & Process

What Is Driveway Resurfacing — and Is It Right for Your Medford 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 adds years of life at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. The condition for it to work: the base and the existing pavement underneath have to be structurally sound.

In Medford, a lot of driveways that look worn are actually good candidates for resurfacing. The Rogue Valley's intense summer UV dries and fades asphalt over time, so a driveway can look tired on the surface while its bones are still solid. When that's the case, an overlay is the smart, economical fix. Our guide to driveway resurfacing vs. replacement walks through how to tell the difference.

What Driveway Resurfacing Costs in Medford

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 rise if the surface needs significant crack repair or leveling first.

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

The Resurfacing Process in Medford

1. Inspection — The contractor confirms the base is sound and the existing asphalt can support an overlay.
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 low spots leveled. Skipping this 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. Medford's summer heat aids clean compaction.
6. Curing — The surface needs time to harden before heavy use and sealcoating.

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

Good candidates for resurfacing

• Surface fading and oxidation from Rogue Valley UV 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 cracking 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
• Drainage problems undermining the foundation
• A base that's no longer stable

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

Why Medford's Climate Matters for Resurfacing

UV is the usual culprit

In the Rogue Valley, sustained UV exposure is often what makes a driveway look old — fading, surface drying, and shallow cracking. That's frequently surface-level damage, which makes Medford driveways especially good candidates for resurfacing. After the overlay, a sealcoating schedule keeps UV from aging the new surface prematurely.

Base and drainage still rule

The surface can only be saved if what's underneath is sound. If poor drainage or a failing base contributed to the wear, that needs addressing before any overlay — otherwise the new layer faces the same problem.

What a Contractor Can't See Until Work Begins

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

• Base damage under intact-looking pavement — Wear that's deeper than the surface suggests
• Cracks deeper than they appear — Surface cracks that 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 needing 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 economical choice when your Medford driveway's foundation is good and only the surface is worn — which, given the Rogue Valley's UV-driven aging, is common. When the base has failed, replacement is the honest answer. For pricing context, see our asphalt driveway cost in Medford page and the complete asphalt driveway guide for Oregon. Building fresh instead? Our new driveway installation in Medford guide covers that.