What we do

At Driveway Envy, we specialize in asphalt - and we do it well. Whether you're building a new home and need a driveway installed from scratch, replacing an aging surface that's run its course, or looking to expand your existing driveway with an addition or parking pad, we handle projects of all scopes and sizes across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

We can remove any existing surface - asphalt, concrete, pavers, or stone — and replace it with a durable new asphalt driveway built to your specifications. If you're mid-build on a new home, we'll coordinate seamlessly with your builder and existing contractors to get the timing right.

A properly installed asphalt driveway doesn't just function well - it transforms the look and feel of your property. It adds curb appeal, increases home value, and when maintained properly, it lasts for decades. It's also where a lot of life happens - pickup basketball, chalk masterpieces, graduations celebrated in the driveway. We take that seriously.

Trust the experts at Driveway Envy to install a durable asphalt driveway that will provide many years of use while adding value to your MN or WI property.

Our Process: 

Paving a driveway the right way takes more time beneath the surface than on top of it. Here's how we approach every installation:

1. Project Planning Every successful paving project starts with a clear plan. We work with you to make sure the scope is fully understood - dimensions, drainage considerations, transitions, and any city or county permits that need to be pulled before work begins. Getting this right upfront prevents surprises later.

2. Demolition & Removal If we're replacing an existing surface, we remove it completely using heavy machinery including bobcats, front loaders, and dump trucks. All debris is hauled off site.

3. Grading for Drainage With the old surface removed, we grade the exposed area to ensure proper water runoff. This step is critical - poor drainage is one of the leading causes of premature asphalt failure, and we don't skip it.

4. Sub-Base Preparation The sub-base is the foundation your driveway is built on, and it's the most important part of the entire process. We bring in high-quality Class 5 gravel, spread it evenly, and compact it thoroughly. A properly prepared base provides structural stability, supports the weight of vehicles over time, and acts as a frost barrier against Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles. If the base isn't right, nothing above it will be either.

5. Base Review & Joint Preparation Before paving begins, we inspect the entire base to confirm it's solid and ready. We also address the transition point between the driveway and the garage floor - reinforcing that joint to prevent future sinking or crumbling at one of the most stress-prone areas of any driveway.

6. Binder Layer Where applicable, we lay down a binder layer - a large aggregate and oil mixture that adds strength and acts as the structural backbone of the asphalt surface before the finish layer is applied.

7. Paving The asphalt is laid using a commercial paving machine, with our crew carefully monitoring every pass for consistency and quality. Transitions to existing surfaces - like concrete aprons or adjacent pavement - receive special attention and are often hand-finished to create a smooth, seamless edge.

8. Rolling & Compaction The final step is rolling the entire surface to compact and smooth the asphalt. This eliminates surface irregularities, ensures even density throughout, and leaves you with a finished product that looks as good as it performs.

Before & After The difference speaks for itself. This client chose to expand their driveway to accommodate a third stall - and the result is a surface that's darker, smoother, and built to last.

Things to Know:

• Why asphalt? Asphalt is one of the most practical and cost-effective driveway materials available - especially in the Midwest. It's flexible, which makes it more resistant to cracking under temperature extremes than concrete. Its dark surface absorbs heat, accelerating snowmelt and drying. It's not vulnerable to surface flaking from road salt. And when it does need repair, it can be patched and maintained far more easily and affordably than concrete. Asphalt is also 100% recyclable - it's the most recycled material in the country, keeping millions of tons out of landfills every year.

  How long does installation take? Most residential paving projects are completed over two days. Day one is dedicated to preparation - demolition, grading, base installation, and compaction. Day two is the paving itself, which typically moves quickly once the groundwork is in place. The prep work is what takes time, and it's where the quality is determined.

  Staying off new asphalt New asphalt needs time to cure. We recommend keeping all foot and vehicle traffic off the surface for a minimum of 3 to 5 days after installation. Parking should be avoided for at least 12 days. During the first year, avoid turning your wheels while stationary, and place a board or plate under any sharp or concentrated loads - kickstands, trailer tongues, lawn chairs - to prevent surface indentation, particularly in hot weather.

  What to expect from a new surface New asphalt won't look perfectly uniform right away, and that's completely normal. Color variations, minor texture differences between machine-laid and hand-finished areas, and small surface marks from the rolling process will all even out over time through use and exposure. These are characteristics of the material, not signs of poor workmanship. Any minor ponding that dissipates within 24 hours is also normal and not a concern for surface integrity.

  Ongoing care Minor cracking and settling over time are expected in Minnesota's climate - extreme temperature swings are simply part of life here. We recommend your first sealcoating and crack filling service approximately 12 months after installation, and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter to protect your investment and keep your warranty in good standing.