Cost figures across the calculators are national US averages, expressed as ranges because construction pricing is local. This page lists the current baseline figures and how we maintain them.
Current baseline figures
| Item | Range used | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Hot mix asphalt (material) | $80–$150 | per ton |
| Asphalt installed | $4–$8 | per sq ft |
| Ready-mix concrete delivered | $130–$180 | per cu yd |
| Concrete flatwork installed | $6–$12 | per sq ft |
| Construction gravel | $25–$45 | per ton |
| Asphalt shingle roof installed | $350–$550 | per square |
| Metal roofing installed | $700–$1,400 | per square |
| Wood privacy fence installed | $15–$30 | per lin ft |
| Composite deck installed | $30–$45 | per sq ft |
| Interior painting (pro) | $2–$4.50 | per sq ft wall |
How these numbers are maintained
Ranges are compiled from supplier price sheets, ready-mix and quarry quotes, RSMeans-style cost data categories, and contractor bid data across US regions, then rounded to ranges wide enough to hold for most metros. Dense coastal markets commonly price above the top of a range; rural markets below the bottom. Every calculator exposes its price field so you can substitute a local quote instantly — the range is a starting point, not an answer.
Why ranges, not averages
A single average is precise-looking and wrong almost everywhere. Materials with volatile inputs — asphalt tracks oil prices, lumber tracks mill capacity — move 20%+ within a year. Ranges with editable fields keep the tools honest across regions and market cycles.
Each calculator page shows its verification date in the “Last verified” line above the footer. Formula documentation lives on the methodology page.