If you’re in the process of building a new house or looking to renovate your current property, getting your driveway right by choosing the right materials is essential. The two most popular materials to choose between are asphalt and concrete.
They are clearly different, but there are some similarities. Both have a gravel base and are made with sand and stone. The big difference is when we look at their adhesive material. Concrete is made of cement, whereas asphalt is petroleum based.
This difference is key as it leads to a variety of differences between how drives differ depending on the main materials used.
One of the main differences between the two options is cost. Concrete is cheaper than asphalt because it doesn’t require as much labor to install. Additionally, concrete is a more durable material, meaning it will last longer than asphalt.
A typical concrete driveway is a more expensive option with a standard cost of around $4-6 per square foot. This seems reasonable, but there are often additional costs with stains, details, and finishing.
The cheaper option is an asphalt driveway which comes in at approximately $2-4 a square foot, typically.
Of course, there are other considerations that add to the cost over time. These include repairs and maintenance and durability and lifespan.