Concrete vs Pavers: What's Better for Driveways?

Cost Comparison

Factor	Concrete	Pavers
Install Cost	$6-10/sq ft	$15-25/sq ft
400 sq ft Driveway	$2,400-4,000	$6,000-10,000
Lifespan	25-30 years	25-50 years
Maintenance	Optional sealing	Re-sand, relevel, weed
Repairability	Difficult, visible patches	Easy, remove and replace

Concrete Advantages

• Lower cost: 40-60% cheaper than pavers to install
• Less maintenance: No weeds, no shifting, no re-sanding
• Faster installation: One pour vs thousands of individual pieces
• Better for heavy loads: More uniform weight distribution
• Snow removal: Smooth surface is easier to plow and shovel
• Design options: Stamped concrete can mimic paver patterns at lower cost

Paver Advantages

• Easy repairs: Pop out a damaged paver, replace it—no visible patch
• No cracking: Individual pieces can shift without damage
• Utility access: Remove and reinstall pavers to access underground lines
• Premium look: Real pavers have depth and character stamped concrete can't match
• Longer potential lifespan: Can last 50+ years if well-maintained
• Permeability: Joints allow some water infiltration

The Maintenance Reality

Concrete Maintenance

• Seal every 3-5 years (optional): $0.10-0.20/sq ft
• Clean annually: Pressure wash or degreaser
• Crack repair: Caulk or patch as needed
• Annual time investment: 1-2 hours

Paver Maintenance

• Re-sand joints every 1-2 years: $0.20-0.50/sq ft
• Weed removal: Ongoing battle
• Relevel shifted pavers: As needed
• Seal (optional): $0.50-1.00/sq ft every 2-3 years
• Ant hill removal: Common problem
• Annual time investment: 4-8 hours minimum

Which Lasts Longer?

Both can last 25-30 years, but they fail differently.

Concrete fails by: Cracking, spalling, settling. Once cracked, it's permanent. Large cracks mean replacement.

Pavers fail by: Shifting, sinking, joint erosion. But you can fix these problems—lift, re-level, re-sand. Individual pavers can be replaced invisibly.

A well-maintained paver driveway can outlast concrete because it's infinitely repairable. A neglected paver driveway becomes an uneven, weed-filled mess faster than concrete would.

Resale Value Impact

Both add value, but perception varies by market:

• Luxury neighborhoods: Pavers add more perceived value
• Standard subdivisions: Either works; buyers focus on condition
• HOA communities: Check requirements—some mandate specific materials

Generally, pavers add 5-10% more to perceived home value than plain concrete, but stamped concrete closes that gap.

Can You Install Pavers Yourself?

Possible for small projects, but driveways are challenging. The base preparation is critical—done wrong and pavers will shift and settle unevenly within months. Professional installation costs more but includes proper excavation, base compaction, and edge restraints that make the difference between a 10-year and 30-year driveway.

What About Permeable Pavers?

Permeable paver systems allow water to drain through, reducing runoff. They cost 20-30% more than standard pavers but may be required in some areas for stormwater management. Concrete can also be permeable (pervious concrete) at similar cost premiums.

Which Handles Freeze-Thaw Better?

Pavers, slightly. Individual pieces can move with ground heave without cracking. Concrete needs proper air-entrainment and control joints to handle freeze-thaw. In severe northern climates, pavers have an edge—but proper concrete installation handles it fine too.

Key Takeaways

• Concrete costs 40-60% less than pavers to install
• Pavers need more maintenance but are easier to repair
• Concrete maintenance: 1-2 hours/year. Pavers: 4-8+ hours/year
• Pavers can last longer because they're fully repairable
• Stamped concrete offers a middle ground—paver look at concrete cost
• Choose pavers for premium aesthetics; concrete for value and simplicity