Replacing your Milwaukee driveway can upgrade the whole look of your house and boost its curb appeal. If you’ve had enough of your current driveway and are considering installing a new one, you’re probably deciding between the two most common driveway materials: asphalt or concrete

Asphalt and concrete can both create durable surfaces, but there are quite a few differences between them. If you’re considering leveling up your outdoor space, you should know the main differences between asphalt and concrete driveways. 

Concrete Offers More Aesthetic Appeal

In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black (hence the nickname “blacktop”) and concrete is a light gray. Concrete, however, responds very well to staining or tinting of pretty much any color you’d like. Concrete also allows you to stamp designs into the surface or texturize the surface. 

Asphalt can be a good choice if you would like a streamlined appearance on the street. If you would like to match a color scheme or use any decorative look to enhance the home’s curb appeal, concrete is the choice for you. 

Asphalt Repairs Are Easier But More Frequent 

Over time, both asphalt and concrete surfaces will crack and show blemishes. Asphalt tends to deteriorate faster than a concrete surface since it is a softer consistency. It can feel easier to repair cracks in an asphalt driveway since repaired areas generally blend well with the rest of the surface. Asphalt also does a good job of hiding oil stains or rust because of its naturally dark color. 

Patched spots are easier to see on concrete driveways, but they occur less often because concrete is more durable. Concrete doesn’t require very much maintenance, and can hold up even longer with resealing every few years. The primary maintenance requirement is washing away any oil leaks or visible stains that your vehicles have left behind.

Concrete Driveways Outlast Asphalt

In general, if you have a properly installed concrete driveway, it should last about 30-50 years if regularly maintained. Asphalt, on the other hand, typically lasts about 15-30 years when properly installed. 

In general, concrete is more durable than asphalt and when properly maintained will outlast an asphalt surface. Being more durable, concrete is also a good option for driveways with trucks, RVs, and other heavy vehicles. 

Concrete Is a Cost-Effective Choice

A new driveway can be a big expense, no matter which material you choose. Comparing the two surfaces, asphalt can have an initial lower cost than concrete. Concrete typically ranges from $3 to $10 per square foot, whereas asphalt ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot

Although asphalt is cheaper initially, its maintenance and repair costs can make it more expensive in the long run. 

The Overall Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete Driveways

In the choice between asphalt and concrete driveways, the decision comes down to what is best for your budget, tolerance for maintenance needs, and design desires. 

Concrete allows for more design abilities, requires less maintenance than asphalt, lasts longer than the average asphalt surface, and is often more cost-effective in the long run.

Contact JBS Construction for Concrete Driveway Installation 

If you have a concrete project to start or if you just want to learn more about the differences between these materials for driveways, JBS Construction is your go-to concrete servicer

Our journey began more than 30 years ago, with the goal of providing outstanding concrete construction services to business owners and homeowners at competitive prices. More than three decades later, we are proud to say we are doing just that. You can rest easy during your concrete projects, knowing that we have your best interest in mind. 

Contact us today for support on your concrete driveway installation needs.