Many people must make the hard decision of whether to use concrete or pavers for their new driveway. The most common reason people go with concrete is that it often cheaper in their area than pavers. However, this should not be your only reason for using concrete and not using pavers. Instead, look at what the short-term and long-term benefits are. You will most likely only redo the driveway once so choosing the correct material is important. Let’s answer the question, “Why should a driveway be paved with pavers?”
Benefits of a Paver Driveway
Pavers Improve the Overall Look of Your Home
One of the biggest benefits of using pavers for your driveway and walkway is that it greatly improves the exterior look of your home and garden. Concrete is pretty much a monotone color, and for the most part, adds little character. Pavers come in many shapes and styles as well as assorted color variations, you can mix and match different or similar colors to give your yard some extra color and character. It will enhance your curb appeal and give your exterior a more high-end feel.
Boosts Your Home’s Value
Having pavers is more appealing to buyers, due to their durability and great looks. Pavers are seen as higher-end and more upscale for driveways than concrete. Buyers are willing to pay more for an upgraded driveway. Many homebuyers prefer to pay for the extra cost in their mortgage, versus having to pay out of pocket to repair or replace a concrete driveway after the fact. This gives an extra boost to your home’s value. Your house will stand out with a driveway done with pavers. Redoing a driveway with pavers as part of an exterior refresh will create just as much visual interest as fresh paint and new landscaping.
More Durable and Easier to Fix
After a number of years, concrete cracks and in some areas pops up. This is not the case with pavers. Pavers remain strong for many years. If you drop something heavy and damage the pavers or spill some oil, the pavers in that area can be replaced. Many paving companies offer the service of fixing sections. Fixing sections of concrete is nearly impossible, and if fixed, it will probably be very noticeable. Pavers are less likely to crack because they offer greater flexibility and are far more durable than concrete slab. Large slabs of concrete do not offer much flexibility, so they are more prone to crack. Those who live in areas with cold winters would not have to worry about concrete freezing, then cracking. Another unique feature of pavers is that they can drain water, making them more sustainable. With heavy rain, some of the water is absorbed into the ground instead of running off into the street or flooding your landscaping. This makes pavers an eco-friendly choice.
Benefits of Installing Driveway and Patio Pavers
Spending a little extra on pavers goes a long way. It is well worth the money in the long run. There are so many benefits to pavers that concrete just can’t offer. Don’t just look at the initial cost, instead, also look at the big picture and consider all the benefits for the future. So the answer to our question, “Why should a driveway be paved with pavers?” is that pavers increase curb appeal, are more durable, boost home value, are easier to clean or fix, and are more environmentally friendly. The next time you are out and about, pay attention to driveways and see which ones impress you the most. We’re going to bet it will be ones where instead of plain old concrete slab, the driveway is paved with pavers.