There are several easy alternatives to resurfacing your driveway that can be done in an efficient (and cheap) way. When your driveway begins to show the wear and tear that inevitably happens all around a lived in home, it may be tempting to resurface, but a job that big can be difficult and expensive. The good news is that resurfacing is not your only option.
If you have an driveway made of asphalt you know how durable the surface can be; however, as soon as cracks begin to appear, trouble can start. Water can collect under the surface, which will only serve to corrode your driveway even more. A quick trip to your local hardware store and you will be able to find what you need to fix and protect your damaged driveway. Crack sealers (often made from latex) can be poured into big cracks while smaller blemishes may require the use of a caulking gun to apply the sealant. If you have big holes in your driveway, look for something called cold patch. After the patchwork is done you will most likely want to cover the driveway with a sealer.
Usually coal-tar based, driveway sealers can also be combined with an aggregate to help smooth over the freshly repaired surface. To do this part of the job you will need roughly five gallons for every 300 feet of driveway you want to seal. If you haven't sealed the cracks and holes individually beforehand be prepared to use more sealer, as the cracks will soak up a lot of it. You will also need certain applicators to assist you patching up your driveway. Finally, be sure to do the work on a day that is warm and dry so that the rain doesn't undo your hard work.