Find Top Asphalt Paver Contractors Near You

A screed is the tool attached to the back of an asphalt paver that helps lay the asphalt at the correct thickness and width and that helps smooth the asphalt as it is laid. It helps keep the asphalt level as it is poured form the machine to ensure that roads and driveways are safe for use.

An asphalt paver is commonly known as a 'finisher'. It plays a critical role in the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure. As a key piece of equipment in road-building projects, the finisher is tasked with spreading, shaping and finishing asphalt over a prepared base surface. They funnel hot asphalt through to the screed at the rear of the machine which then lays the asphalt onto the road at the correct thickness and width. This ensures the asphalt is compacted uniformly and properly, creating a smooth and durable roadway. The term 'finisher' highlights the machine's role in laying down asphalt, ensuring the surface is ready for vehicular traffic.

It can cost from $30 to $45 per metres squared to lay asphalt, depending on the state, the size, and the length of the project. It will also vary depending on the type of asphalt mix required.

See our asphalt cost guide for a breakdown of costs and more information here.

An asphalt paver is essential in road construction, designed to spread, form, and partially compact layers of asphalt on the surface of roads, car parks, and other paved areas. These machines receive hot asphalt mix from trucks, convey it to the desired location, and then shape and compact it to the required thickness and specifications. They come equipped with various technologies to ensure the asphalt is laid evenly and compacted properly, resulting in smooth, durable surfaces suitable for all types of vehicle traffic.

For residential driveways, a typical thickness of asphalt paving is about 50mm to 75mm. This thickness is adequate for supporting regular car traffic and can accommodate heavier vehicles occasionally. Beneath this asphalt layer, a granular base aggregate of 150mm to 200mm is recommended to ensure stability and drainage, with the overall structure resting on the subsoil. This layered construction helps in distributing the load and extending the lifespan of the pavement.

The operating speed of an asphalt paver varies, but modern machines equipped with advanced screeds and control systems can achieve speeds between 13.7 meters and 18.3 meters per minute. This speed ensures efficient paving while maintaining quality, depending on factors like the delivery rate of the asphalt mix, the desired width and thickness of the pavement, and specific project requirements. Achieving optimal speed is crucial for maintaining the uniformity and integrity of the asphalt layer.

In Australia, iseekplant offers a comprehensive platform for hiring asphalt pavers, connecting you with a wide range of reputable rental companies nationwide. By using iseekplant, you gain access to detailed information on available equipment, allowing for easy comparison of features, rates, and company reviews. This streamlined process helps you find the ideal asphalt paver hire to meet the specific needs of your construction project, ensuring efficiency and quality in your paving work.

Hiring an asphalt paver typically costs between A$250–400 per day or A$1,200–2,000 per week, depending on the machine’s size, capabilities, and hire duration. Additional costs may apply for transport, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Typical Additional Costs

• Mobilisation/demobilisation: A$200–500 to transport the paver to and from site.
• Fuel/power: A$50–150 per day, depending on usage.
• Insurance: Optional, usually 5–10% of the hire cost.
• Cleaning/maintenance: A$100–300 for post-hire checks.

Prices vary by location and project requirements, so confirming all costs with the hire provider before booking is recommended.

Asphalt pavers are available in a variety of sizes to suit different project scales, from narrow pathways to large highways. Machine size affects paving width, power, and production rate.

Typical Asphalt Paver Classes and Sizes

• Mini: Basic width ~0.8 m, maximum ~1.8 m – ideal for trenches, pathways, and small-scale projects.
• Compact: Basic width ~1.8 m, maximum ~3.9 m – suited for urban streets, parking lots, and medium-sized areas.
• Universal: Basic width ~2.5 m, maximum ~6.4 m – used for main roads and larger commercial areas.
• Highway: Basic width ~3 m, maximum up to 18 m with extensions – built for highways, airports, and high-production projects.

The right paver size depends on the project’s paving width, site constraints, and production requirements. Screed extensions can expand paving width for larger areas.

Yes, asphalt pavers require trained and experienced operators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality paving. Proper operation affects the evenness, compaction, and durability of the asphalt surface, as well as the safety of workers and machinery on site.

Why Trained Operators Are Important

• Safety: Pavers are heavy, powerful machines; improper operation can lead to accidents, injury, or equipment damage.
• Quality control: Skilled operators maintain consistent speed, screed height, and material flow, producing a smooth, level surface.
• Efficiency: Experienced operators can optimise paving time, reduce material waste, and adjust quickly to changing site conditions.
• Compliance: Many sites require certified operators to meet occupational health and safety regulations and insurance requirements.

Hiring trained operators is especially critical for larger commercial or highway projects, while smaller pavers may still require basic training to achieve acceptable results.

Yes, asphalt pavers can be used for driveways, particularly for larger residential or commercial properties. They provide a smooth, durable surface that can handle vehicle traffic and offer a professional finish compared with manual laying methods.

Key Considerations for Driveway Paving with Asphalt Pavers

• Driveway size: Small residential driveways may be paved using compact or mini pavers, while larger or longer driveways may require standard or universal pavers.
• Site preparation: Proper excavation, grading, and a stable base layer are essential for longevity and to prevent cracking or settling.
• Thickness: Residential driveways typically require 50–75 mm of asphalt over a compacted base, with thicker layers for heavier vehicles.
• Professional operation: Using a trained operator ensures even compaction, consistent screed height, and a smooth finished surface.

Asphalt pavers can efficiently create a long-lasting, visually appealing driveway when combined with correct site preparation and professional operation.

Paving capacity per hour varies depending on the size and type of asphalt plant and paver used, as well as site conditions and project requirements. Small, mobile plants and compact pavers handle local or minor projects, while large highway-class equipment is suited for high-volume paving.

Typical Paving Capacities

• Small / Mobile Plants & Pavers: ~40–300 tonnes per hour (tph), ideal for driveways, cycle tracks, and small roads.
• Medium Plants & Pavers: ~100–1,000 tph, suitable for urban streets, car parks, and regional roads.
• Large / Highway-Class Pavers: 900–1,600 tph, designed for highways, airports, and major infrastructure projects.

Actual hourly output depends on paving width and thickness, plant supply, truck logistics, and site conditions, including weather and surface preparation. Coordinating these factors ensures a smooth, efficient paving operation.