10 Dec

Concrete or Asphalt? Choosing Your Driveway Base

Choosing Your Driveway's Base

Choosing Your Driveway Base

A driveway doesn’t just exist to bridge the gap between the street and your garage; it’s an entryway for your family and visitors that establishes the atmosphere and appeal of your home. A crumbling driveway with weeds popping through exudes a drastically different message than freshly coated asphalt driveway.

If you’re in the process of building your home or looking to update the appearance of your driveway, you may find yourself weighing the pros and cons of asphalt and concrete. Which is best?

Both concrete and asphalt driveways begin with a solid foundation. A cheap or shoddily done foundation will spell disaster regardless of the material used.

While asphalt and concrete do boast certain advantages over the other, they share the common benefit of having the option for decorative design. Called stamped asphalt or stamped concrete, it’s the same material simply shaped and colored to look like other materials. Brick and stone are commonly mimicked to achieve a sophisticated appearance without the incurring cost.

Choosing Concrete

Many people choose concrete because it’s such a durable material that lasts a long time. Though less maintenance is involved during its lifetime, it is more difficult to repair in the case of a crack or accident. Due to its durability, concrete can be more expensive to install than asphalt, and the wrong de-icing products can cause severe damage. The people who favor concrete choose it for its reliable resilience and flexible design options.

Choosing Asphalt

Asphalt is a less expensive option for driveways, but as such it doesn’t always last as long as concrete. However, it is easier to repair and repave in the case of damages, and it’s a great choice in northern states that experience extreme temperature fluctuations since it flexes. Many people prefer the coherent black appearance of asphalt.

Whichever driveway material you choose, you’ll be happy with your selection. It’s just a matter of personal preference, budget, and climate.

3 thoughts on “Concrete or Asphalt? Choosing Your Driveway Base

  1. Thanks for talking about the choice between asphalt and concrete for driveways. I currently have a dirt driveway and I want to install a permanent one. I have been trying to learn about my different options and I think I might be leaning towards asphalt. I live a cold area, so asphalt does better in that way and then it is easy to repair. Also, it is cheaper in the first place. Thanks for the info!
  2. This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that asphalt is less expensive than concrete to install. My husband and I just moved into a new house, and the driveway is currently just dirt, so we want to get that paved. We don't want to spend too much on this project, so we'll definitely look into having asphalt installed. Thanks for the great post!
  3. Like you mentioned, I like concrete the best because it is durable and long-lasting. My husband and I are redoing the driveway this spring, and I want to upgrade to concrete. I'll have sure that we take good care of it so it doesn't get damaged.

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