As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to save money and get the most bang for your buck. When it comes to parking lot construction costs, there are a few things you can do to keep costs down without compromising on quality or durability. In this blog post, we’ll break down the cost to pave a parking lot on your commercial property in South Carolina and show you how to get more for less!

Planning for Asphalt Parking Lots in South Carolina

The cost of repaving a parking lot in South Carolina will vary depending on the magnitude of your project.

Many factors affect parking lot costs, including:

  • Paving materials: type of asphalt mix will depend on the type of traffic you expect.
  • Local market
  • Square footage
  • Soil type
  • Gradation
  • Drainage issues
  • Removing current lot old surface if you have an existing parking lot
  • Your contractor’s labor costs

Choosing asphalt paving is the superior option for cost and convenience. With a lower price point, easy maintenance, quick repairs that don’t break the bank, and a parking lot paving process that doesn’t take too long or cost too much – asphalt has all of your bases covered.

You can spend between $100 and $200 per ton for asphalt as a national average. Nevertheless, the cost varies by region; for example, South Carolina offers an average price of approximately $85 dollars per ton, while Colorado charges around a staggering $155!

If you are in the market for an asphalt pavement parking lot, South Carolina can provide at a competitive rate. Estimates suggest that it would cost between $2.50 and  $4.50 per square foot to pave your own 200-space parking lot spanning 18,000 square feet with labor included – totaling from around 45K to 81K. (1)(2)

Size of the Space

Parking lot paving costs can vary depending on certain elements. To start, the size of the area is a significant factor; a larger parking lot demands more materials and labor, and will inherently have a heftier price tag. Additionally, the type of asphalt also plays into how much you’ll pay to achieve the desired outcome for your parking area.

Type of Asphalt

The second factor to consider is the kind of asphalt utilized. There are numerous varieties available. However, a hot mix is critical for an expansive venture like a parking lot; it’s more resilient and lasts longer than cold mixes, making its extra expense well worth it.

The cold mix contains asphalt emulsion and cut-back asphalt and works only for temporary repairs because it does not spread as well as hot mix asphalt.

When heavy equipment is a regular presence on your lot, it is essential to use an installation process that lays down asphalt of superior thickness and quality than what you would need for a church parking lot.

Labor Costs

Another cost factor is labor; this includes removal of existing pavement materials, grading and leveling, installation and compaction of the asphalt, and edging.

Square Foot Calculations

Square footage is one of the most critical factors to consider when paving a parking lot. Multiplying the width and length of your commercial parking lot will give you an estimate of how much asphalt and other materials your contractor will need to purchase.

No matter what you need for the parking lot build, you can expect to spend less for small parking lots.

Asphalt Parking Lot Signage and Striping

When considering the cost of parking lot paving, you’ll also need to consider the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring handicap parking facilities to have clearly marked spots, including a sign and lines.

You’ll also need regulatory signs for speed limits, fire lane restrictions, etc. So, when getting a quote for a new parking lot, ask them to include all of the parking lot costs. You’ll want to know the total costs upfront.

For any parking lot in South Carolina, you’ll need striping to lay out parking spaces and indicate traffic flow. With an asphalt lot, the striping will give a nice contrast so that clients can easily see where to park and where to drive. This is especially important for larger lots, as you don’t want to restrict the lot’s accessibility and have customers meandering through it.

Once all of these things are taken into consideration, you can get an accurate estimate for a parking lot paving project in South Carolina.  With the right commercial asphalt contractor and materials, your cost should come in lower than expected, and you can be sure you’re getting a quality product.

With proper maintenance, your asphalt parking lot should last for years.

However, if you expect harsh weather, it’s best to maintain your parking lot with a fresh seal coat every 2-3 years. Sealcoating helps to prevent small cracks or potholes that can cost you more down the road.

Our Experienced Asphalt Contractors Can Help

Paving a parking lot can be expensive, but with proper planning and choosing suitable materials, you can save money in the long run and have a well-constructed space for your customers or employees.

Consider local market conditions, soil type, gradation, and drainage to ensure the best quality project, and contact our experienced asphalt contractors for a free estimate. 

At AMP Paving, our team can help you create an efficient, safe, and attractive parking lot for your business. We’re here to help!  Contact us today.