When it comes to new driveway or parking lot installation, one of the most common questions we hear at Edwards Blacktop Paving is: “Should I go with asphalt or concrete?” As a trusted paving company in Tennessee, we’ve worked with both materials and understand their pros, cons, and performance in Knoxville’s unique climate. While each has its place, asphalt often comes out ahead, especially for homeowners and businesses in East Tennessee.
Let’s break down the differences between asphalt and concrete so you can make the most informed decision for your property.
The Basics: Asphalt vs. Concrete
Both asphalt and concrete are popular paving materials, but they differ in composition, cost, and performance.
- Asphalt is a petroleum-based material made of sand, gravel, and stone, bound together by liquid asphalt. It’s black, flexible, and typically installed hot.
- Concrete is a mix of cement, water, and aggregates that hardens over time. It’s light gray and can be finished in various textures or stamped designs.
While concrete may appear more refined or decorative, asphalt is known for its smooth, clean look and reliable durability.
Cost Comparison
For most projects, asphalt is the more affordable option upfront. Asphalt driveways and parking lots typically cost less to install due to faster labor and cheaper materials. Concrete, on the other hand, requires more preparation, curing time, and higher material costs.
Plus, asphalt repairs, like crack filling or patching, are quicker and less expensive than concrete repairs, which often require breaking and re-pouring entire sections.
If you’re budget-conscious or have a large area to cover, asphalt provides more value for the dollar.
Climate Performance in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville’s weather plays a major role in how your pavement performs over time. Our region experiences seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and moderate rainfall, all of which impact pavement differently.
- Asphalt is better suited to handle Knoxville’s temperature swings. It has more flexibility, allowing it to expand and contract without cracking.
- Concrete is more rigid and tends to crack in cold or fluctuating temperatures, especially if not properly installed or reinforced.
As a leading provider among paving companies in Knoxville TN, we’ve seen many concrete surfaces suffer premature damage due to East Tennessee’s weather. Asphalt’s resilience makes it a smarter long-term choice in this environment.
Installation & Maintenance
Asphalt wins again when it comes to installation speed and ease of maintenance.
- Faster Installation: Asphalt can often be installed and ready to use in just a day or two. Concrete requires several days to cure before it can be driven on.
- Easier Maintenance: Sealcoating and patching are simple with asphalt. It’s also easier to resurface rather than replace.
- More Forgiving Repairs: Asphalt blends well, so patches are less noticeable. Concrete patches often look mismatched and require more labor.
We offer expert maintenance services like sealcoating and crack repair to keep your asphalt surface looking and performing like new.
Appearance & Customization
Concrete offers more customization options with stamping, staining, and decorative finishes. Asphalt, though limited in style, provides a uniform, sleek appearance that’s perfect for driveways, commercial lots, and roadways.
If aesthetics are your top priority and you want a highly decorative surface, concrete might be your preference. But if you want a clean, professional look with long-lasting performance, asphalt is the better choice, especially when installed by an experienced team like ours.
Why Choose Edwards Blacktop Paving?
At Edwards Blacktop Paving, we’ve built a reputation as a go-to paving company in Tennessee by helping our clients make smart decisions based on property needs, weather conditions, and budget.
We specialize in asphalt solutions because we know they offer the best balance of durability, value, and performance in the Knoxville area. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to install a new driveway or a business in need of a fresh parking lot, our team is here to deliver quality work that lasts.
Ready to Pave with Confidence?
If you’re weighing your options between asphalt and concrete, let us help. As one of the most trusted paving companies in Knoxville TN, we provide honest guidance, expert service, and reliable results.
Visit Edwards Blacktop Paving to learn more or request a free estimate today. Let’s pave the way to a better surface, together.
