Concrete v. asphalt: similar, but not the same!

Learn about the differences between concrete and asphalt

Concrete vs. asphalt: Though many folks think those words are interchangeable, they’re as different as night and day—or, in this case, black and gray!

Wondering how they differ? Check out the breakdown below:

Concrete

  • Made of: Water, aggregate (rock, sand, or gravel) and cement

  • Made by: Mixing cement and water to form a paste which hardens during curing

  • Color: White-gray, but can have other colors mixed in

  • Lifespan: 50+ years

  • Best used for: Highways, sidewalks, walls, structures, patios, kitchen countertops

  • Advantages: Concrete can handle more weight than asphalt, and it’s better suited for high-traffic/high-volume uses, like highways and roadways used by big rigs

  • Considerations: Concrete is more expensive than asphalt 

  • Odor: Because concrete is not petroleum-based like asphalt, it does not have a scent after curing

  • Sustainable: Yes, because concrete can be recycled

Asphalt

  • Made of: Asphalt (a bitumen-class hydrocarbon mixture produced from the distillation of crude oil) and aggregate (rock, sand, or gravel) 

  • Made by: Mixing the asphalt and aggregate to the correct consistency

  • Color: Black

  • Lifespan: 30+ years

  • Best used for: Sidewalks, residential roads, roofs, courts for sporting activities 

  • Advantages: Budget-friendly and ready to use more quickly than concrete

  • Considerations: Has a shorter lifespan than concrete and requires maintenance

  • Odor: When poured and reheated daily by the sun, asphalt gives off a strong scent

  • Sustainable: Yes, because asphalt can be recycled

Concrete v. asphalt in California

While concrete and asphalt share many positive features, it’s important to consider the location when choosing between the two. While it can be more affordable, asphalt’s dark color gets very hot in sunny climates and can cause skin burns on contact for pets, livestock, and people walking on it. On hot days, asphalt can be much warmer than concrete because its dark color absorbs and retains more heat. Concrete, on the other hand, can have a higher price tag, but its longer lifespan and capacity often make it a better choice for roads and long-term projects.

Find a concrete option 

Not sure where to start? Mathews Readymix can help you with all your concrete needs. Contact us today to find out how! 

Aaron Bacon