If you are organizing a bid, a schedule of values or an estimate by CSI division, asphalt parking lots, drive aisles and roadways all belong in Division 32, not in Division 31 or Division 33.
Where asphalt paving fits in Division 32
Division 32 covers everything built on the site outside the building that is not a utility. The main paving sections are:
| Section | Title | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 32 11 00 | Base Courses | Aggregate base, stabilized base and subbase under pavement |
| 32 12 00 | Flexible Paving | Asphalt paving (32 12 16), asphalt overlays and patching |
| 32 13 00 | Rigid Paving | Concrete paving for drives, aprons and dumpster pads |
| 32 14 00 | Unit Paving | Pavers, brick and stone paving |
| 32 16 00 | Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks and Driveways | Concrete curb and gutter, sidewalks, ramps |
| 32 17 00 | Paving Specialties | Pavement markings (32 17 23), wheel stops, signage posts |
The rest of Division 32 covers athletic surfaces, fences and gates, retaining walls, irrigation and planting.
What is NOT in Division 32
Three items are often put in the wrong division on a commercial estimate:
- Grading and subgrade preparation belong in Division 31 – Earthwork. That includes stripping, cut and fill, proof rolling and soil stabilization.
- Storm drainage (inlets, pipe, detention) belongs in Division 33 – Utilities.
- Site lighting belongs in Division 26 – Electrical.
Keeping these separate matters when you compare subcontractor quotes. A paving sub may include fine grading and base, while the earthwork sub may also include it. Without clear division lines, you either pay twice or miss it.
How asphalt paving is estimated
A good asphalt paving estimate starts from the civil drawings, the paving sections detail and the geotechnical report. Here is how we build it:
- Measure areas by pavement section. Light-duty parking and heavy-duty drive aisles usually have different thicknesses. Each area is measured in square feet or square yards.
- Calculate base course. Aggregate base is measured from the same areas, using the thickness on the paving section detail, and converted to tons or cubic yards.
- Convert asphalt to tons. Asphalt is bought by the ton. Area × thickness gives volume, and volume is converted to tons using the mix density in the spec or the supplier's figure.
- Add tack coat and prime coat where specified, measured by area.
- Add striping and specialties. Parking stall lines, ADA symbols, fire lane markings, arrows and wheel stops are counted from the striping plan.
- Price labor and equipment. Paver, rollers, trucks and crew days are tied to the tonnage and the number of mobilizations.
Asphalt has been one of the fastest-rising materials in construction. AGC reported that liquid asphalt prices rose more than 45% from July 2025 to July 2026, so always get a current supplier price before you bid (AGC).
Common mistakes in paving takeoffs
- Using one thickness for the whole lot when the plans show light-duty and heavy-duty sections
- Forgetting saw cutting and patching where new paving meets existing pavement
- Missing the base course under curb and gutter or sidewalks
- Not counting multiple mobilizations on phased projects
- Leaving striping out because it sits on a separate sheet
Need a paving takeoff?
Premium Estimating prepares asphalt and concrete paving takeoffs for site contractors, paving subcontractors and general contractors. You receive an Excel estimate organized by CSI section, with marked-up plans showing every area we measured. See our paving estimating service or send us your plans for a quote.