When it comes to creating attractive, durable outdoor surfaces around your home—whether it’s a winding garden path, a backyard patio, or a custom walkway—two of the most common options are asphalt and concrete. While many homeowners are familiar with these materials for driveways, they’re both great contenders for residential paths, patios, and more.

At R&R Paving, we help Nashville-area homeowners choose the right material for each part of their property. Here’s a closer look at asphalt vs. concrete for your non-driveway spaces.

🛤️ Where Asphalt Can Shine

You might not think of asphalt for smaller decorative spaces—but in the right setting, it’s a smart, affordable, and attractive choice.

Advantages of Asphalt for Walkways & Paths:

• Cost-effective: Asphalt is typically cheaper than concrete, especially for longer paths or large patio areas.

• Quick installation: Asphalt can often be installed and ready to use within a day or two.

• Smooth finish: Great for foot traffic, bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers.

• Easy to repair: Minor cracks or wear can be quickly patched without replacing the whole surface.

Best for:

• Long garden paths

• Sidewalks or walkways on large properties

• Rustic-style patios or utility areas

• Sloped paths or areas with drainage needs (asphalt offers slight flexibility)

🧱 Why Homeowners Choose Concrete

Concrete is often the go-to for decorative, detailed outdoor areas. It can be poured into custom shapes and finished in a wide range of textures and colors.

Advantages of Concrete for Patios & Walkways:

• Versatile aesthetics: Options include broom finishes, stamped designs, stained concrete, or exposed aggregate.

• Higher rigidity: Holds shape well for intricate borders or artistic layouts.

• Long lifespan: Properly maintained, concrete paths can last for decades.

• Low maintenance: Doesn’t require sealing as frequently as asphalt.

Best for:

• Backyard patios with seating or firepits

• Custom-designed front walkways

• Poolside paths

• Areas where decorative appeal is a priority

Key Factors to Consider

Before making your choice, ask yourself:

✅ What’s your budget? Asphalt is generally less expensive than concrete for the same area.
✅ How important is appearance? If you’re aiming for a custom look, concrete offers more design flexibility.
✅ What kind of traffic will it handle? Asphalt offers better flexibility and may perform better under light vehicular or heavier utility use.
✅ What’s your timeline? Asphalt is usually ready to use faster than concrete.
✅ How’s your drainage? Asphalt can offer slightly better runoff control if properly graded.

Our Recommendation? Let the Space Decide.

At R&R Paving, we often recommend a mixed-material approach. For example:

• Use asphalt for longer side paths or utility areas where cost and performance matter more than style.

• Use concrete for front entry walkways or patios where curb appeal and design are top priority.

Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Spaces?

Whether you’re planning a new patio, upgrading old garden paths, or adding walkways around your home, we can help you weigh your options and design something beautiful and built to last.

Contact R&R Paving today to schedule a free consultation and explore the right material for your next outdoor project.