Generally, asphalt driveways are less expensive to install than concrete driveways. Asphalt typically costs between $2 to $5 per square foot, while concrete ranges from $3 to $10 per square foot. The choice between the two may also depend on maintenance costs and durability.

Use conversion factors to switch between units. For instance, if you know the area in square feet, you can calculate tons using: Tonnage=Area (sq ft)×Thickness (in inches)×0.0052000\text{Tonnage} = \frac{\text{Area (sq ft)} \times \text{Thickness (in inches)} \times 0.005}{2000}Tonnage=2000Area (sq ft)×Thickness (in inches)×0.005​ This accounts for converting pounds to tons.

There are several different types or mixes of asphalt, depending on the intended use and application. The differences are found in the selection of added aggregates, as well as the temperature at which it is mixed.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): This is the most common form of asphalt. It's made by heating the asphalt binder to decrease its viscosity and drying the aggregate to remove moisture from it before mixing the two together.

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): It is similar to HMA but is produced at a slightly lower temperature. This leads to fewer emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

Cold Mix Asphalt: Often used as a patching material to repair small potholes or cracks. This mixture is created without heating.

Porous Asphalt: Designed for water drainage. It’s commonly used in parking lots to help manage stormwater runoff.

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Old asphalt pavements that have been removed can be crushed and recycled into this product, which can then be used to create new pavement.

Asphalt Concrete: A combination of asphalt cement and aggregates. Often what people refer to when they say "blacktop."

The type and volume of traffic the paved area will handle can affect the depth and type of asphalt mix you need. Heavy vehicular traffic will necessitate a thicker layer and a more durable mix than areas that only experience foot traffic or light vehicles.

The region's climate can influence the type of asphalt mix best suited for the job. Some mixes are formulated to resist high temperatures, while others are tailored for colder climates. Additionally, consider the season during which you're paving. Asphalt laid during colder months might need different specifications or considerations than during warmer periods.

While primarily focused on asphalt, don't forget to account for the tack coat - a sticky adhesive applied between layers to ensure proper bonding. Depending on the project's specifics, you might also need other materials or modifiers to enhance the asphalt's performance.