Renovating a driveway can be a great way to increase the value and general look of your property. On top of that, you will have a nice smooth surface to drive on meaning that your car will not be prone to any damage. Although there are many benefits to getting a new driveway, the process to get there is not always the easiest. For example, before anything else you are going to have to decide what material you want to lay down. With that being said, the question stands, is it cheaper to pave or concrete a driveway?
Factors That Affect Driveway Installation Costs
The total cost of installing a driveway goes beyond just choosing between asphalt or concrete. Several key factors can influence the final price. One major element is the size of the driveway—larger driveways require more materials and labor. Site preparation also plays a role; removing old pavement, leveling uneven ground, or adding a base layer can add to the cost.
Labor rates can vary depending on the region and the complexity of the job. Material prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, especially for concrete and asphalt. Finally, customization features—like decorative edges, coloring, or stamping—can drive up the price but may boost curb appeal and home value in the long run.
The Benefits Paving Your Driveway
Paving your driveway with asphalt includes many different benefits that you can not get with concrete. The price of asphalt is a little lower than concrete coming in at around $2-$4 per square foot. On the other hand, concrete costs a lot more generally costing $4-$6 per square foot. This may not seem like a major difference; however, if you have a particularly big property then the price will add up.
The Benefits of a Concrete Driveway
Based on what you just heard you may be inclined to pave your driveway; however, just because asphalt is cheaper than concrete does not mean it is better. Asphalt is generally less durable along with having a shorter life span than concrete. Asphalt at most will last a homeowner 30 years whereas concrete lasts upwards of 50 years. Because of this, concrete increases a home’s value far more than asphalt.
Concrete also experiences less damage than asphalt. This means that you will have fewer repairs you will have to perform on your driveway. This will save you money in the long run and the money you save by not having to fill in cracks will pay off the price difference between asphalt and concrete.
Deciding Between Concrete and Asphalt
Although it is cheaper to pave a driveway as opposed to laying down concrete, the cons that come with asphalt may turn you away from it. If you can afford to lay down concrete then it is recommended that you do so. You get what you pay for with concrete whereas asphalt is far less reliable in the long run. For an extremely cost-effective solution, gravel is often used in rural areas. Consider what you are looking for and make your decision from there.
How Can We Serve You?
The professional paving contractors at Sipes Asphalt & Concrete know the ideal conditions for pouring concrete or asphalt. Whether it’s a new driveway, parking lot, or crack sealing, we’ve got you covered. Call Sipes for your paving estimate and the best paving solutions in the Indianapolis area.
