Concrete Parking Lot vs. Asphalt Parking Lot: Pros and Cons

When it comes to designing the look of your commercial or residential property, there are a lot of things to consider. One of such decisions would have to be the type of material to use when building a parking lot. There are definitely a lot of options out there, but the most common options are concrete and asphalt.

There is no denying the fact that both options have their pros and cons and it is up to Murfreesboro Paving to advise clients on which one best suit their property. However, if you would like to embark on the project independently, then it would be best to inform yourself of the benefits and disadvantages to be gotten from both options.

They are:

Pros of Choosing a Concrete Parking Lot

Less Maintenance

With less maintenance, the cost to be incurred by the property owner over the lifespan of the parking lot is significantly reduced. This also means the parking lot has a longer lifespan.

Numerous Designs

From stamped concrete to polished concrete, the design options available are endless. Property owners get to choose from different textures and colors.

Copes Better Under Extreme Heat

For a place like Murfreesboro which is known for its hot summers, a concrete parking lot is a better option. Asphalt parking lots can get soft due to heat and become runny.
Cons of Choosing a Concrete Parking Lot

Longer Installation

Concrete is not fast to install. Adequate preparation needs to be made to ensure the concrete does not break easily. A mixture has to be prepared according to certain measurements before it is then spread on the ground and other activities such as stamping or polishing are carried out.

High Installation Cost

Although the cost of maintaining concrete is relatively low compared to asphalt, due to the labor, materials and time spent on the job, installation costs are higher.

Pros of Choosing an Asphalt Parking Lot

Quick Installation

Unlike a concrete parking lot that needs to be mixed, spread and set before it can be used, asphalt only takes a few days to be laid. Of course, this also depends on the size of the project.

Lower Cost

Due to the minimum number of days required to install asphalt, the amount charged for labor by the construction company such as Murfreesboro Paving will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the cost of installation when compared to concrete will be much lower.

Ecofriendly

Regarding protecting the environment, asphalt is more ecofriendly. It can be recycled and reused.

Cons of Choosing an Asphalt Parking Lot

Fewer Design Options

Unlike concrete which can be put to multiple uses, asphalt is more boring. There is no stamping or polishing that can be done after it is laid.

Requires Preventive Maintenance

To maintain its long lifespan, asphalt needs to be continuously worked on to prevent complete wear and tear. The top layer has to be repaved continuously.