Concrete and asphalt are two of the most popular materials used for driveways, and for good reason. Both are durable materials that work well in most environments. And each has clear benefits depending on your project needs.
In the concrete vs asphalt debate, we’re ultimately team concrete thanks to our team of exceptional concrete contractors in Buffalo, NY!
In our breakdown, we’ll cover:
- The pros and cons of concrete vs asphalt
- Is it cheaper to use asphalt or concrete?
- Popular Buffalo, NY concrete driveway designs
- Which is easier to maintain, concrete or asphalt?
- Concrete in Buffalo, NY’s cold weather
- Why you should install a concrete driveway
Ready to seal the deal (no pun intended) with a concrete driveway? Get a free quote from a B&W Custom Concrete rep!
The Pros and Cons of Concrete vs Asphalt
When it comes to installing a concrete driveway, the pros generally outweigh the cons. The TLDR version is that concrete is a high-quality material that comes in a variety of design choices. It doesn’t require much hands-on maintenance and tends to last longer than asphalt.
Concrete Pros:
- Is long-lasting and durable compared to other materials
- Easy to maintain
- Stays cool in hot weather due to its lighter color
- Comes in attractive tints and patterns
Concrete Cons:
- May stain over time because of its lighter color
- Is more expensive than asphalt
- Will need to be replaced if damaged
Asphalt on the other hand, tends to be cheaper and can be installed quicker thanks to its ease of use. You’ll need to invest in regular preventative maintenance to maintain your driveway. Cracks may appear more frequently with asphalt since it is a softer material, though it’s easier to repair or apply a top coat.
Is it Cheaper to Use Asphalt or Concrete?
In general, asphalt is cheaper to install than concrete, but you may need to spend more over time on maintenance.
Home Advisor estimates asphalt installation costs to be 50% less than concrete driveways of similar size. As of 2023, the average cost of a concrete driveway installation in Buffalo, NY is $5.03 per square foot. Compare that to an asphalt driveway, which is about $3.21 per square foot and requires sealing (an additional $0.32 per square foot).
Concrete driveway installation costs will increase if you choose additional design finishers such as concrete staining, tinting, or polishing.
Having said that, it’s important to consider both your initial budget as well as the time and expense required for driveway maintenance.
Concrete’s durability means you won’t incur maintenance costs associated with asphalt, which can save you money over time. However, to ensure that asphalt is cost-effective, you’ll need to invest in regular upkeep.
Popular Buffalo, NY Concrete Driveway Designs
One of the main benefits of choosing a concrete driveway is the variety of designs and finishes available!
Stained concrete floors are a popular choice for homes—acid stains are chemically reactive, which causes a permanent change in a rich palette of colors. You can marble the color by unevenly distributing the cement as you finish it to give a high-end, organic feel.
Prefer to keep it classic but with a twist? B&W Custom Concrete offers patterns to give character to your driveway while keeping that signature gray tone. The lighter color compliments a variety of styles well, making it a versatile choice.
In contrast, asphalt comes in a limited range of darker colors and stamped designs due to its base material. Concrete is ultimately the best choice for customizability, while asphalt offers a standard look.
Which Is Easier to Maintain, Concrete or Asphalt?
Concrete is ideal for homeowners who prefer not to actively maintain their driveways. Once finished and sealed, concrete doesn’t need to be maintained beyond occasional cleaning. Just remember to use sand instead of salt on the first winter after you install your driveway.
Concrete driveways can last upwards of 30–40 years under normal conditions thanks to its durable material. Any blemishes tend to be artificial, which is to say it won’t affect performance. To keep your driveway clean, avoid using fertilizer on the concrete or dripping oil as they can cause stains.
If you go with asphalt, you can expect a lifespan of 20–30 years, though you’ll need to reseal your driveway every 3–5 years to maintain it. This can start to add up if you hire a professional.
An unkempt asphalt driveway may also need regular repairs since asphalt tends to deteriorate faster than concrete. You can easily repair cracks, though it’s best to take preventative measures or go with a more durable material.
Concrete in Buffalo, NY’s Cold Weather
Concrete can be affected by extreme cold, causing it to deteriorate as the material expands and contracts. That’s why B&W Custom Concrete only uses the highest-quality concrete at maximum standards to mitigate extreme climate effects.
Our 4,000 psi concrete driveways are 4” thick with a 10 gauge wire mesh. We also spray, cure, and seal your driveway to protect your investment, ensuring longevity through many upcoming winters.
With concrete contractors in Buffalo, NY, you’re guaranteed a team that understands the environment’s specific challenges and solutions!
Asphalt will also do well in Buffalo’s cold winters but will heat up considerably during hot summer months. Ultimately, you may find that other factors around design, performance, and maintenance will outweigh asphalt’s cold tolerance.
Why You Should Install a Concrete Driveway
When it comes to durability, performance, and design, concrete takes the win. Concrete driveways are endlessly customizable and can add a lot of personality to your home. Not to mention, staining and patterns can shift your property’s look between upscale and modern to timeless and classic.
Concrete is more expensive than asphalt, but the upfront investment goes into 30–40 years of low-maintenance performance. Our concrete driveways in Buffalo, NY are designed to withstand extreme winters, too.
If you’re a homeowner who wants an aesthetic, long-lasting driveway that doesn’t require diligent, hands-on maintenance, concrete is the way to go!
Looking for concrete contractors in Buffalo, NY? Chat with a B&W Custom Concrete rep to get a quote!