The Dilemma: Resurface or Replace?
Your driveway shows wear—cracks, spalling, fading—but the thought of full replacement makes your wallet ache. Resurfacing sounds appealing: less expensive, faster, less disruptive. But is it the right choice?
This decision affects your home’s appearance, functionality, and value for years to come. Let’s break down the real costs, benefits, and appropriate applications for each option.
What Is Resurfacing?
The Process
Resurfacing (also called overlay) applies a new layer over your existing driveway:
Concrete Resurfacing: A thin bonded concrete layer (1/2 to 2 inches) is applied over properly prepared existing concrete. The new layer can be colored, stamped, or finished like new concrete.
Asphalt Resurfacing: Also called “overlay,” a new 1.5-2 inch layer of hot asphalt is applied over existing asphalt after proper preparation.
The Appeal
Lower Cost: Resurfacing typically costs 40-60% less than full replacement.
Faster Completion: Most resurfacing projects complete in 1-2 days vs. 3-5 days for replacement.
Less Disruption: No heavy excavation, less noise, less mess.
Renewal Without Replacement: You get essentially new appearance without completely removing the old driveway.
What Is Replacement?
The Process
Replacement removes your existing driveway down to the soil and builds new:
Complete Removal: Old surface is hauled away and recycled.
Base Reconstruction: New compacted gravel base is installed, or existing base is repaired and recompacted.
New Surface Installation: Full-thickness concrete (4-6 inches) or asphalt (2-3 inches) is installed.
The Advantages
Complete Solution: Address all problems, including base issues.
Longer Lifespan: Properly installed replacement lasts 20-40 years vs. 10-15 years for resurfacing.
Full Design Options: No limitations from existing surface conditions.
Warranty Coverage: Full replacement typically includes longer warranty periods.
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers
Let’s look at actual costs for a typical 600-square-foot two-car driveway in Spokane:
Concrete Resurfacing
- Surface Preparation: $800-1,200
- Bonding Agent: $200-400
- New Overlay Material: $1,800-3,000
- Finishing and Sealing: $600-1,000
- Total: $3,400-5,600
Concrete Replacement
- Demolition and Removal: $1,000-1,500
- Base Preparation: $800-1,200
- New Concrete (4-6 inches): $3,000-5,000
- Reinforcement: $400-600
- Finishing and Sealing: $600-1,000
- Total: $5,800-9,300
Asphalt Resurfacing
- Surface Preparation: $600-1,000
- Tack Coat: $100-200
- New Asphalt Overlay: $1,400-2,200
- Compaction and Finishing: $300-500
- Total: $2,400-3,900
Asphalt Replacement
- Removal: $800-1,200
- Base Preparation: $700-1,100
- New Asphalt (2-3 inches): $2,000-3,200
- Compaction: $200-400
- Total: $3,700-5,900
When Resurfacing Makes Sense
Good Resurfacing Candidates
Surface-Only Damage: Problems are cosmetic—fading, minor spalling, small cracks—rather than structural.
Sound Base: The underlying gravel base is intact and properly compacted. No significant settling, heaving, or drainage problems.
Proper Drainage: Water flows correctly away from structures. Resurfacing won’t fix existing drainage issues.
Budget Constraints: You need a solution now but can’t afford full replacement. Resurfacing buys 10-15 years at 40-60% lower cost.
Temporary Improvement: You’re selling soon and want improved appearance without full investment. Resurfacing boosts curb appeal for showing the property.
Resurfacing Success Stories
Cosmetic Upgrade: A 15-year-old driveway with good structure but ugly appearance gets a stamped overlay that looks like stone for $5,000 vs. $12,000 for full decorative replacement.
Extended Life: A 20-year-old driveway with minor cracking gets resurfaced, adding another 12-15 years at $4,000 instead of paying $8,000 for replacement.
Quick Fix: Homeowner sells in 2 years. Resurfacing for $3,500 improves showing and helps sale vs. spending $7,500 on replacement they won’t enjoy long-term.
When Replacement Is Necessary
Replacement Required Scenarios
Base Failure: Alligator cracking, extensive settling, or areas that have sunk indicate base problems. Resurfacing over failed base wastes money—the new surface will crack quickly.
Extensive Damage: When damage affects more than 25-30% of surface area, resurfacing costs approach replacement costs with inferior results.
Drainage Issues: Water pools, flows toward structures, or causes erosion. Replacement allows regrading and drainage correction.
Multiple Material Changes: Previous repairs used mismatched materials. Replacement provides uniform, consistent appearance.
Major Design Changes: You want to change driveway shape, add features like aprons or borders, or significantly alter the footprint.
Near End of Lifespan: Concrete over 25 years old or asphalt over 18 years has limited remaining life even with resurfacing.
Long-Term Cost Analysis
20-Year Cost Comparison
Resurface Now, Replace Later:
- Resurfacing (Year 0): $4,500
- Replacement (Year 12): $8,000
- Total: $12,500
Replace Once:
- Replacement (Year 0): $7,500
- Total: $7,500
Result: Replacement saves $5,000 over 20 years in this scenario.
However, consider:
Resurface Twice:
- First Resurface (Year 0): $4,500
- Second Resurface (Year 12): $5,000
- Total: $9,500
This approach saves $2,000 vs. replacement—but only if both resurfacing procedures succeed.
The Risk Factor
Resurfacing carries risk: the new surface depends on the old. If hidden problems exist, resurfacing fails prematurely. Replacement provides predictable, known longevity.
Decision Framework
Assessment Checklist
Surface Condition:
- Damage covers less than 25% of area
- Cracks are primarily hairline (<1/8 inch)
- Spalling is superficial, not deep
- No significant potholes
Base Condition:
- No alligator cracking patterns
- No significant settling or heaving
- No areas that feel spongy or hollow
- Drainage works properly
Age Factor:
- Concrete is less than 20 years old
- Asphalt is less than 15 years old
- Previous repairs were quality work
Budget Reality:
- Resurfacing fits current budget
- Replacement would require financing
- Timeline allows for saving for replacement
Future Plans:
- Planning to move within 5-10 years
- Want flexibility for major changes later
- Current condition satisfactory for near term
If you checked most boxes, resurfacing may be appropriate. If many boxes unchecked, replacement is likely the better choice.
Material-Specific Considerations
Concrete Resurfacing
Bonding Challenges: The new layer must bond perfectly to old concrete. This requires thorough surface preparation—acid etching, pressure washing, or grinding to create a porous surface for bonding.
Thickness Limitations: Overlays are typically 1-2 inches thick. This limits ability to correct surface irregularities. Significant leveling requires thicker material or replacement.
Matching Issues: Existing concrete cracks may “reflect through” the overlay within 1-2 years. This doesn’t indicate failure, but it does transfer old patterns to new surface.
Weight Considerations: Overlay adds weight. Very weak bases or structures (like cantilevered slabs) may not handle additional load.
Asphalt Resurfacing
Incompatible Repairs: Previous patches using cold-patch materials won’t bond well with hot asphalt overlay. These areas often show problems later.
Threshold Concerns: Overlay raises surface height. This creates issues at garage transitions, walkways, and street aprons where proper elevation is critical.
Weather Windows: Asphalt overlay requires temperatures above 50°F and rising. Spokane’s weather limits this to spring through fall.
Our Honest Assessment Process
During free consultations, we evaluate your driveway’s resurfacing potential:
- Core Testing: We may drill small cores to examine base condition
- Moisture Testing: Check for trapped moisture that would prevent bonding
- Structural Analysis: Identify root causes of current problems
- Transparent Recommendation: We tell you if resurfacing is viable or if replacement makes more sense
Important: We’ve recommended replacement when homeowners hoped resurfacing would work, and we’ve performed successful resurfacing when other contractors insisted on replacement. Our goal is the right solution for your situation, not the most expensive one.
When We Recommend Resurfacing
- Solid base with surface-only damage
- Budget constraints make replacement difficult
- Timeline needs require faster solution
- Selling soon and need appearance improvement
- Extending life of relatively young driveway
When We Recommend Replacement
- Base failure or extensive structural damage
- Resurfacing cost approaches replacement cost
- Major drainage or grading corrections needed
- Design changes or footprint alterations desired
- Near or beyond expected lifespan
The Hybrid Approach
Sometimes a combination solution makes sense:
Partial Replacement: Replace the most damaged sections, resurface remaining areas for consistent appearance.
Base Repair Only: Remove and replace base in problem areas, then resurface entire driveway for uniform appearance.
Phased Approach: Resurface now for immediate improvement, plan full replacement in 5-10 years while budgeting accordingly.
Making Your Decision
Consider these questions:
- How long will you own the home? Long-term ownership often favors replacement; short-term may justify resurfacing
- What’s your budget reality? Can you afford replacement now, or does resurfacing provide a workable solution?
- What’s the driveway’s true condition? Professional assessment reveals what DIY inspection might miss
- What are your future plans? Major landscaping, garage work, or property additions might be easier with complete replacement now
- What’s your risk tolerance? Replacement provides certainty; resurfacing carries some risk of premature failure
Get Professional Assessment
Deciding between resurfacing and replacement requires expertise. What appears cosmetic sometimes indicates serious structural problems. What looks terrible sometimes has decades of life remaining with proper resurfacing.
We provide free, honest assessments with transparent pricing for both options. No pressure, no sales tactics—just expert guidance to help you make the right choice for your situation.
The Bottom Line
Resurfacing isn’t inferior—it’s a different solution for different circumstances. When applied appropriately, it provides excellent value and extended driveway life at reduced cost. When misapplied, it wastes money and delays necessary replacement.
The key is matching the solution to the situation. Professional assessment ensures you make that match correctly.
Contact us today for a free evaluation and honest recommendation on whether resurfacing or replacement is right for your driveway.
Invest Wisely: Your driveway is a significant investment. Make decisions based on complete information and professional assessment rather than lowest initial cost.