Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway: Which Is Better for Texas?

If you’re replacing or installing a driveway in Highland Village or anywhere in the DFW Metroplex, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: concrete or asphalt? Both are common, both work — but they’re very different materials with different costs, lifespans, and maintenance needs.

Here’s a definitive Texas homeowner’s guide to making the right choice.

The Quick Verdict for Texas

Concrete wins in Texas for most homeowners. Here’s why:

1. Heat resistance — Asphalt softens and can deform in extreme Texas heat. Concrete stays rigid.
2. Lifespan — Concrete lasts 30–50 years vs. 15–20 for asphalt.
3. Low maintenance — Asphalt needs resealing every 3–5 years; concrete rarely does.
4. Appearance — Concrete looks cleaner and can be decorated; asphalt is just black.

The only area where asphalt has an edge? Upfront cost — and even that gap narrows over time.

Cost Comparison: Concrete vs. Asphalt in Highland Village

For a typical Highland Village driveway (approximately 500 sq ft):

Asphalt:

• Installation: $4–$8 per sq ft = $2,000–$4,000
• Reseal every 3–5 years: $200–$400
• Total 30-year cost: $4,000–$8,000+

Concrete:

• Installation: $6–$10 per sq ft = $3,000–$5,000
• Occasional sealing: minimal
• Total 30-year cost: $3,000–$5,500

Use our concrete cost calculator to estimate your specific project.

Over 30 years, concrete is often cheaper than asphalt when you factor in resurfacing and reseal costs.

Durability: How Each Material Holds Up in Texas

Temperature Extremes

Texas summers regularly hit 100°F+. At these temperatures, asphalt becomes soft and pliable — you can literally leave footprints in it. Heavy vehicles can cause ruts. Concrete doesn’t soften in heat.

In freezing temps (which do occur in Denton County), both materials face freeze-thaw stress. Concrete handles this better with proper joint cutting and sealing. Read more about how long concrete lasts in Texas.

Clay Soil Movement

Denton County’s expansive clay soils are hard on both materials, but concrete is more forgiving when properly installed with control joints. Asphalt can crack and heave just as easily, and repairs are messier.

Cracking

Both materials crack. The difference:

• Asphalt cracks are typically easier and cheaper to fill
• Concrete cracks look worse but can be repaired effectively — see our concrete repair guide

Maintenance Requirements

Asphalt maintenance:

• Crack fill annually
• Reseal every 3–5 years ($0.15–$0.25/sqft)
• Resurfacing every 10–15 years

Concrete maintenance:

• Clean as needed
• Seal every 3–5 years (optional but recommended)
• Repair cracks as they appear

Concrete is lower maintenance overall. See our concrete maintenance tips for Texas for a seasonal care schedule.

Appearance and Curb Appeal

Concrete is the clear winner for curb appeal:

• Natural light gray looks clean and upscale
• Can be stamped, colored, or decorated (see decorative concrete options)
• Stays looking good with minimal effort
• Brightens the front of your home

Asphalt is black and stays black. It looks okay when freshly sealed but fades and looks worn quickly in the Texas sun.

When Asphalt Might Make Sense

Asphalt can be the right choice if:

• Budget is extremely tight and you need the absolute lowest upfront cost
• The driveway is on a very steep grade where concrete finishing is difficult
• You’re in a rural setting where appearance matters less
• You’re planning to sell the home in the next few years

The Bottom Line for Highland Village Homeowners

For most Highland Village homeowners, concrete is the better long-term investment. It performs better in Texas heat, lasts longer, looks better, and costs less over time.

Contact us today for a free concrete driveway estimate. We serve Highland Village, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Coppell, and all of Denton County.

Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX to speak with our team about your driveway project — we’re happy to answer questions and help you make the right choice for your property.