When adding an outside space such as a walkway, patio, or driveway, there are multiple different materials a homeowner could choose to use, but how do you know which is right for you? Read below for the pros and cons of the most popular options out there.
CONCRETE
- About $5 per square foot
- Lasts anywhere between 25 and 50 years
- Durable and versatile
- Smooth surface
- Can handle any climate
- Low maintenance
- Not environmentally friendly
GRAVEL
- About $2 per square foot
- It lasts up to 100 years depending on the climate
- Cost-effective
- Sheds water easily
- Needs to be regraded annually
- Especially high maintenance after a harsh winter
- Low environmental impact
ASPHALT
- About $3.50 per square foot
- Lasts 10-20 years
- Similar benefits to concrete at a lower cost
- Flexible material that is unlikely to crack like concrete
- It must be sealed every few years
- Get extremely hot during the summer months
- Not environmentally friendly (made of petroleum byproducts)
PAVING STONES
- About $22 per square foot
- It lasts up to 100 years
- Gives a driveway, path, or patio character and personality
- Low maintenance; porous enough that water does not pool
- Heating systems are available to melt snow if in a location with heavy winter weather
- Expensive and requires significant labor
- Relatively eco-friendly
BRICK
- About $7.50 per square foot
- Lasts around 25 years
- Smooth surface that holds up well to moderate weather and regular usage
- Routine maintenance is required including frequent power washing followed by resealing
- Not particularly eco-friendly but better than concrete and asphaltÂ
The bottom line:
The Most Durable: Concrete
The Most Weather Proof: Paving stones
The Most Cost Efficient: Asphalt
The Most Environmentally Friendly: Gravel
