12×24 driveway cost
Short answer
A 12×24 ft driveway (288 sq ft) costs about $288–$864 in gravel up to $1,440–$2,880 in concrete installed — pavers cost more, gravel less.
What a 1-car long (12×24) driveway costs
A 1-car long (12×24) driveway is 288 square feet. Installed cost ranges from about $288–$864 in gravel up to $1,440–$2,880 in concrete, with pavers higher still — the material you pick swings the price more than anything else at this size.
Most of that cost isn't the surface, it's the base. Excavating, grading, and compacting a sub-base under 288 sq ft is the biggest labor line, and skimping there is the top cause of cracks, ruts, and ponding. A cheap surface over a bad base fails fast.
Slope, drainage, and tearing out an old surface add to a 1-car long (12×24) job. A steep or poorly-draining lot may need a French drain or retaining work the base price doesn't include, so get itemized bids that separate material from site prep. Weigh cost-per-year, not just the sticker — a longer-lived surface can win over its life.
| Material | Installed cost | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (~10 yr) | $288–$864 | $58 |
| Asphalt (~20 yr) | $864–$2,016 | $72 |
| Concrete (~30 yr) | $1,440–$2,880 | $72 |
| Pavers / brick (~40 yr) | $2,880–$7,200 | $126 |
A 12×24 driveway is 288 sq ft (1-car long (12×24)). "Cost / year" divides the midpoint cost by each material's lifespan. Prices exclude base prep, drainage, and tear-out, and run higher in the Northeast and West.
What affects your price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Driveway area | 1-car long (12×24) = 288 sq ft; cost scales per square foot |
| Material choice | Gravel is cheapest; asphalt mid; concrete and pavers cost the most |
| Base & excavation | Digging, grading, and a compacted gravel base is often the biggest labor line |
| Slope & drainage | Steep or wet lots need extra base, drains, or retaining — added cost |
| Old surface removal | Tear-out and haul-off of an existing driveway is billed separately |
| Region & access | Local labor rates and tight site access change the crew and equipment cost |
Driveway planning tips
- Get at least three itemized bids so you can separate material cost from base prep and drainage.
- Confirm setback and permit rules with your city — many require a permit for a new or widened driveway.
- Spend on the base, not the surface: a compacted, well-drained sub-base is what makes any driveway last.
- Compare cost-per-year, not just the install price — a longer-lived material can be cheaper over its lifespan.
Your exact size
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a 12×24 driveway cost?
For 288 sq ft: gravel $288–$864, asphalt $864–$2,016, concrete $1,440–$2,880, pavers $2,880–$7,200 installed.
What is the cheapest 12×24 driveway?
Gravel is cheapest upfront at about $288–$864, but it needs regular top-ups. On cost per year over its life, the gap between materials narrows a lot.
How big is a 12×24 driveway?
288 square feet — 1-car long (12×24). Enter your exact dimensions in the calculator to compare all four materials.