By Bennett's Concrete and Excavation, Norwich, NY. Updated October 2026.
At a glance
| Concrete | Asphalt | |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lifespan | Longer, with a good base and care | Shorter, needs resurfacing |
| Regular upkeep | Reseal every few years, careful with salt the first winter | Sealcoat every few years, crack fill |
| Heat | Stays cooler, lighter color | Gets hot, softens in summer heat |
| Look | Broom finish, stamped or colored | Black only |
| Repairs | Sections replaced at joints | Patches show |
Winter in Central NY
Salt is concrete's enemy, especially in its first winter. Use sand for traction that first year, avoid deicers with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate, and seal the surface. Asphalt doesn't mind salt as much but gets brittle and cracks with age and cold. Both need a solid base so frost doesn't heave them.
The part both share: the base
Most driveway failures start underneath: soft soil, too little stone, no drainage. Whatever surface you choose, the excavation and stone base are what make it last. That's the part we do with our own equipment before any concrete shows up.
Don't forget gravel
For long rural driveways, a well-built gravel driveway is often the practical choice, with a concrete apron at the garage where it matters most. See our gravel driveway guide.
