Jun 30, 2020

Concrete Sidewalks vs Asphalt Sidewalks – Which is Best For You?

Both concrete sidewalks and asphalt sidewalks have their benefits, and it is ultimately up to you to choose which is best for your specific situation. If you want to build a new pathway, sidewalk, or entranceway for your home or business, you might be wondering whether asphalt or concrete would be best. To help you out with this article we will explain when you should use concrete or asphalt.
There are countless ways to make your home or business appear more welcoming, elegant, or professional. From preexisting architecture, to paint jobs or fresh landscaping, there are ample opportunities to give your property a little bit of a facelift. Concrete paving or asphalt paving on walkways and sidewalks is another way of increasing your property’s curb appeal.

Concrete Paving for your Sidewalk

Many people installing new concrete sidewalks or updating old ones are choosing concrete to do so and for good reason! While more expensive than asphalt, concrete is still affordable and certainly less expensive than interlocking tiles or pavement. Concrete paving is generally also more durable and able to withstand high usage and regular wear and tear with little to no effects. As such, these sidewalks require little regular maintenance saving you both money and headaches over time. Though rare, it should be noted that the repairs that concrete pavement does require tend to be more committing and expensive.

Concrete is also very easy to customize and fit your precise needs. Its colour, though easily stained, is also elegant and long-lasting with most blemishes fading naturally over time. Concrete sidewalk installation itself will typically take longer than a comparable job done with asphalt and requires more time to set before use. However, don’t let this deter you as the benefits of concrete paving certainly justify the extra few days it takes to install.

Asphalt Paving for your Sidewalk

Asphalt paving is another great option when considering different ways to lay a sidewalk on your property. The immediate benefit of asphalt for your sidewalk is that it is the most affordable option and also the quickest to install and use after installation. This eliminates the inconvenience of construction and allows you to resume life as usual sooner than if you choose a more complicated process such as concrete. In an environment like Vancouver, asphalt is generally considered the safer option, as well as the black surface, which promotes snow and ice to melt quicker than it would on concrete or other lighter walkway options. Asphalt is also smoother, making it a more enjoyable surface to walk, bike, or skate on.

From an aesthetic standpoint, it is also much more difficult to stain blacktop given its colour — thus, it will appear new, longer. While asphalt paving is a great option for many, like concrete, it does come with its challenges. Asphalt generally requires more regular maintenance and upkeep, though these projects are generally pretty easy, affordable, and can be done yourself. Concrete repairs tend to be more expensive and involved.

Ultimately, it is up to you to choose which surface is the right option for the sidewalk or pathways at your home or business. Each has its own set of positives and challenges, and nobody knows better than the pros at Burnaby Blacktop. Over the years, we have installed all types of sidewalks in all types of yards and always deliver stunning final products. From large-scale walkways to simple paths, our experts are here for you. If you would like to know more, have any quick questions, or are ready to start setting up an appointment and quote give us a call today!

We’re always eager to help you take your home or business to the next level! Submit a quote online and tell us a little bit about your next paving project in mind.

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