Comparing Asphalt vs Brick vs Concrete
Comparing Asphalt vs. Concrete vs. Brick Driveways
If it’s time to upgrade your unsightly driveway, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your options. Fortunately, Blue Sky Hardscapes & Irrigation is here to eliminate the guesswork. We’re here to explore asphalt vs concrete vs brick driveway design to empower confident and informed investments.
Understanding Your Options
When it comes to repaving a driveway, you have options. However, not every option works for every home type. That’s where Blue Sky Hardscapes & Irrigation comes in. Leveraging extensive expertise, we’re here to highlight the features, advantages, and drawbacks of each material option to set you on track toward your most successful driveway upgrade.
Asphalt Driveways
Classic and economical asphalt driveways are a preferred choice for homeowners nationwide. This traditional material sits at approximately $4 per square foot, making it an affordable option for those with compact or expansive driveways. However, while initially more budget-friendly, asphalt requires slightly more upkeep than alternative materials.
The Advantages of Asphalt
The popularity of asphalt driveways is largely attributed to its appealing price tag. If you’re working with a strict budget or you have a large-scale surface to cover, asphalt is a cost-effective and affordable material option. Moreover, when properly laid, asphalt offers a sleek and cohesive look.
The Drawbacks of Asphalt Driveway Paving
There are several drawbacks to asphalt driveways to consider. Despite its appealing price tag, asphalt is not very weather-resistant, making it prone to cracks and premature wear. While these blemishes can be avoided, sufficient maintenance adds to your overhead.
Brick Driveways
Brick driveway designs are built on top of a 4-inch concrete foundation and secured using mortar. If aesthetic appeal is a leading priority for you, this unique style can be achieved for about $30 per square foot. However, if your driveway is prone to high-volume activity and heavy vehicles, brick driveway paving may not be ideal.
The Advantages of Brick
The primary advantage of brick driveway paving is the ability to customize the look of your property. Unlike classic asphalt, which offers very little personalization, bricks can be laid in various patterns and styles. This makes brick driveway paving an enticing option for homeowners seeking to boost their properties’ curb appeal.
The Drawbacks of Brick Driveway Paving
In contrast to brick homes that are notoriously durable, brick driveway paving is fragile. The concrete and mortar foundation that supports these driveways is susceptible to cracks and damage when exposed to excess weight. This causes higher maintenance demands that can turn your statement piece of a driveway into a financial burden.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveway paving involves a detailed surface preparation process followed by a poured concrete application. To achieve a more custom design, you may also opt for stamped concrete, which allows you to replicate the look of paver stones. The cost of concrete driveway paving starts at around $7.50 per square foot and rises depending on your cosmetic objectives.
The Advantages of Concrete
Concrete driveways have many cosmetic advantages. Concrete driveways offer versatility, allowing you to strike a balance between form and function with an endless selection of customizable designs. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, concrete driveways are moderately priced and call for slightly less tedious maintenance than brick or asphalt.
The Drawbacks of Concrete Driveway Paving
The advantages of concrete driveways come at the expense of a higher risk of damage. Concrete damage is so inevitable that contractors will install these surfaces by strategically placing expansion joints to direct the formation of cracks. Concrete is also prone to chips, which are challenging to remedy without unsightly patchwork.
Paver Stone Driveways
The final driveway material option is concrete paver stones. In recent years, concrete paver driveways have gained incredible traction. These designs are crafted using a selection of interlocking paver stones that, when joined together, create a robust driveway surface. Starting at approximately $8.50 per square foot, paving stone driveways are both cost-effective and long-lasting.
The Advantages of Paver Stones
Concrete paver stone driveway paving is an excellent investment for virtually any homeowner seeking longevity, beauty, and extended performance. With an array of colors, styles, textures, and patterns, paving stone driveways offer many customization options. As an added benefit, with their interlocking design, paver stones can be easily repaired or removed as needed without altering the entire driveway.
The Drawbacks of Paver Stone Driveway Paving
Paver stone driveways check almost all of the boxes. They are durable, long-lasting, customizable, and require minimal maintenance compared to other material options. The only drawback of these paving upgrades is the cost. While they are not the most expensive, they are also not the most affordable, especially for those covering large surfaces.
How to Choose the Right Material
Choosing the right hardscaping material comes down to understanding your needs and identifying your priorities. When deciding between concrete vs asphalt vs brick, we encourage customers to consider the following:
- Initial budget and future upkeep expenses
- Short- and long-term maintenance demands
- Style preferences and customization objectives
- Projected driveway size
Let’s Discuss Your Driveway Paving Decision
Don’t settle when it comes to an upgrade as significant as driveway paving. Empower your investment with knowledgeable guidance and personalized recommendations with Blue Sky Hardscapes & Irrigation. To learn more about choosing the right option for your home, contact our friendly team today to get started.