Real 2026 price ranges for asphalt paving, seal coating, striping, and grading in Los Angeles County — from a licensed contractor in the ground since 1993.
In Los Angeles County in 2026, asphalt overlay typically costs $3.25–$8 per square foot and full-depth removal and replacement runs $7–$14 per square foot. Seal coating runs $0.55–$2.25/sq ft and grading $1.50–$6/sq ft. Final price depends on base condition, thickness, site access, drainage, and whether the job is prevailing-wage public works. Quality Grading & Paving (Lic. #643034) provides free written estimates after a site visit.
Typical ranges for commercial and residential work in Los Angeles County. Every job is quoted individually after a site visit — these are planning figures, not a substitute for a written estimate.
| Work Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Overlay | New surface over a sound existing base | $3.25–$8 / sq ft |
| Full-Depth Replacement | Remove & rebuild failed pavement + base | $7–$14 / sq ft |
| Seal Coating | Asphalt emulsion (AB-1704 compliant) | $0.55–$2.25 / sq ft |
| Parking Lot Striping | ADA layout, fire lanes, markings | $0.20–$0.60 / linear ft |
| Grading & Site Prep | Excavation, compaction, drainage | $1.50–$6 / sq ft |
| Crack Filling | Rout & seal before coating | $1–$3 / linear ft |
Ranges reflect Los Angeles County commercial and residential conditions in 2026. Public works and prevailing-wage projects are priced separately.
In Los Angeles County in 2026, asphalt overlay typically costs $3.25 to $8 per square foot, and full-depth removal and replacement costs $7 to $14 per square foot. The final price depends on site access, existing pavement condition, drainage, and subgrade preparation.
Asphalt emulsion seal coating in Los Angeles typically runs $0.55 to $2.25 per square foot, depending on lot size, surface condition, and crack-filling prep. Larger lots fall toward the lower end due to shared mobilization costs. Coal-tar sealer is banned in California under AB-1704, so emulsion is the only compliant product.
The biggest factors are the existing base condition, the asphalt thickness required for the traffic load, site access for equipment, and drainage work. Subgrade preparation is the single most important factor in long-term cost — poor prep is the number-one cause of early pavement failure, which is why we test compaction on every job.
Asphalt is typically 40 to 60 percent cheaper than concrete upfront, and faster to install and repair. Concrete lasts longer with less maintenance but costs more initially. For most Los Angeles parking lots and driveways, asphalt is the more cost-effective choice with routine seal coating every 2 to 4 years.
Low bids usually mean thin asphalt, skipped base preparation, or an unlicensed operator. Pavement built on an unprepared subgrade can fail in a few years, costing more than doing it right the first time. Confirm the contractor is CSLB-licensed and get the scope in writing before comparing prices.
Free written estimate after a site visit — no guessing from square footage alone.