Planning driveway paving in Lebanon, PA? The first choice is not the contractor. It is the material. In Lebanon County, most homeowners pick between three options: asphalt, tar and chip, or gravel.
Each one fits a different kind of driveway. A short driveway in town has different needs than a long lane out in the country. This guide helps you match the surface to your property.
We will cover what each material is good at, where it falls short, and what has to happen under the surface before any of it goes down.
What Are Your Driveway Paving Options in Lebanon, PA?
Here is the quick version of each one.
Asphalt. Asphalt is a smooth, black surface made of stone and a sticky binder. It is rolled flat while hot. It is the most common choice for homes in town and in newer neighborhoods.
Tar and chip. Tar and chip is also called chip seal. The crew sprays hot liquid asphalt over a stone base. Then they spread small stone chips on top and roll them in. The result looks like a rougher, stone-topped surface.
Gravel. Gravel is loose crushed stone spread over the ground. There is no binder holding it together.
We have written full side-by-side comparisons already. If you want the detail, read how chip seal compares to asphalt in Central PA and our guide to gravel vs asphalt driveways on the blog. This post is about choosing for your own property in Lebanon County.
Which Driveway Surface Fits a Short Driveway in Town?
For most in-town lots, asphalt is the usual pick. Here is why.
- It gives a smooth surface for walking, strollers, and bikes.
- It is easy to shovel and plow in winter.
- It has a clean, finished look that matches most homes on a street.
- Loose stone does not get tracked into the garage or the house.
Short driveways also keep the total job small. That makes the smooth finish of asphalt easier to justify.
Tar and chip can work in town too. Some homeowners like the stone look. But the chips can loosen over time, and a snow shovel can catch on the rough top. Talk that through before you decide.
Which Driveway Surface Fits a Long Rural Lane?
Lebanon County has a lot of farmland and long country lanes. For a long driveway, the math changes.
Length is the biggest driver of the total job. The more feet you pave, the more material and labor you pay for. So the cost per square foot matters a lot more on a long lane.
This is where tar and chip earns its place. It usually costs less per square foot than asphalt. On our site, we list chip seal at about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot. The final number depends on your base, your size, and your site.
Tar and chip also gives better grip than smooth asphalt. That helps on a sloped country lane in wet or icy weather. And the stone look fits a rural setting.
Gravel is the lowest starting cost. But it needs the most upkeep. Gravel washes out on slopes, forms ruts, and has to be topped off and regraded. On a long lane, that upkeep adds up.
Want a real number for your own lane? Our tar and chip driveway service page covers how we build them.
What Has to Happen Under the Surface First?
No matter what you pick, the surface is only as good as what is under it. Two things matter most.
The base. The base is the layer of crushed stone under your driveway. It carries the weight of every car and truck. If the base is thin or soft, the surface above it will crack and sink. That is true for asphalt and tar and chip alike.
When we look at an old driveway, the base is the first thing we check. Sometimes it can be reused. Sometimes it has to be rebuilt. One of our customers had a 45-year-old driveway fully removed and regraded. That job took 3 truckloads of stone and a 3-day cure before the top layer went down. Rebuilding the base is what made the new surface worth having.
Drainage. Water is the biggest threat to any driveway here. Grading means shaping the ground so water runs off instead of sitting. If water pools on your driveway, it soaks into the base. Then winter freezes it, and the surface lifts and cracks.
Long country lanes often have low spots, ditches, and runoff from fields. Those need to be handled before paving, not after.
How Does Lebanon County Weather Affect Your Choice?
Our winters are hard on pavement. The big problem is the freeze-thaw cycle.
Water gets into small openings in the surface. It freezes at night and expands. Then it thaws in the day, and more water gets in. Over one winter, that happens many times. Road salt makes the damage worse.
Every surface deals with this in its own way.
- Asphalt holds up well when the base and drainage are right. Sealing it on a regular schedule helps keep water out.
- Tar and chip is flexible and gives good traction on ice. Plows need care so they do not scrape the chips loose.
- Gravel does not crack, but it washes out and ruts in wet seasons and after snow melt.
When Should You Schedule Driveway Paving in Lebanon?
Paving needs warm weather. Hot asphalt has to be placed and rolled before it cools too much. The same goes for the hot liquid used in tar and chip.
In Central PA, the paving season runs from spring into fall. Once late fall brings cold nights, the window closes. Spring schedules fill up fast, so it pays to get on the list early.
If you are reading this in fall, ask about timing now. If it is too late in the year for a good job, we will tell you. Then we can plan for spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tar and chip cheaper than asphalt for a driveway in Lebanon, PA?
In most cases, yes, per square foot. That is why it is popular for long country lanes. The total still depends on your base, length, and drainage.
Can you pave over my old gravel driveway?
Often, yes. An old gravel driveway can sometimes become the start of a good base. It needs to be checked, graded, and compacted first. Thin or muddy spots get new stone.
Which surface is easiest to plow?
Smooth asphalt is the easiest to plow and shovel. Tar and chip can be plowed too, but the blade should be set a little high so it does not pull chips loose.
How do I know if my driveway needs a new base?
Signs include sinking spots, deep ruts, water that pools, and cracks that spread in a web pattern. We check the base on every estimate and tell you what we find.
More Lebanon Paving Guides
Get a Free Estimate in Lebanon
Nathan’s Paving & Seal Coating has worked in Central PA for over 20 years. We handle driveway paving in Lebanon, PA and across Lebanon County, from new driveway installation to tar and chip lanes.
We hold a 4.8 star rating across 55 Google reviews. Estimates are free, and we offer senior citizen discounts.
Call (717) 648-5030 or email nathanpaving@gmail.com. We will walk your property, check the base and drainage, and tell you which surface makes sense for it.
