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Think of cement as the glue and concrete as the finished product. Cement is a powdered mix of heated limestone and clay. When you blend that powder with water, sand, and gravel, it hardens into concrete—the strong, durable material used for driveways, patios, and foundations. In other words, every concrete slab contains cement, but cement on its own isn’t strong enough for a driveway.

The price to install an asphalt driveway is $7 to $13 per square foot, slightly less than concrete. However, asphalt requires more maintenance than concrete and does not last as long. This shortened lifespan and increased need for maintenance make concrete a more economical choice in the long term, but ultimately, the choice is up to each consumer.

Most residential driveways do fine with a four‑inch slab. If you’ll park heavy trucks or RVs, bumping up to six or even eight inches adds strength and wards off cracks. Thicker concrete costs more up front, but it can save you repair bills later by standing up to bigger loads and freeze‑thaw stress.

Concrete driveways and asphalt driveways differ in material composition and performance. A concrete driveway is engineered for lasting durability and versatile design options, while an asphalt driveway is more economical initially, yet demands increased maintenance over time. Concrete surfaces provide extensive aesthetic choices and an extended lifespan, making them a strong investment for high-traffic areas.

A concrete driveway endures for 25 to 30 years with proper maintenance and installation. A concrete driveway lasts long because its durable composition and robust construction provide excellent resistance to wear and weather. High-quality installation, regular cleaning, and timely sealing all contribute to extending its lifespan and maintaining performance over decades.