Asphalt is usually priced by square foot. The cost per ton is $40 to $80 and per square foot is $0.75 to $2.00. The cost is determined by the size of rock in the asphalt, volume ordered, delivery cost, and the location of the work being performed.

Blacktop is heated to approximately 150 degrees celsius, whereas asphalt is only heated to 120 degrees celsius. Asphalt is has a higher bitumen content and for that reason is less porous and more resilient to wear and tear from high traffic and thus is the preferred choice for major highways.

The 41A asphalt type is a smoother surface. It is durable, but with a finer rock and sand mixture. This is what most homeowners choose for their driveways.