By Mountain View Asphalt | Your Local Paving Experts in NorCal
If you’re planning to install or replace a driveway, parking lot, or private road, one of the biggest questions is: Should you choose asphalt or concrete?
Both are popular and durable choices — but depending on your budget, location, usage, and long-term goals, one might be a better fit for your property.
At Mountain View Asphalt, we install both, and here’s how we help clients decide.
1. Installation Speed
Asphalt:
Can be installed quickly and used within 2–3 days Ideal for projects with time constraints
Concrete:
✘ Takes 7+ days to fully cure
✘ Not ideal if fast access is a priority
Winner: Asphalt, for fast turnarounds
2. Cost & Budget
Asphalt: Lower upfront cost More affordable for large surface areas Easier to repair and resurface
Concrete:
✘ Higher installation cost Longer lifespan (with less maintenance)
Winner: Asphalt, if budget is a major factor
3. Weather & Climate Resistance
Asphalt: Flexible in colder climates
✘ Can soften in extreme heat
✘ Needs seal coating every few years
Concrete: Handles heat better
✘ More prone to cracking in cold climates
Winner: Concrete for hot, dry areas — Asphalt for areas with freeze/thaw cycles (like parts of NorCal)
4. Maintenance Over Time
Asphalt: Needs routine seal coating every 2–3 years Cracks are easy and inexpensive to patch Resurfacing adds life without full replacement
Concrete:
✘ More difficult and expensive to repair
✘ Cracks are harder to hide or patch
Winner: Asphalt, for lower maintenance cost and simpler repairs
5. Appearance & Style
Asphalt: Sleek black look
✘ Limited in design customization
Concrete: Can be stamped, stained, or colored Ideal for decorative driveways or walkways
Winner: Concrete, if aesthetics and design are a priority
So… Which One’s Right for You?
| If you need: | Go with: |
|---|---|
| Fast installation | Asphalt |
| Budget-friendly solution | Asphalt |
| Heavy decorative features | Concrete |
| Long-term minimal upkeep | Concrete |
| Easy repairs & maintenance | Asphalt |
Let’s Talk About Your Project
At Mountain View Asphalt, we install both asphalt and concrete — and we’ll walk you through which one is right for your space, usage, and budget. Whether it’s a new build, a replacement, or a commercial upgrade, we’ll deliver durable results with honest recommendations.
Contact us for a free estimate
