A home is so much more than a structure. It’s a refuge from the outside world and a place where you feel the most comfortable and safe. It serves as a gathering spot for family and friends. The exterior is what you show to your community. A deteriorating driveway will undoubtedly detract from the appearance of your home. It’s neither pleasant to come home to nor welcoming for guests. 

If you’re in the market for a new driveway, how do you know what material to choose? There are many options on the market, but among the most popular are asphalt and concrete. 

What is asphalt? 

Asphalt is a sticky, black, highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It is used to bind together aggregate consisting of crushed rock, sand, gravel, slag, or other materials, creating asphalt concrete that paves roads and driveways. 

What is concrete? 

Concrete is a mixture of gray powder called “Portland Cement,” sand and gravel, or crushed stone. When mixed with water, the cement goes through hydration, hardening over time. Concrete dries and then cures, which means that the water added to the mixture reacts or hydrates the cement and aggregates to form the bond that creates concrete. 

Read on for some details about both materials and what factors you should consider before choosing one for your driveway.

Durability

Asphalt – If properly maintained and attended to with regular maintenance, an asphalt driveway should last 20 to 30 years. 

Concrete – With proper maintenance, and if installed properly with a stable foundation that can drain water, a concrete driveway can be expected to last 30 to 40 years.  

If installed improperly, both asphalt and concrete will fail within a few years. Whichever material you choose, be sure to hire a knowledgeable contractor with extensive experience working with the substance. 

Upkeep 

Asphalt - Asphalt usually deteriorates more quickly because of its softer consistency. 

Concrete - Here in Oklahoma where we endure hard freeze-thaw cycles. You should blow debris and dirt off regularly and power wash every so often. 

Expense 

Asphalt – The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically about $4 to $6 per square foot. 

Concrete – The cost per square foot for a concrete driveway is usually about $7-$8.   

Ability to withstand climate and temperature changes

Asphalt – Here in Tulsa, our steamy summers can cause asphalt driveways to become gooey or sticky. Asphalt can also get very hot during the summer months. 

Concrete – Concrete stays relatively cool when exposed to direct sunlight, but it can crack in the winter. However, a knowledgeable contractor will use both steel and micro-fiber reinforcements to further strengthen the concrete. This reduces the chance of cracks as does a properly compacted sub-base of the proper thickness. Air-entrained concrete additives, containing billions of microscopic air bubbles, help reduce expansion and contraction, allowing it to better withstand Oklahoma’s extremely variable climate.

Drying time 

Asphalt – Asphalt is usually ready for foot and vehicle traffic in 48 to 72 hours.  

Concrete – You’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before allowing people or pets to walk on a new concrete driveway, but about 7 days before driving a car on the surface.  

Appearance

Asphalt – Asphalt is textured and dark, usually black, and therefore is not conducive to various finishes and textures. 

Concrete – Concrete is extremely versatile. It is light gray and smooth and can be painted, stamped, tinted, or etched for a customized appearance. 

Beautiful and long-lasting concrete driveways in the Tulsa area 

At Tulsa Driveways, we take pride in our work. That includes consistent and reliable communication with our clients and a transparent pricing structure. We would love to meet with you and discuss your project ideas! Contact us to schedule an appointment.