Your driveway doesn’t have to be just the place where you drive or park your car. With interlock driveway designs, it can be part of your overall style and taste of your entire home.

While asphalt works perfectly well with many driveways, it doesn’t offer the design options you can find with interlock pavers

If you’re unsure about asphalt or interlock pavers, here are a few helpful tips to help you decide.

What are Interlock Driveways?

Rather than just one solid stretch of concrete or asphalt, interlock pavers are placed together piece by piece. Interlocking paving is typically made from cement, concrete, or stone.

These interlock pieces can be made into any color, shape, or create all types of designs and motifs. Interlocking driveway pavers can transform your driveway into something beautiful.

What are Asphalt Driveways?

Asphalt is a common material used for driveways. It is easy to install but is not always the ideal choice for a driveway.

It’s cheaper than concrete and quite durable. Asphalt is a by-product of oil and can become soft and sticky if it gets too hot.

Asphalt is commonly used for highways and road construction. It’s recyclable and it requires regular maintenance.

This material is susceptible to heat, moisture, chemicals, and it wears down quickly with use.

Cost of Interlock Driveway vs. Asphalt Driveway

The prices of interlock and asphalt can vary, depending on where you are.

For interlock pavers, the total cost can range from $6 per square foot to $8 per square foot.

For labor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8 per square foot to $16 per square foot.

The pavers will vary in price depending on the materials, design, size, and shape you want.

For an asphalt driveway, a basic driveway will average $2 to $8 per square foot. If you choose a colored or stamped topcoat, it will be a bit more.

For a stained or custom finish, you can expect that to be closer to $15 per square foot. Labor can run up to $2000 or more.

Differences in Design

When it comes to interlocking driveway ideas, your options are endless. You can choose various colors and patterns or use a variety of interlock pavers to form a very specific design.

Combine them to make a special and personalized design. You can combine designs and colors to offset your entire home.

For asphalt, you can get a stamped design that can be made to look like brick, stones, and other common materials.

Asphalt can also be painted or coated to give it texture, depth, and more style.

Overall Maintenance

Interlocking driveway pavers are relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They can become loose or sink.

You can power wash it to keep it clean and free from any debris. It’s also recommended that you add a sealer to your interlock pavers.

Once you have it repaired and cleaned, the sealer can be added to further protect it from the elements. This often lasts several years.

Related Article: How to Protect Your Driveway from Cracking

For asphalt driveways, regular maintenance is required. It needs to be cleaned, sealed annually, and cracks need to be filled.

If your asphalt driveway is new, you won’t be able to use it for at least the first two weeks.

Asphalt will react to high heat and deep freezing. It’s important to remove any gas or oil that is spilled on your driveways and remove any pooling water after a heavy rain or melting snow.

Need for Repair

Interlocking pavers are meant to last a long time. If they are broken or become loose, they can be repaired, removed, and replaced. This should be done by a professional driveway contractor.

Asphalt can crack easily and become damaged by the elements or harsh chemicals. You should have it inspected annually and make sure all cracks are filled and sealed right away.

Durability and Longevity

You can expect your interlocking driveway to last upwards of 40 years and beyond. Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that it lasts for decades.

Asphalt is durable and with regular maintenance will last 15 to 20 years. It needs to be kept in great shape with regular repairs and sealing to keep it that way.

Contact Us

If you are considering a new interlock driveway, contact Stoneman Landscaping for all your landscaping needs.

We have a wide variety of interlocking paver services available to match your home design and style.