Asphalt Or Concrete? House Digest Survey Discovers The Most Popular Driveway Material

When it comes to choosing a material for your driveway, there are a plethora of options to choose from. However, which option is considered the best? According to Paragon Protection, your driveway is susceptible to all types of damage, such as from ice, heavy items over 10,000 pounds, sharp objects, rock salt, and water — which is the most common type of damage because it can easily make its way into cracks and pores. Aside from vulnerabilities, cost and maintenance are also important characteristics to be aware of when choosing the best driveway material.

So, in House Digest fashion, we've asked readers which material they prefer for their driveway. We gave them six options: Asphalt, concrete, blacktop, gravel, paver, and brick. We'll reveal which options received the most votes and break down their individual characteristics to explain why they have gained such popularity. If you're contemplating which material to use, consider which one our readers prefer the most.

Out of 629 respondents, 36.41% (229 people) chose concrete as the type of material they would prefer for their driveway, according to our survey. Arlington Concrete notes that this material is durable and can last longer than asphalt and gravel. In fact, if it is properly maintained by the homeowner, it can last for over 30 years. So although the initial cost may be more expensive, you'll actually be able to save money in the long run.

Speaking of maintenance, concrete only needs to be sealed once a year to prevent damage from moisture or de-icing chemicals. And if you've noticed your concrete driveway has gotten a bit dirty, all you'll need to clean it is a hose with pressurized water and a stiff-bristled brush. 

Additionally, another benefit many may be pleased by is that concrete is an environmentally friendly option. It takes less energy to install compared to other materials and can be recycled to create new driveways.

Coming in second is asphalt, with 19.24% of respondents (121 people) preferring this material for their driveway. According to D & C Parking Lot Maintenance, this is a great material for those who live in states that experience harsh winters. This is because the dark color of asphalt can quickly melt ice and snow, and it is also able to reduce glare and prevent skidding. Similar to concrete, this material is also environmentally friendly because it can last about 20 years and be entirely recycled at the end of its life.

Asphalt is also a great option for those who need to use their driveways right away. It only takes about one to two days to install, and you need to wait about five days to use it. There are also a variety of options to use, such as porous asphalt, which is known to be both affordable and durable.

The following are the other options from most to least amount of votes: Blacktop with 108 votes (17.17%), paver with 78 votes (12.40%), brick with 49 votes (7.79%), and gravel with 44 votes (7%).