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The Materials Used by Paving Contractors

Paving contractors may use asphalt, poured concrete, bricks, stones or interlocking concrete pavers.  Some companies may prefer one material over another.  Here’s how the popular choices compare.

Asphalt is the least expensive choice.  The material and the cost of installation are lower.  

It can be installed quickly.  Stone, brick and individual concrete pavers can take as long as two weeks to install.  Bad weather will delay the project even further.  

An asphalt drive can typically be poured in a few hours.  It takes only a day or two to dry, depending on the temperature.  Sealing is recommended.  It takes another 24 hours for the sealant to dry.       

Asphalt offers the fewest design options.  While popular at one time, many consumers have experienced the disadvantages and are ready to dig it up and switch to something else.  

Asphalt is hot.  It gets sticky during the summer months.  Cold winters can cause it to crack.  Chunks can fall off of the edges and get into the lawn.  It must be sealed on an annual basis.  

The durability depends on the thickness.  Thinner asphalt will crack more easily.  When 60% or more of the surface becomes cracked, it must be replaced.  Patching is not cost effective at that point.  

Not all paving contractors work with bricks or natural stone.  Those that work with the materials typically offer several different colors and numerous design options.  Mortar is usually white, but black is also available.

Stones or bricks will usually last longer than asphalt.  They cost more and, as mentioned above, they take longer to install.  

More maintenance is required, because weeds and moss will grow in the joints.  The joints must be refilled with sand on an occasional basis.

Some paving contractors prefer interlocking, pre-cast concrete pavers.  The pavers are flexible, which makes them more durable; more resistant to cracking than other materials.

Pavers are available in a variety of colors and multiple designs.  The edges are not flexible.  That’s what holds them in place.  They typically cost a little less than natural stone, but a lot more than asphalt.  The maintenance requirements are similar to those of natural stone.

Poured and stamped concrete is another option.  Any color or design can be chosen for this material.  Materials and installation costs less than natural stone.  It usually costs more than interlocking concrete pavers.

A stamped concrete driveway will need to be resealed every few years.  Little other maintenance is required.  

Experienced paving contractors like Paving Designs UK can give you an idea of total price based on the size of the area to be paved.  They can also recommend a material based on usage and your specific needs.