What to Expect During a Driveway Paving Project: Timeline and Process

Your Driveway Paving Project: Start to Finish

Knowing what to expect takes the stress out of a paving project. This guide walks you through every phase of a typical driveway paving project in Oregon, from the first phone call to driving on your new surface.

Every project is different, but the fundamental process remains consistent. Understanding it helps you prepare your property, set realistic expectations, and recognize quality work when you see it.

Phase 1: Consultation and Estimate (1-2 Weeks Before)

The Site Visit

A reputable contractor visits your property before providing an estimate. During this visit, they assess:

• Existing driveway condition: Is the current surface asphalt, concrete, gravel, or bare earth?
• Dimensions: Length, width, and any irregular shapes
• Drainage: Where water currently flows and where it needs to go
• Subgrade condition: Signs of soft spots, standing water, or root intrusion
• Access: Can equipment and material trucks reach the site?
• Utilities: Location of underground lines and surface features (meters, cleanouts)

The Estimate

A quality estimate includes:

• Detailed scope of work for each phase
• Material specifications (base depth, asphalt type and thickness)
• Total square footage and dimensions
• Timeline with start date
• Warranty terms
• Payment schedule
• Total cost with line-item breakdown

See our guide on how to hire a paving contractor and how to compare paving estimates for what to look for.

For cost benchmarks, review our asphalt paving cost guide.

Phase 2: Pre-Work Preparation (1 Week Before)

Your Responsibilities

Before the crew arrives, prepare your property:

• Call 811 for utility locates (at least 48 hours in advance)
• Clear the driveway of all vehicles, storage, and debris
• Move items away from the edges: garbage cans, planters, mailbox posts
• Protect landscaping: Flag sprinkler heads and mark irrigation lines
• Notify neighbors about the upcoming work, especially if shared access is affected
• Plan alternate parking for the duration of the project plus curing time

Contractor Preparations

Your contractor will:

• Order materials (aggregate base, asphalt) for delivery timing
• Schedule equipment (excavator, dump trucks, paving machine, roller)
• Obtain any required permits
• Coordinate with utility companies if adjustments are needed

Phase 3: Demolition and Removal (Day 1)

Removing the Old Surface

If your existing driveway is asphalt or concrete, it needs to come out:

• Asphalt removal: An excavator or skid steer breaks up and loads the old pavement into dump trucks. Asphalt is recyclable, and most contractors haul it to a recycling facility
• Concrete removal: Concrete is harder to break and heavier to haul. Expect more noise and longer removal time. A hydraulic breaker attachment is commonly used
• Gravel driveways: Existing gravel may be incorporated into the new base or removed if contaminated with soil

What to expect: This is the noisiest phase. Dump trucks will make multiple trips. Dust is common in dry weather. This phase typically takes 2-4 hours for a standard residential driveway.

Subgrade Evaluation

With the old surface removed, the contractor evaluates the exposed subgrade:

• Firm, stable subgrade: Ready for base material after grading
• Soft spots: Areas that compress under equipment weight need over-excavation and replacement with aggregate
• Tree roots: Surface roots may need removal. Major roots near protected trees require careful handling
• Drainage issues: Standing water or saturated soil indicates a need for subsurface drainage like a French drain

Phase 4: Base Preparation (Day 1-2)

Grading the Subgrade

The exposed earth is graded to establish proper drainage slope:

• Minimum 2% slope toward the street or designated drainage point
• Consistent grade without low spots that would trap water
• Proper elevation relative to the garage floor, walkways, and lawn

Installing the Aggregate Base

Crushed aggregate (typically 3/4-inch minus) is placed in lifts and compacted:

• Residential: 4-6 inches of compacted base
• Heavy-duty: 6-8 inches for driveways supporting RVs or heavy vehicles
• Material is spread evenly with a skid steer or by hand for tight areas
• Each lift is compacted with a vibratory plate compactor or roller
• Final base surface is smooth, dense, and properly sloped

This is the most critical phase. A properly compacted base prevents settling, cracking, and premature failure. It is worth more than the asphalt itself.

Edge Preparation

Clean, defined edges are essential:

• Forms or string lines establish the driveway boundary
• Edges are cut cleanly against existing surfaces (sidewalks, garage aprons)
• Transition areas between old and new surfaces are prepared for a smooth joint

Phase 5: Asphalt Placement (Day 2-3)

Delivery and Temperature

Hot-mix asphalt arrives from the plant in dump trucks at approximately 300 degrees F:

• Material must be placed while hot (above 220 degrees F for proper compaction)
• Ambient temperature must be at least 50 degrees F and rising
• Wind chill affects cooling rate. Windy days require faster placement
• Rain is a no-go. The surface and base must be dry

Placement Methods

• Machine paving: A paving machine (screed) lays a uniform mat of asphalt at the specified thickness. This is the standard method for driveways wide enough to accommodate the machine (typically 8+ feet)
• Hand work: Tight areas, irregular shapes, and edges are finished by hand with rakes and lutes
• Lifts: Commercial or heavy-duty applications may require two lifts (layers) of asphalt. Each lift is compacted before the next is placed

Compaction

Immediately after placement, the asphalt is compacted with steel-drum and pneumatic rollers:

• Rolling starts at the edges and works toward the center
• Multiple passes are required to achieve target density
• The mat temperature must stay above 175 degrees F during compaction
• Proper compaction is the difference between 15 years and 25+ years of service life

Finishing Details

• Joints between new and existing pavement are sealed or feathered for a smooth transition
• Utility access points (cleanouts, valve boxes) are adjusted flush with the new surface
• Edges are rolled and compacted to prevent raveling
• Excess material is cleaned from adjacent surfaces

Phase 6: Curing and First Use

Curing Timeline

| Time After Paving | What You Can Do | |---|---| | 0-24 hours | Stay off the surface completely | | 24-48 hours | Light foot traffic only | | 48-72 hours | Passenger vehicle traffic | | 3-5 days | Normal vehicle traffic | | 5-7 days | Heavy vehicles (delivery trucks) | | 30 days | Turn steering wheel while stationary |

First-Month Care

• Avoid parking in the same spot for extended periods. Move vehicles regularly
• Do not turn your steering wheel while the car is stationary (power steering marks)
• Avoid sharp objects: Kickstands, jack stands, and high-heel shoes can dent the surface
• Keep heavy equipment off: No dumpsters, construction equipment, or loaded trailers

Long-Term Maintenance

Your new driveway will need ongoing care to reach its full lifespan:

• Sealcoating: Apply the first sealcoat 6-12 months after paving, then every 2-3 years. See our asphalt maintenance guide
• Crack sealing: Fill any cracks promptly before water penetrates the base
• Drainage maintenance: Keep gutters, downspouts, and drainage swales clear
• Edge support: Maintain soil and landscaping at the pavement edge to prevent edge crumbling

Total Project Timeline

| Phase | Duration | Notes | |---|---|---| | Consultation and estimate | 1-2 weeks | Site visit and proposal | | Preparation | 1 week | Utility locates, clearing | | Demolition | 2-4 hours | Old surface removal | | Base preparation | 4-8 hours | Grading and compaction | | Asphalt placement | 2-6 hours | Paving and rolling | | Curing | 2-7 days | Before normal use | | Total active work | 1-3 days | |

Get Your Project Started

Cojo handles every phase of your driveway paving project, from demolition through final rolling. We provide a clear timeline, keep you informed at each stage, and deliver a surface built to last in Oregon's climate.

Request your free driveway estimate or learn about our paving services.