How much asphalt should be left above the desired finished level after spreading?

When spreading asphalt, it's essential to account for compaction that occurs during the finishing process. Leaving a certain amount of excess asphalt above the desired finished level ensures that once the asphalt is compacted, it will settle to the intended height without creating voids or dips.

In this case, leaving 3/4 inch above the desired finished level is appropriate because it provides sufficient material to accommodate compaction while allowing for slight variances in the spreading process. This depth helps prevent any potential issues with an uneven surface that might arise if too little material were left to compact properly.

Choosing a different depth might not adequately account for the compaction needed, possibly leading to a final surface that is lower than desired or inconsistent in quality. Therefore, 3/4 inch is a balanced choice for achieving an optimal finished level after compaction.