If you’re in the market to build a new driveway for your new home, or an existing home, then you will need a driveway to compliment it, and to have somewhere to park your car. There are so many options when it comes to building a new driveway that it can become a bit overwhelming sometimes, so we are here to tell you the difference between the two most popular types of driveways out there, concrete and asphalt. 

The main difference between asphalt and concrete driveways is that asphalt is a little bit less durable than concrete. With the right maintenance, it can last up to 30 years if well looked after. On the other hand, concrete provides a sturdy, long-lasting option and can last all the way up to 50+ years if you look after it well and have it pressure cleaned and degrease every now and then.

When it comes to asphalt driveways, they also require more attention over time. About a year after building an asphalt driveway, you really need to have it sealed to protect it against the elements, whereas a concrete driveway does not really need to be sealed. Many home owners will seal a concrete driveway to provide a nice ascetic look to the overall finish, but it is not entirely necessary.

One of the main benefits of of an asphalt driveway is that cracks will be easier to repair over time. Cracks will affect both asphalt and concrete driveways and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. You will find that asphalt cracks are far easier to fix and maintain and they will be more aesthetically pleasing to look at over concrete repairs. Concrete cracks, are far harder to repair and almost impossible to resurface without it looking out of place and messy. 

One of the best things about concrete driveways is the endless possibilities for unique designs.  Concrete driveways can be coloured, stamped, stenciled and much more. There is no real limit to how you can make a concrete driveway look, but with asphalt, it is limited. Asphalt has to be rolled, and because of the sealers used in asphalt, it really cant be stamped and coloured in the way that concrete can, limiting the overall design and finish of the driveway. 

When it comes to the pricing side of things, Asphalt is less expensive, but can require more work over time due to it needing sealers to maintain its structure. Asphalt is a far softer material, leading it to fall apart faster than say a concrete driveway. Concrete is far more durable than asphalt and can last up to well over 50+years, but it can become more fragile in far colder climates and has a tendency to crack in those types of conditions, resulting in it needing patch work to get it back to its former glory. 

Overall the choice between an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway really comes down to how much money you want to spend and how long you want the driveway to last. If you’re looking at a smaller budget, then an asphalt driveway may be the way to go, but you have to remember, that it will require more maintenance over time. A concrete driveway will be a bit more expensive, but you can choose numerous design finished like stamped concrete, stenciled concrete, polished concrete, exposed aggregate concrete and so on. It will also be less maintenance over time providing that you do not live some where with a freezing climate. 

Personally I would just spend a bit more money and go with a concrete driveway as you will save more money in the long run due to less maintenance and having a far more durable driveway, as well as been able to choose a host of design and finish options which, if you choose the right one, can add quite a bit of value to your home as the driveway is on of the first things that people see when looking at your property. It will really just come down to you, the type of driveway ascetic that you desire, and what fits into your overall budget when building a new home or renovating an old one.

Jonathan Levenson