Why the base matters in Litchfield
Winters here bring freeze and thaw, and water that sits under pavement is what breaks it up. Slow-draining soils are common in central Illinois, so we dig out soft ground, build up compacted base and set grades so water leaves every surface quickly, from a small driveway to a large commercial lot.
Bids are only comparable when they spell out the same things: base depth, compacted thickness, how edges are finished, and where water is meant to go. Ask for those before you pick a number.
Compacted asphaltTypically 2 to 3 in. for a car drive
Stone baseTypically 4 to 8 in., compacted
Drive on itUsually 2 to 3 days, longer in heat
First sealcoatTypically 6 to 12 months after paving
Typical ranges. Your Litchfield estimate is sized to the soil, the traffic and the drainage on your property.