If you manage a commercial property, retail center, or industrial site, your parking lot isn’t just a surface—it’s part of your first impression. Whether it’s filled with potholes or just starting to show signs of age, deciding between paving and resurfacing isn’t always straightforward. Each option offers distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your pavement’s current condition, usage, and budget.

In this post, we’ll break down the differences between parking lot paving and resurfacing, and help you determine which solution best fits your property’s needs.

What Is Parking Lot Paving?

Parking lot paving generally refers to full-depth asphalt installation. This means removing the existing surface entirely and installing a new sub-base, base layer, and surface asphalt. It’s a complete rebuild of your parking area, ensuring a brand-new structure from the ground up.

When Is Full Paving Recommended?

You’ll want to consider full-depth paving when:

• The current asphalt is severely deteriorated with deep cracks, potholes, and crumbling edges.
• There are significant drainage issues or base failures beneath the surface.
• The surface has been resurfaced multiple times and is now too thick or uneven.
• You’re planning to reconfigure the lot or upgrade with features like curbing, lighting, or layout changes.
  

Though paving is a larger upfront investment, it provides long-term stability and is the best choice when the underlying structure is compromised.

What Is Asphalt Resurfacing?

Resurfacing, sometimes called an overlay, involves applying a new layer of asphalt over your existing pavement. This new layer is typically 1.5–2 inches thick and bonds to the existing surface to restore smoothness and appearance without replacing the full structure.

When Is Resurfacing the Right Choice?

Resurfacing is ideal when:

• The base is still structurally sound and stable.
• There are surface-level issues like minor cracks, fading, or uneven wear.
• You’ve performed regular maintenance and want to extend the lifespan of the asphalt without starting over.
• You need a cost-effective upgrade with a faster turnaround time.
  

Resurfacing costs less than full paving and still delivers a like-new appearance—but it won’t fix deeper structural issues.

Key Differences: Paving vs. Resurfacing

How to Decide for Your Parking Lot

Here’s how to evaluate your current surface and determine which solution might be best:

1. Inspect for Deep Cracking or Potholes – If damage extends into the base, paving is usually required.
2. Evaluate Drainage – Water pooling or improper flow could signal deeper problems.
3. Look at Age – If your parking lot is 20+ years old, it may be nearing the end of its structural life.
4. Review Maintenance History – Regularly maintained surfaces often qualify for resurfacing.
5. Consider Usage – Heavily trafficked lots with truck traffic may need full-depth solutions.
   

Still not sure? A site visit from an experienced paving contractor will provide clarity and save you money in the long run.

Stanley Paving: Helping Property Owners Make the Right Choice

At Stanley Paving, we’ve worked on thousands of parking lots across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Our team performs detailed site assessments to determine whether resurfacing or paving will give you the best return on investment.

We consider your surface condition, usage volume, drainage needs, and timeline to provide a transparent recommendation—not just the most expensive option.

Whether you manage a retail complex in Moorestown, a medical plaza in Trenton, or a logistics yard in Florence, we have the tools, crew, and local experience to deliver long-lasting results.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between parking lot paving and resurfacing isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Resurfacing is a cost-effective way to extend the life of a well-maintained lot, while full paving offers a fresh start when structural issues are present.

If you’re unsure what your property needs, Stanley Paving is here to help with a clear, expert evaluation—and no sales pressure.