Stuck between asphalt and concrete? You just planned to revamp your driveways, and now you are torn about which one will be the better choice. What material can pave your dream entrance that will take your properties to the next level? Asphalt and concrete driveway St Louis are two known tough materials to cement exterior floors.
Do not be torn between the two. Either way, you end up with asphalt or concrete, you’ll get the best results. These two materials both last and suit perfectly with any outdoor setting.
Today’s post will guide you in making an accurate comparison of the two. First, there are several factors you need to take note of. Learn what those are next.
Asphalt VS Concrete Driveways: Consider The Factors
Have the basics first. What you need to consider for paving your driveways is your location, maintenance, aesthetic, function, and cost.
- Location. Your location tells you if you have humid or wet seasons. A material will expand or contract, so use one that will suit extreme weather changes.
- Cost. Considering the cost, you will have to decide which you will give more worth. The material can be low-cost in terms of repair, and another will have cheaper installation but requires tedious maintenance.
- Personal preferences. Take your personal preferences into account. Do you want a constant change of styles or to want something that will stand for a long time?
Now have this comparison guide you on which route to take, Concrete driveway vs. driveways paver, head on!
Comparison Summary
| ASPHALT | CONCRETE | |
| Aesthetic | Monolithic. Few color choices. Traditional style or classic driveway designs The practical aesthetic for outdoors with heavy vehicle traffic | Monolith slate. Creates unifying patterns and designs. Comes in stamped designs, staining, or polishing and coloring |
| Installation Requirement | For heavy-traffic public access roads. Requires specialized equipment; reinforcements and | Quick installation. Only need to pour over the concrete mix on the surface. You can DIY You can pour over an existing flooring material |
| Cost | Material cost: $700 to $1000 per 100 square feet Labor cost: $500 – $750 per 100 square feet | Material cost: Between $220-$250 per 100 sq. feet Labor cost: $510-$650 per 100 sq. feet |
| Repair & Maintenance | Cheaper maintenance General maintenance is simple | Easy to maintain. Prone to cracks. Needs contractor to pour overlays or resurface the damaged concrete Needs concrete coating for driveway areas Prone to breaking when exposed to outdoors and constant vehicle traffic |
| Durability | Asphalt lasts up to 30 years among heavy-traffic roads, if installed in small driveways it can surpass this lifespan three times longer | Concrete ideally lasts up to 50 + years with proper care and maintenance |
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General Comparison
Asphalt is the most used material for public rads. It is best for outdoor floorings that go in action 24/7. There is no time for you to close the area to employ refinish or repairs like public roads.
For superb function, asphalt makes a better choice. Large commercial outdoor spaces can make great use of asphalt. Large parking lots will benefit more with low maintenance materials.
Concrete driveways are practical and efficient choices for both small area sizes and huge spaces. But you need to seal and coat the surface to make it look appealing. Tiny outdoors does not need to be left out when it comes to style.
Now you have this basic comparison, and you can decide which is better for you. But you can further take your driveway to the next level when you go and ask the pros. Let the professional driveway installers help you out. You may just want to have both materials combined to make a perfect driveway for you today.
