Paver vs Concrete Driveways: A Contractor's Guide

When it comes to driveway materials, homeowners have two choices: paver driveways and concrete driveways. Each has its pros and cons, so the decision is not just practical but a statement of the home's character and durability. At Bolster, we know as a contractor you want to give your clients the best advice so they trust and are happy. In this post, we’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of both so you can guide your clients to the right decision.

Why Driveway Materials Matter
A driveway isn’t just a path for cars—it’s a home's first impression. It sets the tone for what’s inside. Choosing the right material can increase curb appeal, durability, and even property value. Whether your clients are building a new driveway or upgrading an existing one, this guide will give you the information to recommend the best option for them.

The Beauty of Paver Driveways
Paver Driveway Advantages

1. Aesthetic Appeal Paver driveways offer endless design options. Homeowners can create a unique look by selecting from a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures. Whether they want earth tones for a rustic feel or modern colors for a sleek look, pavers deliver. Popular patterns like herringbone and basketweave add an extra layer of sophistication.

Tip for Contractors: Emphasize the design options when working with clients who care about design.

2. Durability Pavers have a compressive strength of around 8,000 psi and can withstand heavy loads without cracking. They’re perfect for areas with extreme weather conditions. A well-maintained paver driveway can last 50 to 100 years.
3. Functionality Pavers are not just pretty; they’re practical too. They can be installed for water permeability to reduce runoff and improve drainage. Great for areas with heavy rainfall or water management issues.

Paver Driveway Drawbacks

1. Higher Upfront Cost The initial cost of paver driveways can be high. $10 to $50 per square foot due to the materials and labor involved. But their longevity often justifies the cost.
2. Maintenance Pavers need maintenance. Weeds can grow between them, and over time, settling or shifting can occur. On the plus side, individual pavers are easy to replace so repairs are less invasive.
3. Complex Installation Pavers require precision and expertise. Base preparation, placement, and finishing are labor-intensive and require professional help.

Bolster Insight: Use Bolster’s construction estimating software to calculate costs and timelines for concrete driveway installations so you stay within your client's budget.

Concrete Driveways
Concrete Driveway Advantages

1. Cost Concrete driveways are the middle ground between cost and durability. $4 to $15 per square foot for long-term value.
2. Durability Concrete has a compressive strength of 3,000 to 4,000 psi and can withstand heavy vehicles and foot traffic. With proper maintenance, concrete driveways last 25 to 30 years and can withstand extreme weather with minimal wear and tear.
3. Low Maintenance Concrete driveways are seamless, so no weeds can grow and there is less maintenance. Occasional cleaning and pressure washing are all it needs to look good.

Pro Tip: Recommend concrete to clients who care about functionality and simplicity over design.

Concrete Driveway Drawbacks

1. Limited Design Options While functional concrete driveways lack the design flexibility of pavers. Stamped or colored concrete options are available but more expensive and may not look the same as pavers.
2. Cracking Over Time Concrete driveways crack, especially under heavy loads or poor installation. Repairs can be tricky and often look like patchwork.
3. Environmental Impact Concrete is impermeable so water runs off and can cause erosion. Plus, its production requires a lot of energy, so it is not very eco-friendly.

Environmental Factors
For clients who care about the environment, paver driveways may be the better choice. Permeable pavers allow water to seep through and replenish groundwater and reduce stormwater runoff. They’re often made from recycled materials and can be repurposed at the end of their lives. Concrete is durable but requires a lot of energy to produce and is not very recyclable.

Bolster Insight: Use Bolster’s job costing to factor in eco-friendly options and highlight the long-term benefits of sustainable materials in your proposals.

Paver vs Concrete Driveways

How Bolster Can Help You Win
Whether your client wants pavers or concrete, success is all about managing expectations and accurate estimating. Bolster’s construction estimating software can:

• Get Accurate Quotes: Calculate material and labor costs for paver and concrete driveways.
• Simplify Communication: Present proposals that clearly outline the pros and cons of each option.
• Stay On Budget: Use real-time data to avoid overruns and keep projects on schedule.

Summary
Both paver and concrete driveways have their advantages and disadvantages. Paver driveways excel in aesthetics and customization, so they are perfect for clients who want a design that stands out. Concrete driveways are cost-effective, durable and low-maintenance, so they are good for homeowners who want simplicity.

As a contractor, you need to lead your client to a choice that fits their needs, budget, and style. With Bolster’s job costing and construction budgeting software, you can deliver great service and happy clients.

Help your clients choose the right one for their home and create a great first impression. Get started with Bolster today!