Concrete versus Asphalt Driveways

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What’s the Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?

Concrete and asphalt are both mixtures of sand and crushed stone called aggregate. The difference is what binds the aggregate together. In concrete, cement binds the mixture and gives it a light gray appearance. Asphalt is bound with a black, viscous petroleum-based substance. Both come in assorted colors, stained or stamped for a decorative effect.

Asphalt, Blacktop or Pavement

Asphalt is a mixture of aggregate and binding agent. The binder is usually very hot when it’s combined with the aggregate. Pros pour the hot mixture over a level, gravel base before pressing and smoothing it with a steamroller. You can park or drive a car on it within 24 hours.

Most asphalt is poured as a single, continuous slab. Historically, roads were constructed with asphalt paving bricks. Today, manufacturers make this type of paver for residential use, but concrete pavers are much more popular.

“Asphalt” is interchangeable with the words “blacktop” or “pavement.” Colloquially, people refer to asphalt driveways as “blacktop” and call roads, airplane runways or parking lots “pavement.”

Asphalt Terminology

• Tarmac: A smooth, solid slab often used for driveways, parking lots and roads.
• Tar: A binder that’s derived from coal and was historically a binder. However, it is carcinogenic and hasn’t been used since the middle of the 20th century.
• Macadam or Tar & Chip: A different approach to driveways where loose stones, sometimes colored, are rolled on top of the hot mixture, creating a more textured surface than tarmac. To learn more, read our Tar and Chip Driveway Cost Guide.
• Bitumen: A naturally occurring petroleum product used to bind aggregate materials in most asphalt-paving projects.

Concrete or Cement Driveways

Often used interchangeably, concrete is a composite material held together with cement. Concrete is a mixture of crushed stone, sand and cement. Cement is a mixture of water, powdered rock and clay. Pros pour the cold mixture onto a prepared gravel surface and level it. After several days of curing, the surface is ready to support the weight of vehicles.

It’s much easier to customize this material with colors and decorative embellishments. Stamping creates aesthetic appeal in a driveway, mimicking the look of flagstone pavers or real bricks, however, they can drive up the cost of a driveway installation.

Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway

While both asphalt and concrete are good options for driveways, there are inherent differences in the two materials. Both require professional contractors because average homeowners don’t have the equipment or experience to tackle installation.
For our purposes, we’re comparing solid slab driveways as opposed to those made of pavers or a less common application.

Factor	Asphalt	Concrete
Cost	$2-5 per square foot	$3-10 per square foot
Climate	Shrinks and expands with temperature fluctuations Heat can cause crumbling	Cracks in extreme cold Salt/de-icer can damage
Maintenance and Repairs	Requires resealing six months after installation and then every three-to-five years Can patch repair	Sealing not required, but done every five years can prolong life Repairs are costly
Longevity	20-25 years	30-40 years
Aesthetic Appeal	Not as easy to personalize Rough edges	Easier to stamp, score, color or stain
Drying Time	Can drive on immediately	Needs to cure for a week
Wear and Tear	Hides oil stains Gasoline can damage Deteriorates quicker	Shows oil stains Subject to cracks, even in warm climates

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Appearance: Colors, Finishes and Stamped Ornamentation

Homeowners can customize both options to achieve a desired look or style.

Cost Analysis

A 600 square-foot asphalt driveway will cost less than $300 in materials. A similarly sized concrete driveway will cost $850 in materials.

Cheaper to Install with a Pro

The installation of either type of driveway requires specialized equipment the average homeowner doesn’t have on hand.

Repaving and Sealing

Lifespan

With the right care and maintenance, both types of driveways will last decades.

• Asphalt normally lasts around 20 years.
• Concrete‘s normal life span is 30 to 40 years.

Repairs and Resurfacing

Durability and Thickness

Resistance to Climate

Because the two materials are so different, the climate plays a significant role in their durability.

Environmentally Friendly

Resale Value

A custom decorative concrete driveway has a higher potential to increase your home’s value vs. standard asphalt.

Heated Driveways

You can install a driveway heating system under either type of material. The average cost to install under asphalt is just under $9,000. The average cost to install under concrete is just under $8,000.

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Which is Better – Concrete or Blacktop Driveways?

While each have their merits, asphalt driveways are better for budget-conscious homeowners or those who live in areas with temperature fluctuations. Concrete driveways offer more options for colors, textures and embellishments, but are prone to cracking in cold weather and expensive to repair. While concrete lasts longer, it’s easier and cheaper to resurface asphalt.

Concrete Parking Lots vs. Asphalt

Budget, time to rehab and climate are significant factors when selecting a material for parking lots. Many are asphalt since it’s easier to repair, cheaper and not subject to temperature variations.

Best for Walkways, Patios & Other Outdoor Residential Surfaces

Walkways and patios can be either material, but concrete is popular since it lasts longer. Homeowners can also mix quick-drying concrete in small batches for DIY projects, but it would be difficult to do so with asphalt.

Concrete vs. Asphalt Roads

Both are popular, but 93 percent of roads are asphalt. In general, the lowered cost and ease of repair make it the preferred option.

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FAQs

Which is cheaper: asphalt vs. concrete vs. gravel?

The cost of a gravel driveway is the cheapest at $1,500. Concrete driveways cost $3,900 on average and asphalt costs $4,500.

How long does asphalt and concrete last?

Asphalt lasts 20-25 years while concrete lasts 30-40 years.

How do brick and stone pavers compare to concrete?

Brick and stone pavers come in wide variety of patterns, colors and textures, but since they’re labor intensive, installing a brick paver or cobblestone driveway costs between $10 and $70 per square foot.

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2 Comments

1. civil engineer, November 19:

   Asphalt and concrete are the most common materials you can use if you’re looking to build a new driveway. While both are good options, each has its own set of pros and cons that are worth considering before deciding on which is better for different situations.

2. Clifford Jones, April 2:

   Happy Tuesday..Can an asphalt driveway be financed?