Is Concrete or Asphalt Cheaper? 5 Things To Know

When deciding how to pave your driveway or parking lot, you face two highly popular choices. Both asphalt and concrete come with pros and cons. Their quality, integrity, and price are being discussed by millions of property owners all over the world.

If you are looking for the cheapest option, there is no right answer. Depending on your needs, timeline, and location, either asphalt or concrete could be the best choice. Let’s take a closer look at the price of these two pavements, and how to choose the best method for your needs.

1. Asphalt is Cheaper Than Concrete

In most cases, concrete is a more expensive option than asphalt. For asphalt, you`ll pay between $2 and $6 per square foot while concrete is about $3 - $10 per square foot.

If you are planning to add a seal coat or a decorative topcoat to your asphalt pavement, it may end up costing more than basic concrete pavement.

With the right care, both asphalt and concrete could last longer than 20 years. In some cases, concrete can last for up to 40 years.

However, without proper maintenance, you could be replacing them in just a couple of years. To make sure you are getting longevity and integrity for your money, it`s vital to set up the right maintenance routine and follow it religiously.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, consider gravel. However, it`s not as aesthetically appealing as concrete or asphalt and requires more maintenance. Gravel could be a good temporary solution for homeowners with a tight budget. It`s usually an unacceptable option for parking lots.

Asphalt Requires Frequent Maintenance

Asphalt is less durable than concrete and requires close attention to its condition. According to Florida asphalt paving contractors, ABC Paving, you need to apply a sealcoat every three to five years to keep an asphalt driveway in top shape.

Additionally, you have to keep the asphalt as clean as possible, avoid chemical spills, and inspect the surface carefully. Even a tiny crack in asphalt pavement can turn into a pothole.

Asphalt may require patch repair to avoid repaving the entire surface. Depending on how serious repairs are, the process may be costly.

For concrete, sealing isn`t a must-have. However, doing it every three years could increase the pavement`s lifespan. Concrete repairs are usually costlier than asphalt repairs.

3. Concrete Has Better Aesthetic Appeal

Even though concrete is more expensive than asphalt, it can improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your property tremendously. From stamping to staining, you can give concrete an impressive appearance. That`s an excellent option for parking lots and other areas that can contribute to promoting your services.

When asphalt is freshly applied or sealcoated, it can look appealing as well. However, it tends to lose its fresh appearance rather quickly and turn gray and ordinary. It`s not easy to personalize asphalt to suit your property’s needs.

4. Asphalt Behaves Better than Concrete in Cold Weather

Asphalt is the best choice for parking lots and driveways located in cold climates. Concrete can crack in cold weather, requiring you to pay for costly repairs. Asphalt shrinks and expands according to the outdoor temperature, making it a more flexible solution for changing weather conditions.

Additionally, snow is easier to remove from asphalt. Concrete can be damaged by salt and deicers.

5.   Concrete Takes More Time to Cure

If speed is an issue, asphalt is a better solution. You can drive on it almost immediately. There are a few driving limitations to consider during the curing time. However, if you need pavement ASAP, asphalt is the best choice.

Concrete can take up to a week to cure. You would need to ensure good conditions for the pavement to cure properly.

The Takeaway

Asphalt is cheaper than concrete. However, it comes with several downsides, such as ordinary appearance and the need for frequent maintenance. While concrete is more aesthetically appealing, it takes more time to cure, cracks in cold weather, and costs more to repair.

The cost shouldn`t be the only deciding factor when choosing the pavement material. Consider the climate, appearance, and maintenance issues.