Concrete vs Gravel Driveway: Which Lasts Longer?

Lifespan Comparison

Factor	Concrete	Gravel
Lifespan	25-30 years	Indefinite with maintenance
Install Cost	$6-10/sq ft	$1-3/sq ft
Annual Maintenance	$0-50	$100-500
Replenishment	None needed	Every 2-3 years
Snow Removal	Easy—plow or shovel	Difficult—loses gravel

The Real Cost Over Time

Gravel looks cheap until you factor in maintenance. Here's a 20-year comparison for a 500 sq ft driveway:

Concrete: 20-Year Cost

• Installation: $4,000 (at $8/sq ft)
• Sealing (optional): $200
• Minor repairs: $100
• Total: $4,300

Gravel: 20-Year Cost

• Installation: $1,000 (at $2/sq ft)
• Annual grading (20x): $1,500
• Replenishing stone (7x): $2,100
• Pothole repairs: $500
• Weed control: $400
• Total: $5,500

Gravel costs 28% more than concrete over 20 years—and that's just financial cost. You're also spending dozens of hours on maintenance.

Why Gravel Requires So Much Maintenance

• Displacement: Tires push gravel to the sides, creating ruts and bare spots
• Migration: Stone migrates into your lawn, garden beds, and street
• Erosion: Rain washes away fines and small stones
• Potholes: Form quickly from traffic and water
• Weeds: Grow through gravel relentlessly
• Snow plowing: Takes gravel with it—you'll lose 10-20% each winter

When Gravel Makes Sense

• Very long driveways: 500+ feet where concrete would cost $15,000+
• Rural properties: Where the rustic look fits
• Temporary situations: Building a house and need access during construction
• Drainage requirements: Gravel is naturally permeable
• Tight budget now: Can't afford concrete upfront and need something functional

When Concrete Is the Clear Choice

• Suburban homes: Gravel looks out of place in most neighborhoods
• Short driveways: Under 100 feet, the cost difference is minimal
• Snowy climates: Plowing gravel is a nightmare
• HOA communities: Most prohibit gravel driveways
• Resale value matters: Concrete adds value; gravel doesn't
• You hate maintenance: Gravel requires constant attention

Can I Pave Over Gravel?

Yes, but not directly. The gravel needs to be properly compacted and graded first. Loose gravel under concrete causes cracking and settling. Some contractors use geotextile fabric between gravel and concrete. Best practice: remove the top layer of gravel, compact what remains, then pour concrete over a proper base.

What About Gravel with Stabilizers?

Resin-bound or grid-stabilized gravel systems reduce maintenance significantly. Cost: $5-10/sq ft—approaching concrete prices. They hold gravel in place and reduce rutting. Worth considering if you want the gravel look without the constant upkeep.

Which Is Better for the Environment?

Gravel is more permeable, allowing rainwater to soak in rather than run off. However, concrete can be made permeable too (pervious concrete). Gravel requires mining and transporting stone repeatedly for replenishment, while concrete is a one-time installation. Neither is clearly "greener."

Key Takeaways

• Concrete lasts 25-30 years; gravel requires constant maintenance forever
• Over 20 years, gravel often costs more than concrete despite lower install price
• Gravel works for long rural driveways where concrete is impractical
• Concrete is better for suburban homes, snowy climates, and HOA communities
• If you hate maintenance, concrete is the only real option
• Gravel driveways don't add resale value; concrete does