It’s the first thing you see when you come home, and the first impression you make to when guests visit – your driveway. Although you might not give a lot of thought to your driveway most of the time, it’s always there doing its duty. For homeowners who have a dirt or limestone driveway that could use an upgrade, a nice smooth driveway can add serious curb appeal to your home. Beyond the typical coveted asphalt driveway, we want to talk about your options when it comes to a poured concrete driveway or concrete pavers that can add beauty and durability that lasts for years. 

The Differences Between Poured Concrete and Concrete Pavers for Your Driveway

Simply put, a poured concrete driveway is a smooth concrete surface that can carry heavy loads without flexing or pitting the way asphalt can, especially in the heat. Concrete driveway pavers, on the other hand, are individual tiles or bricks made from concrete and other aggregates to mimic the look of flagstone, cobblestone, brick, and other materials. Interlocking concrete pavers can be used for a driveway to give a more stately appearance. Here are some differences between concrete pavers and poured concrete surfaces:

  1. Longevity – Poured concrete surfaces last 25 years and beyond, but can be prone to cracks over time depending on installation techniques and whether contraction joints are used. To combat this, you can resurface your concrete driveway every 5-7 years, especially if you live in a climate with a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures. Based on the installation, concrete pavers can last up to 50 years and can be individually replaced if necessary without having to re-do your whole driveway.
  2. Affordability – A poured concrete driveway is an economical choice, but can be a higher upfront cost than asphalt. However, asphalt requires more sealing and maintenance over time to preserve its look, while concrete is a low-maintenance material. Concrete pavers require more time for installation, especially interlocking concrete, and also cost more per square foot than poured concrete. Again, the higher upfront cost delivers a better return on investment over time due to its longevity.
  3. Slip Resistance – Winters in Canada are no joke and your driveway surface needs to be both durable and safe. A poured concrete driveway can be made slip-resistant with the right sealer, or, the surface can be stamped to create a textured surface. Concrete pavers are naturally more slip-resistant due to their design and texture.
  4. ROI – If you’re considering selling your home in the future, it’s a good idea to consider which driveway options may give you the best resale value. A poured concrete driveway gives a nice, smooth, uniform look, and can be coloured to match your home if you prefer. There are also many options available for stamping and designs. Concrete pavers, however, tend to look more high-end and offer a higher return.
  5. Appeal – There are many options when it comes to concrete. It can be dyed to match your home’s exterior, stamped to take on the look of virtually any stone, or concrete pavers can be used to create a modern expensive look. Speak to a concrete contractor to see all the available options for staining, dyeing, and stamping concrete. 

 

Why Choose Concrete?

As a material, concrete delivers lasting durability, design options, and appeal. Although asphalt tends to be the option of choice for driveways, the downsides are apparent. For instance, the summer heat can leave an asphalt driveway sticky and oily – leaving the potential for you to track this oil on your shoes into your home or car. Asphalt is also prone to crumble and requires more sealing than concrete. Although concrete comes with a slightly higher upfront cost compared to asphalt, durability, weather resistance and strength make concrete a more economical option over time. And, when maintained every few years with the use of concrete driveway sealer, a concrete driveway will outlast most other surface options. 

Are you considering upgrading your driveway with a poured concrete or concrete paver surface this summer? Contact RestoreAll today for a quote. We’d love to assist you with your next project.