Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Juliet England
If you’re considering a remodel of your driveway, or if it’s time to fit a new one, or indeed patio, concrete may be an option you’re pondering. Concrete drives and other outdoor areas have long been popular.
Here, we consider their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Concrete driveways: the pros
They last for years
You could get 40 years from yours if you look after it properly. And you should find that concrete will last a lot longer than many other comparable materials. You get a solid, durable surface as long as it’s laid correctly.
It’s cost-effective
It’s true that concrete can cost more initially. But you can recoup that cost purely by not having to replace it again for so long. So it’s a highly affordable option over the longer term.
Low to zero maintenance
Clearly, this is another big plus. Given the sturdy, reliable nature of concrete, you won’t need to do very much at all to keep it looking its best. (However, an annual resealing of your concrete is a good idea.)
More flexible than you realised
Thought your choices of colour were limited to drab grey or drab grey? Think again. Colours, polishes and various chemical stains give householders far more choice these days.
Environmentally friendly
Concrete driveways are actually better for the planet than some of the alternatives. That’s because the stuff makes use of limestone and water. And these two key ingredients are not harmful to the environment. Equally, there’s less transport to your property (and therefore fewer emissions) because once it’s laid, you’re done for decades.
Concrete driveways: the cons
Cost
As mentioned, a concrete driveway isn’t always the cheapest option, especially initially. One figure has it as costing 45% more than an asphalt alternative. That can be a more economic option in particular if you have to cover a larger surface area.
Waiting period post-installation
You have to wait for a week after installation before you can use your driveway. Be sure that you are happy with this before you commit.
Extreme weather problems
If you live somewhere that often experiences extreme weather conditions, understand that your concrete driveway may not fare as well as some other surfaces. Especially if your contractor has not laid the concrete properly, it can suffer damage from frost, and from the salt and grit used on roads. Chemical defrosting products can also cause problems.
Which material is best for surfacing my driveway?
Choosing the right material for your driveway is crucial, whether you’re resurfacing an existing one or creating a new drive.
With a number to choose from, each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here, we look at some of them.
Concrete
Concrete has a lifespan of up to 50 years, and costs around a fiver for a square foot. It’s also durable in all weathers, versatile and stays comparatively cool in exposure to direct sunlight. Equally, these days more eco-friendly versions of concrete are available, such as one using recycled aggregate.
On the downside, concrete isn’t always considered the most attractive materials. Equally, it’s comparatively expensive.
Gravel
This is cheaper than concrete, and you can source it locally. It creates a stable surface that easily sheds water. You can also find recycled gravel. Some gravel may need replacing after a long winter. And most driveways with the stuff have to be regraded every year or two.
Tarmac or asphalt
This is cheaper than concrete, lasts up to 20 years and has many attractive qualities as a driveway material. On the downside, the environmentally friendliness is not great. Additionally, these driveways do need resealing every few years.
Equally, while some versions are porous, rainwater still can’t reach the water table below.
Paving stones
These are capable of lasting up to 100 years when you lay them properly. They also have an attractive look and need little maintenance. This option, however, is several times more expensive than concrete. Finally, especially if you use local stone, it can be a relatively environmentally gentle choice.
Talk to us
As mentioned, concrete is generally a low-maintenance material. But for concrete resurfacing or concrete crack repair, you need the help of a professional concrete repair company.
Royal Stone Care is a concrete repair specialist. We work across the London area for a wide range of domestic and commercial clients. Talk to us about care of your driveway and other outside areas today.
At Royal Stone Care, we provide professional patio and driveway cleaning services. These include everything from steam jet washing to concrete crack repair. We pledge never to use harmful chemicals in any of our work, all has comprehensive insurance cover.
Contact Royal Stone Care, the concrete repair specialist, today.
