Concrete vs. Paver Driveway
Pavers: Pros and Cons
Rustic driveway to a rustic home.
While paver driveways are without a doubt more expensive than a simple concrete or asphalt driveway there are many benefits that make up for this added cost. The first benefit of a paver driveway is the timelessness of it. When we think about classic architecture or traditional style homes, whether they’re French style, traditional, old English, Mediterranean, etc.; a paver driveway sets the tone for the entire estate. On top of this, paver driveways often times feel more inviting than gravel, concrete or asphalt and give the home more of an intimate feeling.
With all of this, another huge benefit of a paver driveway is the ease with which they can be heated. In the greater Toledo, OH and Adrian, MI area we know what plowing the driveway after a foot of snow has dropped or an inch of ice has accumulated is a huge pain. Although concrete driveways can also be heated it is much easier to heat a paver driveway. It’s also easier to identify and fix potential problems with the heat system when pavers are used as they can more easily be taken up in sections whereas it is much more difficult to replace a section of concrete.
Sticking with the snow vein, our climate in Toledo and Adrian is one of the biggest cons for a paver driveway. If you choose not to heat your paver driveway they are sometimes difficult to plow and they are definitely more expensive to salt. Even with something like Techo-Bloc HD2 technology it is still recommended to use a paver friendly salt which is usually 25-40% more expensive than typical road salt.
The other hesitation for a paver driveway is typically the cost. One of the best ways to offset this cost is to use pavers in part of your driveway, say the house entrance, as opposed to the entire driveway. Many estates and homes with a half circle driveway or with an approach apron will use pavers at these points to increase the intimacy of entering the home and to make it feel more welcoming. Pavers can also be sued as an accent along fault or crack lines in a concrete driveway to add a pop of texture and color. If you know which paver you want to use, say maybe a Victorien or an Eva from Techo-Bloc, we can partner with the concrete company and get them the measurements to leave room for a border in between concrete sections. These are just a few options to offset the added expense of a paver driveway as opposed to a concrete driveway!
When it’s all said and done, a paver driveway will typically outlast a concrete or asphalt driveway by a number of years and will hold its value for a longer period of time as well!
Inviting, intimate driveway to a classic estate.
