Is Concrete the Best Material for Driveways?

You might be surprised to know that concrete is the best material for driveways and one of the most popular. That’s because concrete is durable, low maintenance, and weather resistant. It can also be stamped and colored to give your home’s exterior a unique look. If you’re considering installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, here’s everything you need to know about concrete driveways.

The Pros of Concrete Driveways

There are many reasons why homeowners choose concrete driveways. First and foremost, concrete is very durable. It’s estimated that a properly installed and maintained concrete driveway can last 30 to 40 years. That’s much longer than asphalt (15 to 20 years) or gravel (5 to 10 years).

In addition to its longevity, concrete is also low-maintenance. Once it cures (hardens), it doesn’t need to be resealed like asphalt does every few years. And, if it cracks from settling or extreme weather conditions, it can easily be repaired with a concrete sealant.

Another significant advantage of concrete driveways is that they are weather-resistant. Hot summers and cold winters can damage asphalt and cause gravel to shift—but not concrete. Additionally, snow and ice melt quickly on concrete surfaces, so you won’t have to worry about shoveling or deicing your driveway in the winter.

Concrete driveways made by Concrete Contractor Oklahoma City offer more design options than any other type of driveway material. Many different finishes are available, including exposed aggregate and broom finish. Concrete can be stamped with patterns or colors to give your home’s exterior a unique look.

The Cons of Concrete Driveways

While there are many advantages to choosing concrete for your new driveway, there are also a few disadvantages you should be aware of before making your final decision. One of the most significant disadvantages is the cost. Concrete driveways are usually more expensive than asphalt or gravel driveways—although the price difference will vary depending on the size and scope of your project. However, because they last longer than other types of driveways, you will likely save money in the long run by choosing concrete.

For instance, you probably won’t have to replace your driveway as often as your neighbors who have asphalt or gravel driveways—which means you’ll save money on installation and repairs over time.

Another disadvantage of concrete driveways is that they take longer to install than other types—usually 3 to 5 days compared to 1 to 2 days for asphalt or gravel. This is because each layer needs time to cure (harden) before the next layer can be added.

Lastly, if not installed properly by an experienced professional, concrete driveway can crack and crumble. However, this problem can easily be avoided by working with reputable Concrete Contractors OKC with extensive experience installing concrete driveways.

Concrete is one of the most popular materials for constructing new driveways—and for a good reason! It’s durable, low maintenance, weather resistant, and offers more design options than any other type of driveway material. Although it costs more upfront than asphalt or gravel, you will likely save money in the long run because it lasts much longer—30 to 40 years! So if you’re thinking about installing a new driveway at your home, be sure to consider all the benefits that come with choosing concrete.