You’re looking at $2.50–$7.00 per square foot for Central PA parking lot paving in 2026. Small lots run $10,000–$30,000 total. Medium lots hit around $75,000. Large sites? $150,000+. Asphalt costs $2–$4.50/sq ft with 20–30 year durability. Concrete runs $4–$7/sq ft but lasts 30–40 years. Don’t forget hidden costs: site prep ($1–$3/sq ft), drainage work, ADA compliance, and permits. Get three in-person quotes with line-item breakdowns. The real breakdown of what actually drives your final bill comes next.
Key Takeaways
- Small lots cost $10,000–$30,000; medium lots $75,000; large sites $150,000+ depending on size and materials.
- Asphalt ranges $2–$4.50/sq ft with 20–30 year lifespan; concrete costs $4–$7/sq ft lasting 30–40 years.
- Site preparation, drainage, and base work add $1–$3/sq ft; permits and ADA compliance cost hundreds to thousands.
- Sealcoat every 2–5 years at $0.14–$0.33/sq ft; striping costs about $4.06 per 18-foot stripe for maintenance.
- Obtain three in-person quotes with line-item breakdowns; verify contractor licensing, insurance, and local references for reliable estimates.
Parking Lot Paving Costs Per Square Foot in Central PA
- Labor costs: $1.50–$2.00 per sq ft
- Base preparation: $1–$3 per sq ft
- Sealcoating: $0.22–$0.44 per sq ft
- Striping: About $4.06 per 18-ft stripe
The Full Image
Complete parking lots typically run $2.50–$7.00 per sq ft depending on thickness and base work.
Factor in sealcoating every 2–5 years to extend your pavement’s life and protect your investment.
Those add-ons? They matter materially when you’re calculating true cost per square foot.
Nathan’s Paving is fully insured and experienced in both residential and commercial projects, which helps ensure quality workmanship on every job.
Parking Lot Paving Costs in Central PA by Lot Size
Your parking lot’s size dramatically changes what you’ll actually pay.
A tiny lot won’t cost the same as a massive one. Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Small lots (~4,000 sq ft, 10 cars): $10,000–$30,000 total
- Medium lots (~30,000 sq ft, 100 cars): Around $75,000 using volume discounts
- Large sites (~60,000 sq ft, 200 cars): $150,000+ for complete paving
Your actual per square foot cost drops as your driveway grows bigger.
Small asphalt projects run $2.50–$7.00 per sq ft. Medium parking lots hit $2.50–$3.00 per sq ft.
Don’t forget add-ons either: base gravel, sealcoating, striping, and drainage design stack up quickly.
Size absolutely matters in Central PA paving costs!
Regular maintenance like sealcoating protection can extend your lot’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs.
New Installation vs. Overlay vs. Seal Coating: Cost Comparison
Sealcoating costs only $0.14–$0.33 per sq ft. Apply every 2–5 years to prevent cracking and extend your pavement’s life dramatically.
Smart maintenance beats expensive repairs every single time in Central PA!
Nathan’s Paving recommends regular inspections and professional sealcoating to maximize pavement lifespan and avoid costly replacements.
Cost Drivers: Size, Site Prep, Materials & Striping
When you’re budgeting for a parking lot in Central PA, here’s the truth: material choice hits your wallet first.
Asphalt runs $2–$4.50 per square feet. Concrete? That’s $4–$7 per square feet. Pick wisely!
What actually determines your final price:
- Site prep and gravel base ($1–$3/sq ft) — excavation, grading, and 8–10 inches of compacted gravel separate lasting lots from crumbling disasters
- Labor and equipment costs ($1.50–$2.00/sq ft) — professional crews handle drainage, geotextiles, and specialized work that protects your investment
- Striping and sealcoating ($3.88–$4.24 per stripe; $0.14–$0.33/sq ft) — parking layout marks and maintenance keep everything sharp
Bigger projects win!
A 30,000 square feet lot costs around $75k. Permits, lighting, and drainage complexity? They’ll push costs higher fast.
Nathan’s Paving’s long-standing local reputation and focus on customer service make them a reliable choice for Central PA projects.
Paving Material Costs: Asphalt vs. Concrete vs. Gravel
Three paving options’ll compete for your Central PA parking lot project.
Asphalt: The Smart Middle Ground
You’ll pay $2–$4.50 per sq ft for asphalt.
It’s the most popular choice here!
Expect 20–30 years of service with proper care.
Here’s the catch: maintenance matters big time.
Sealcoating every 2–5 years costs $0.14–$0.30 per sq ft.
Resurfacing runs $2–$7 per sq ft when needed.
These expenses keep asphalt competitive long-term.
Nathan’s team in Hershey emphasizes regular maintenance to maximize pavement lifespan.
Concrete: Premium But Durable
Concrete demands $4–$7 per sq ft upfront.
You’re getting 30–40 years lifespan though!
It resists freeze/thaw cycles better than asphalt.
Staining’s your main headache here.
Gravel: Budget Option
Only $1.25–$1.80 per sq ft.
You’ll constantly replenish it.
Poor drainage control.
Worst long-term performance.
Your Call
Pick based on budget, traffic volume, and whether initial savings or durability matters most.
Hidden Costs: Permits, Drainage & ADA Compliance
Beyond the paving material itself, you’ll face expenses that’ll surprise you if you’re not prepared.
Permits & Reviews Cost Real Money
Permit fees and local review add several hundred to thousands of dollars.
Your municipality might require engineering or stormwater management approvals.
This isn’t optional—it’s mandatory.
Three Major Hidden Costs:
- Drainage work: Grading, catch basins, and engineered drainage add $1–$3 per square foot through excavation and base materials
- ADA compliance: Accessible stalls, signage, curb ramps, and tactile surfaces demand $500–$5,000 in concrete and re-striping work
- Stormwater solutions: Permeable pavement and retention features increase costs substantially with deeper aggregate bases
Your Smart Move
Ask contractors upfront for permit handling and ADA-compliance checklists.
Get engineered drainage design included in written estimates.
This prevents shocking change orders later!
We serve neighborhoods across Central PA, including Hanover, Dillsburg, Gettysburg, and Mechanicsburg and can confirm local permit requirements for your area.
Getting Accurate Quotes: Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Now that you’ve got the hidden costs mapped out, it’s time to hunt down real numbers.
Essential Questions to Ask
Demand three in-person estimates. No exceptions. Ask contractors about licensing and insurance upfront. Request a written warranty detailing coverage and duration.
Get Specifics on Pricing
Provide your project square footage and desired material. Ask for line-item breakdowns covering excavation, gravel base costs ($1–$3/ft²), paving material, and labor ($1.50–$2/ft²).
Dig Into Details
Request pavement thickness and base depth specifications (typically 8–10″ gravel). Confirm asphalt type and expected lifespan. Ask about sealcoating costs ($0.14–$0.33/ft²).
Don’t Miss Hidden Add-Ons
Get a complete breakdown of additional services. Include striping, drainage work, and permit fees.
Verify Local References
Ask for photos of similar Central PA projects.
Nathan’s Paving & Seal Coating completes over 500 projects annually, so ask contractors for local project examples to confirm experience and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is It to Pave a Parking Lot?
Get three quotes fast!
How to Estimate Parking Lot Striping?
You’ll measure total stripe length. Then divide by 18 feet and multiply by PA’s average $4.06 per segment.
Don’t forget ADA compliance markings and specialty lines! Consider paint types: water-based costs less; thermoplastic tape lasts longer.
Factor reflective beads for nighttime visibility. Traffic flow design affects line width and parking angles.
Plan repainting every 1–3 years. Get three quotes specifying durability and warranty details!
How Much Does It Cost to Build a 200 Car Parking Lot?
Site prep (gravel subbase, excavation): $1–$3 per sq ft.
Don’t Forget These!
- Drainage planning & stormwater permits
- ADA compliance markings
- Curb installation & perimeter fencing
- Lighting layout & landscaping buffers
- Traffic flow design
- Line-striping & sealcoating
Pro tip: Get multiple quotes. Budget 5–15% extra for surprises!
How Much Does It Cost to Sealcoat a Parking Lot per Square Foot?
- Asphalt emulsion vs. coal-tar (emulsion costs less)
- Site prep & crack filling (adds value!)
- Application timing (spring/fall = ideal)
- Temperature effects (must be 50°F+)
- Curing time (24–48 hours before traffic)
- Equipment rental (bigger lots = better rates)
Pro tip: Get multiple quotes specifying coverage area and material type. You’ll find true value fast!
Conclusion
Now you’re armed with literally a million dollars’ worth of paving knowledge. Get those quotes. Ask your contractor the tough questions. Compare your options carefully. Don’t rush into anything. You’ll find the perfect asphalt solution for your budget and needs. Your parking lot’s future starts today. Make it awesome!
