Overview
Concrete and asphalt are the two main paving materials for driveways, parking lots, and roads. Each has distinct advantages in cost, durability, maintenance, and appearance. Choosing between them depends on your climate, budget, and long-term plans.
The Concrete Calculator determines how much concrete you need for your project by volume. The Asphalt Calculator estimates asphalt tonnage and coverage for paving projects.
Key Differences
**Upfront cost:** Asphalt typically costs 30-40% less to install than concrete. However, concrete lasts longer, narrowing the lifetime cost gap.
**Durability:** Concrete lasts 30-50 years with minimal maintenance. Asphalt lasts 15-20 years and needs periodic sealing.
**Maintenance:** Asphalt requires sealcoating every 3-5 years and crack filling. Concrete needs occasional sealing and is harder to patch.
**Climate:** Asphalt handles freeze-thaw cycles better (it flexes). Concrete can crack in severe winters. However, asphalt softens in extreme heat.
**Appearance:** Concrete offers more design options (stamped, colored, exposed aggregate). Asphalt is always black (which can be an advantage for snow melting).
When to Use the Concrete Calculator
- You are planning a driveway, patio, sidewalk, or slab and need to order concrete - You want to calculate how many cubic yards of concrete to order - You are estimating costs for a concrete project based on volume - You need to plan for footings, foundations, or structural concrete work - You are comparing concrete thickness options (4 inches vs 6 inches) and their material impact
When to Use the Asphalt Calculator
- You are paving a driveway or parking area and need to estimate asphalt tonnage - You want to calculate material needs for an asphalt overlay or resurfacing project - You are comparing the upfront cost of asphalt versus concrete - You need to plan for a large paving project with specific depth requirements - You are getting quotes from paving contractors and want to verify material estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is cheaper overall -- concrete or asphalt? A: Asphalt is cheaper upfront, but concrete often wins on lifetime cost because it lasts 2-3x longer. Over 30 years, concrete may cost less per year.
Q: Which is better for cold climates? A: Both have pros and cons. Asphalt flexes with freeze-thaw cycles and absorbs sunlight for faster snow melting. Concrete can crack in extreme cold but handles salt better.
Q: Can I put concrete over existing asphalt? A: Technically yes, but it is not recommended for driveways. The asphalt can shift and crack the concrete. Removing the old surface first produces better results.
Q: How thick should a concrete driveway be? A: Standard is 4 inches for passenger vehicles. Use 5-6 inches if heavy vehicles (RVs, trucks) will use it regularly.
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