Paving and concrete are two of the most popular driveway materials, both being durable and easy to maintain. They are solid choices for a driveway, and both materials also come in a variety of colors and patterns. It can be hard to tell the difference between a paving and concrete driveway. But there are some key differences to look out for. A paving driveway is usually made from brick or concrete, with natural stone or cobblestones often used for a border. While the surface of a paving driveway may look smooth, it’s actually made up of lots of tiny pieces that have been pressed into shape. The advantage of this style is that it gives you lots of flexibility, with lots of different shapes and sizes possible.
The big and most important question is, how do you know which material is best for your home? You can only make the right choice when you know how the two materials differ. The best and easiest way to tell the difference and decide which material is best for you is by asking a reputable concrete contractor. But still, you should also have the basic knowledge of telling the differences between the two materials. We look at five key differences between paving and concrete driveways, so you can make an informed decision.
1. Difference in how they are Laid
The main difference between the two materials is how they are laid. Paving stones are laid one at a time, while concrete is poured into the desired location. Paving stones, also called pavers, are individual pieces of material that are laid in place one by one and then compacted with a vibrating machine. Since each stone is placed individually, there is no need to form and pour the entire driveway at once. You can lay the driveway in sections as time allows and have it completed within a few days or weeks. Concrete driveways must be formed before they can be poured. This means that you will need to have all of your forms built before you can pour your driveway. The concrete must then be poured in one session and troweled smooth before it begins to set. It usually takes about four to seven days for a concrete driveway to fully cure and harden enough for you to use it.
2. Installation
Concrete driveways take longer to install than paving stones, as they must first be poured into a mold before they can dry. Paving stones are pre-made, so they only need to be installed on-site without any additional preparation. This makes paving stone driveways quicker to install than concrete driveways.
3. Composition
Concrete is made from Portland cement and sand mixed with water to form a thick paste. After it dries, the concrete can be sealed or painted. It is prone to cracking but can be reinforced with steel mesh or fiberglass fibers to increase its strength. Asphalt is made of petroleum-based products that are refined into a sticky, black substance. It is then mixed with crushed stone and gravel as a binder before being applied to the surface of the driveway. Repairing cracks in asphalt requires filling them with new material since asphalt cannot be patched like concrete.
4. Flexibility & Durability
Pavers are much stronger than concrete slabs and more flexible, so they’re less likely to crack over time (especially if the ground shifts). Concrete expands and contracts with changing temperatures, which means it can crack over time, especially if it was poured improperly or the ground shifts underneath it (as it tends to do in areas with extreme fluctuations in temperature). Paver driveways hold up better under pressure from vehicles and heavy objects, such as delivery trucks.
5. Design
Concrete can be stamped or textured in a variety of ways and colors can also be added to it. Paving stones come in a variety of colors and textures as well but they also offer many more design options because of the way they can be arranged, including patterns, borders and other decorative elements.
Conclusion
Before buying a new driveway, it is important that you take the time to educate yourself on the benefits and drawbacks of each type of driveway. Looking at the differences between paving and concrete driveways will help you make an informed decision about which one is best for your home. Whichever type of driveway you chose, be sure to have them installed by a qualified concrete contractor.