Driveway Materials: Concrete vs. Asphalt vs. Epoxy
Choosing The Right Materials For Your Driveway
When you're ready to upgrade your driveway in Central Florida, whether you're in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Davenport, you have some big decisions to make. At Demand Concrete Coatings, we’ve worked with a range of materials and understand what works best in our local climate. Let’s break down the three most popular options: concrete, asphalt, and epoxy.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is a tried-and-true favorite for homeowners and landlords across the region. It offers a clean, polished look that complements most home styles.
Pros:
- Long-lasting (20–30 years)
- High load-bearing capacity
- Low maintenance
- Customizable with decorative coatings or stamps
Cons:
- Can crack over time due to shifting soil or tree roots
- More expensive than asphalt initially
Maintenance: Occasional sealing and quick patching of cracks keep it looking sharp. Pair it with one of our decorative or flake epoxy coatings to enhance longevity and visual appeal.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is another common material due to its quick installation and affordability.
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Flexible surface handles freeze/thaw cycles better
- Dark color helps melt light frost quickly
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan (10–15 years)
- Requires more frequent sealing
- Softer surface can be damaged by hot tires in summer
Maintenance: To keep an asphalt driveway in top shape, it needs sealing every 2–3 years and patching as needed.
Epoxy Coatings
Though not always used as a primary driveway surface, epoxy is an ideal overlay for concrete. We specialize in decorative and flake epoxy coatings that dramatically improve aesthetics and durability.
Pros:
- Chemically resistant
- Enhances existing concrete
- Slip-resistant finishes available
- UV-stable options hold up under Florida sun
Cons:
- Requires a solid, well-prepped base
- Not suitable for unstable or shifting substrates
Maintenance: Just sweep and rinse! Epoxy coatings are low-maintenance and easy to clean, making them a top choice for long-term value.
Which Is Best for You?
It really depends on your priorities, budget, longevity, style, or ease of maintenance. If you want a durable base with a beautiful, protective finish, combining concrete with one of our custom epoxy coatings is a game-changer. We work throughout Auburndale, Kissimmee, Poinciana, Valrico, and surrounding areas to help homeowners make the best long-term investment for their property. If you’re unsure which option fits your needs, we’d love to talk it through.
Let’s Get Your Project Rolling
Not sure where to start? Give us a call at (813) 791-9499 to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your current surface, discuss your goals, and walk you through the best solutions tailored to Florida’s unique climate. At Demand Concrete Coatings, we’re all about helping you love the look and performance of your driveway for years to come.
