Key Takeaways

Pavers offer superior durability and easier repairs than concrete, lasting 25-50 years with minimal maintenance
Gravel and decomposed granite provide the most budget-friendly options at $1-3 per square foot
Permeable surfaces help manage stormwater runoff and can reduce or eliminate expensive drainage systems
Asphalt costs less upfront but requires resealing every 2-5 years, making long-term costs comparable to other materials
Climate considerations matter – materials that flex with freeze-thaw cycles perform better in Arkansas weather

Homeowners in Fayetteville have multiple proven alternatives to traditional concrete for driveways and walkways. Popular options include pavers (concrete, brick, or stone), gravel systems, asphalt, permeable surfaces, and natural materials like cobblestone. Each material offers different benefits for cost, durability, maintenance, and appearance, with choices ranging from $1 per square foot for basic gravel to $50 per square foot for premium cobblestone installations.

Understanding Your Paving Material Options

Choosing the right surface for your driveway or walkway involves more than just picking something that looks nice. You need to think about how it will hold up to Arkansas weather, what your budget allows, and how much time you want to spend on upkeep. The good news is that you have plenty of choices beyond standard concrete slabs.

Traditional poured concrete has been the go-to option for decades because it’s fairly affordable and lasts a long time. However, it has some drawbacks that make other materials worth considering. Concrete can crack when the ground shifts or during freeze-thaw cycles. Once it cracks, repairs are expensive and often visible. Modern alternatives address these problems while offering better drainage, easier repairs, and more design flexibility.

Paver Options: Concrete, Brick, and Stone

Pavers are individual units that interlock or sit side-by-side to create your driveway or walkway surface. Unlike a solid concrete slab, pavers can flex slightly when the ground moves, which helps prevent cracking. This makes them especially useful in Arkansas where soil can shift with weather changes.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are the most economical paver choice and offer impressive strength. Modern concrete pavers are manufactured to reach compressive strengths often exceeding 8,000 psi – that’s about three times stronger than a typical poured concrete slab.^[1] This extra strength means they can handle heavy vehicles without breaking.

You’ll find concrete pavers in dozens of colors, shapes, and patterns. Some look like natural stone or brick but cost less. Installation typically runs $10 to $30 per square foot depending on the style you choose and how complex the pattern is.^[2] For a standard two-car driveway of about 640 square feet, expect to pay between $6,400 and $19,200.

The main advantage of concrete pavers is that when one gets damaged, you can replace just that piece without tearing up the whole driveway. Weeds can grow in the joints between pavers, but using polymeric sand during installation helps prevent this problem.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers give your property a classic, timeless look that never goes out of style. Made from clay and fired in kilns, brick pavers have natural color that goes all the way through the material. This means the color won’t fade from sun exposure like it might with some concrete products.^[3]

Brick is highly resistant to stains and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. The natural texture provides good traction, which is helpful during wet conditions. Brick pavers typically cost $10 to $45 per square foot installed.^[4] While more expensive than concrete pavers, many homeowners feel the distinctive appearance justifies the extra cost.

Like concrete pavers, individual bricks can be replaced if they get damaged. The joints between bricks will need re-sanding occasionally to keep everything stable and prevent weed growth.

Natural Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers include materials like flagstone, slate, bluestone, and granite. These materials offer unique colors and textures you can’t get with manufactured products. Each piece is different, creating a one-of-a-kind look for your property.

Stone pavers are extremely durable and can last 50 years or more with proper installation. They handle freeze-thaw cycles well because natural stone is dense and absorbs very little water. This makes stone a smart choice for Arkansas’s climate.^[5] The main drawback is cost – natural stone typically runs $15 to $60 per square foot installed, making it one of the pricier options.

Cost-Effective Gravel and Decomposed Granite Solutions

If you’re working with a tight budget, gravel options offer the lowest cost per square foot for driveways and walkways. These natural materials create a rustic, informal look that works well with many home styles, especially in rural or casual settings.

Traditional Loose Gravel

Basic gravel driveways cost just $1 to $3 per square foot for materials and installation.^[6] That makes a 640 square foot driveway possible for as little as $640 to $1,920. Gravel provides excellent drainage since water flows right through it into the ground below. This natural drainage can eliminate the need for expensive drainage systems.

The downside of loose gravel is that it can scatter or wash away over time, especially on slopes. You’ll need to add fresh gravel periodically and rake it back into place. Gravel also isn’t ideal for snow removal – plows can easily scrape it away along with the snow.

Decomposed Granite

Decomposed granite (DG) is weathered granite that has broken down into fine particles. When compacted, it forms a fairly stable surface that works well for walkways and light-use driveways. DG has a natural, earth-tone appearance that blends nicely with landscaping.

Expect to pay about the same as regular gravel – $1 to $3 per square foot. DG compacts more firmly than loose gravel, so it stays in place better. However, it will need occasional replenishment as it gradually erodes. In very wet conditions, DG can become muddy before it dries and firms up again.

Stabilized Gravel Systems

Modern plastic grid systems solve many of gravel’s traditional problems. These grids lock gravel in place, creating a stable surface that won’t scatter or wash away. Products like TRUEGRID use interlocking plastic panels that you fill with gravel to create a permeable, durable surface.

Stabilized gravel systems cost $3 to $10 per square foot installed,^[7] which is more than loose gravel but still less than most other paving options. The grids are made from recycled plastic and can last 60 years with almost no maintenance. They handle heavy vehicle traffic well and provide drainage rates exceeding 1,000 inches per hour.

Material Type	Cost Per Sq Ft	Lifespan	Best For	Maintenance Level
Loose Gravel	$1-$3	10-15 years	Rural properties, low traffic	Moderate – regular raking
Decomposed Granite	$1-$3	5-10 years	Walkways, patios	Moderate – periodic topping
Concrete Pavers	$10-$30	25-50 years	Driveways, high traffic areas	Low – occasional cleaning
Brick Pavers	$10-$45	25-50 years	Driveways, formal settings	Low – re-sand joints occasionally
Asphalt	$5-$13	15-30 years	Driveways, budget-conscious	Moderate – reseal every 2-5 years
Permeable Pavers	$10-$40	20-40 years	Eco-conscious, drainage issues	Low – occasional cleaning

Asphalt: The Traditional Concrete Alternative

Asphalt has been used for driveways for generations. It uses tar as a binder instead of cement, which gives it different properties than concrete. Many people choose asphalt because it costs less upfront than concrete and installs quickly.

A typical asphalt driveway costs $5 to $13 per square foot installed,^[8] putting it in the middle range for price. That works out to about $3,200 to $8,320 for a standard two-car driveway. Asphalt’s flexibility makes it better than concrete at handling freeze-thaw cycles because it can bend slightly without cracking.^[9]

The dark color of asphalt actually helps in winter – it absorbs sunlight and helps melt snow and ice faster than lighter-colored materials. This can mean less shoveling and safer conditions during winter weather.

However, asphalt requires more maintenance than most alternatives. You’ll need to seal it every 2 to 5 years to protect against cracking and fading. Without regular sealing, asphalt breaks down faster, especially in hot weather when it can soften. Over its 15 to 30 year lifespan, maintenance costs can add up to $1,500 to $4,000.^[10]

Asphalt repairs are generally less expensive than fixing concrete, but asphalt needs repairs more often. If you’re willing to keep up with the sealing schedule, asphalt can be a good choice that balances initial cost with performance.

Cobblestone and Natural Stone Options

Cobblestone creates an old-world, elegant look that adds significant curb appeal. These rounded stones – traditionally made from granite – have been used for centuries in Europe and still look great today.

True natural cobblestone costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed,^[11] making it one of the most expensive options. The high cost comes from both the stone itself and the labor-intensive installation process. Each stone must be carefully placed and fitted.

Modern manufactured “cobblestone” pavers can give you a similar look for less money – typically $15 to $30 per square foot. These come in more uniform shapes that make installation easier while still providing that classic cobbled appearance.

Cobblestone offers exceptional durability and can last over 100 years with minimal maintenance. The uneven surface provides excellent traction, even when wet or icy. However, that same uneven surface can make snow removal challenging and may not be ideal if you have mobility concerns.

Some modern cobblestone products come attached to mesh backing, which speeds up installation significantly. This “Belgian block” style features more rectangular shapes that are easier to work with than traditional rounded cobbles.

Permeable and Eco-Friendly Paving Solutions

Permeable paving systems represent one of the biggest advances in driveway and walkway materials. Instead of forcing water to run off into storm drains, these surfaces let water filter through into the ground below. This approach offers environmental benefits and can save you money by reducing or eliminating the need for separate drainage systems.

Pervious Concrete

Pervious concrete looks similar to regular concrete but has larger gaps in its structure that allow water to pass through. It’s made with less fine aggregate, creating a porous surface with excellent drainage. Pervious concrete costs $8 to $16 per square foot installed.^[12]

This material requires an experienced installer who understands how to mix and pour it correctly. The porous structure means it’s not quite as strong as regular concrete, but it’s plenty durable for most residential applications. Pervious concrete replenishes groundwater and helps prevent flooding and puddling during heavy rains.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers are interlocking concrete or clay units installed with wider joint spaces. The joints are filled with gravel or coarse sand that lets water drain through. The whole system sits on top of a gravel base that stores water temporarily and lets it soak into the soil.

These systems cost $10 to $40 per square foot depending on the type of paver you choose.^[13] While the initial cost is higher than regular pavers, you save money by not needing separate drainage solutions. For properties with poor drainage or in areas with strict stormwater regulations, permeable pavers can save $2,000 to $6,500 in drainage infrastructure costs.^[14]

Permeable pavers work especially well in Fayetteville where we get significant rainfall. They help prevent water from pooling in your driveway and reduce the burden on local storm drains. Many cities now offer incentives for installing permeable surfaces because they help manage stormwater runoff.

Resin-Bound Paving

Resin-bound paving mixes decorative aggregate with a clear resin binder. The result is a smooth, attractive surface that allows water to drain through while providing a solid walking or driving surface. You can choose from various stone colors and sizes to create custom looks.

This system typically costs more than basic permeable pavers, but it offers a unique appearance that stands out. The smooth surface is comfortable to walk on and easy to clean. Resin-bound paving is very durable and resistant to cracking, though it requires professional installation to ensure proper drainage.

Making the Right Choice for Arkansas Weather

Fayetteville’s climate includes hot summers, cold winters, and freeze-thaw cycles that can damage some paving materials. Understanding how different materials respond to our weather helps you make a smart choice that will last.

Concrete can crack when water gets into small gaps, freezes, and expands. Air-entrained concrete – made with special additives that create tiny air bubbles – resists freeze-thaw damage much better than regular concrete.^[15] These microscopic bubbles give ice somewhere to expand without cracking the concrete.

Materials that can flex slightly tend to perform better in freeze-thaw conditions. Asphalt and pavers both have this advantage over rigid concrete slabs. Pavers can shift slightly with ground movement and then settle back into place without damage.

Proper installation matters just as much as material choice. Any paving system needs a well-prepared base with good drainage. In Arkansas, this typically means excavating 6 to 12 inches deep and installing layers of compacted gravel. The gravel provides a stable foundation and helps water drain away so it doesn’t freeze under your driveway.

Salt and de-icing chemicals can damage some materials over time. Sealed concrete and asphalt hold up better to salt exposure than unsealed surfaces. Natural stone is generally resistant to salt damage. If you plan to use de-icing products in winter, discuss this with your installer so they can recommend appropriate materials and sealers.

Feature	Concrete	Asphalt	Pavers	Permeable Systems
Freeze-Thaw Resistance	Fair (with air entrainment)	Good (flexes naturally)	Excellent (individual units)	Excellent (drains water)
Repair Visibility	High (patches show)	Moderate (can blend)	Low (replace single units)	Low (replace single units)
Heat Absorption	Low (stays cool)	High (softens in heat)	Moderate	Low (water cools surface)
Salt Resistance	Fair (needs sealing)	Fair (needs sealing)	Good to Excellent	Good to Excellent
Installation Speed	Fast (1-3 days)	Fast (1-2 days)	Moderate (2-5 days)	Moderate (2-5 days)

Calculating Total Cost of Ownership

Looking at just the installation price doesn’t tell the whole story. Some materials cost less upfront but require more maintenance over the years. Others cost more initially but save you money over time.

Let’s compare the 30-year cost of a 640 square foot driveway using different materials. Basic concrete might cost $6,400 to install but need $2,000 in repairs over 30 years, for a total of $8,400. Asphalt could cost $5,120 upfront but need $3,000 in maintenance and resealing, totaling $8,120.

Pavers might cost $12,800 initially but only need $800 in maintenance over the same period, totaling $13,600. While pavers cost more overall, the difference isn’t as large as it first appears, and you get better appearance and easier repairs.

Don’t forget to factor in your time. Materials that need regular maintenance take hours of your time each year. Sealing an asphalt driveway might take 4-6 hours every few years. Pavers might need an hour or two of cleaning and re-sanding joints every couple of years. When you value your time appropriately, low-maintenance materials become even more attractive.

Joe Raboine, Vice President of Design at Oldcastle APG, explains: “Permeable pavers come in several different styles to suit homeowner aesthetics. You can opt for a more traditional-style permeable paver or a grid paver that allows greenery to grow through. They help alleviate the effects of stormwater runoff or drought conditions, which benefits both homeowners and the environment.”^[16]

Installation Considerations and Site Preparation

Proper site preparation is critical for any driveway or walkway project. Cutting corners on prep work leads to problems down the road, no matter which material you choose. Most failed driveways fail because of poor base preparation, not because of the surface material itself.

Every project starts with removing the existing surface if there is one. Concrete or asphalt removal costs $2 to $6 per square foot.^[17] After removal, the site needs proper grading to direct water away from your home and prevent pooling.

The base layer typically consists of 6 to 12 inches of compacted crushed stone or gravel. This base serves two important purposes: it provides a stable foundation that won’t shift, and it allows water to drain away. Compaction is critical – loose gravel will settle over time and cause your surface to sag or crack.

Different materials need different base depths. A standard driveway for regular vehicles needs at least 8 to 10 inches of base. If you have heavy trucks or RVs, you might need 12 inches or more. Walkways that only handle foot traffic can get by with 4 to 6 inches.

Soil conditions matter too. Clay soil holds water and can expand and contract with moisture changes. Sandy soil drains well but may not provide as much support. Your installer should assess your soil and adjust the base design accordingly. In problem soil areas, adding geotextile fabric between the soil and base helps prevent mixing and maintains stability.

Design Flexibility and Curb Appeal

Your driveway or walkway is one of the first things people notice about your home. Beyond just function, these surfaces contribute significantly to your property’s curb appeal and value.

Pavers offer the most design flexibility of any option. You can create patterns like herringbone, basket weave, or running bond. Mix different colors to create borders or accent areas. The individual nature of pavers lets you follow curves and create custom shapes that would be difficult or expensive with poured materials.

Stamped concrete tries to mimic the look of pavers or stone at a lower cost. Patterns are pressed into wet concrete before it hardens. Stamped concrete costs $12 to $18 per square foot,^[18] less than most pavers but more than plain concrete. However, stamped concrete has the same cracking issues as regular concrete, and repairs are very visible.

Natural materials like stone and cobblestone bring unique character that can’t be replicated. No two stone driveways look exactly alike. This individuality can significantly boost curb appeal, especially for historic homes or properties where a natural aesthetic matters.

Even gravel can look attractive when properly designed. Use edging materials like steel, stone, or brick to define borders and keep gravel in place. Consider mixing gravel sizes for visual interest – larger stones for the main area and smaller, finer gravel for walkways.

Remember that your driveway material should complement your home’s architecture. A modern home might look best with smooth concrete or contemporary pavers. A traditional home might call for brick or classic cobblestone. Ranch-style homes often pair well with gravel or decomposed granite that echoes their casual, natural aesthetic.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

More homeowners are thinking about the environmental impact of their material choices. Some options are clearly more eco-friendly than others.

Permeable surfaces rank highest for environmental benefits. By letting water soak into the ground, they recharge groundwater supplies and reduce the burden on storm sewer systems. During heavy rains, conventional driveways shed water quickly, which can cause flooding downstream. Permeable surfaces hold water temporarily and release it slowly, reducing peak flows.

Recycled materials offer another green option. Some pavers are made from recycled concrete or post-consumer plastics. These products divert waste from landfills while providing durable paving solutions. Plastic grid systems like TRUEGRID use 100% recycled plastic and can themselves be recycled at the end of their 60-year lifespan.^[19]

Concrete production generates significant carbon emissions due to cement manufacturing. Portland-limestone cement reduces emissions by about 10% compared to traditional portland cement.^[20] Some suppliers now offer concrete made with supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash, which can reduce the carbon footprint further.

Local sourcing matters too. Materials sourced close to your project site require less transportation, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Arkansas has limestone, sandstone, and other stone deposits that can be used for paving projects. Choosing local stone supports regional businesses while reducing environmental impact.

Light-colored surfaces reflect more heat than dark surfaces, reducing what’s called the “heat island effect.” This is especially important in urban areas where lots of dark pavement can raise local temperatures. Concrete and light-colored pavers stay cooler than asphalt, which can make your property more comfortable in summer and slightly reduce cooling costs if the paving is near your home.

Maintenance Requirements by Material Type

Understanding maintenance needs helps you choose a material that fits your lifestyle and schedule. Some people don’t mind spending time on upkeep. Others want to install once and forget about it.

Concrete needs the least regular maintenance. Sweep it occasionally and hose it down when it gets dirty. Seal it every 5 to 10 years to protect against stains and moisture. Fix cracks promptly before they spread. That’s about it. However, when concrete does need major repairs, they’re expensive – often $300 to $3,000 depending on damage extent.^[21]

Asphalt demands more attention. Plan to seal your asphalt driveway every 2 to 5 years. Sealing costs $0.15 to $0.35 per square foot, or about $100 to $225 for a typical driveway.^[22] Skip the sealing and your asphalt will break down faster, leading to cracks and potholes. Asphalt repairs are cheaper than concrete repairs, but you’ll need them more often.

Pavers need occasional joint maintenance. Every few years, check if the sand between pavers has washed out and add more if needed. Power washing helps remove dirt buildup. If individual pavers crack or stain, replace just those pieces. Total maintenance time is minimal – maybe 2-3 hours per year.

Gravel requires regular raking to keep it level and filling in low spots as needed. Weeds can grow through gravel unless you use landscape fabric underneath. Budget time each spring to freshen up gravel areas and add material where needed. Stabilized gravel systems need much less maintenance since the grid holds everything in place.

Permeable surfaces need periodic cleaning to maintain drainage performance. Clear leaves and debris that could clog the surface. Power washing or vacuum sweeping once or twice a year keeps water flowing freely. The maintenance is minimal but important for these systems to work properly.

Conclusion

Choosing alternatives to concrete for your Fayetteville walkway or driveway opens up possibilities that can save you money, reduce maintenance, improve drainage, and enhance your home’s appearance. From budget-friendly gravel to premium natural stone, each option brings specific advantages that might be perfect for your situation. The key is matching material properties to your needs – consider your budget, how you’ll use the space, Arkansas weather patterns, and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Whether you choose flexible asphalt that handles freeze-thaw cycles, individual pavers that make repairs invisible, or permeable systems that manage stormwater naturally, you’re making a choice that goes beyond just creating a place to park. Ready to explore which alternative works best for your property? Contact experienced local contractors who can assess your specific site conditions and recommend the solution that will serve you best for decades to come.

Alternatives to Concrete for Driveways and Walkways FAQs

What is the cheapest alternative to concrete for driveways?

The cheapest alternative to concrete for a driveway is loose gravel, which costs just $1 to $3 per square foot installed. Decomposed granite offers a similar price point and provides a slightly more stable surface when compacted.

How long do alternatives to concrete for walkways and driveways last?

Alternatives to concrete for walkways and driveways have varying lifespans depending on the material. Pavers typically last 25 to 50 years, asphalt lasts 15 to 30 years, gravel systems last 10 to 15 years, and natural stone can last over 50 years with proper installation and maintenance.

Are pavers better than concrete for driveways?

Pavers offer several advantages over concrete including easier repairs (replace individual units instead of patching), better flexibility to handle ground movement, and more design options. However, pavers cost more upfront at $10-$30 per square foot compared to concrete’s $6-$15 per square foot.

What are the most durable alternatives to concrete for walkways and driveways?

The most durable alternatives to concrete for walkways and driveways are natural stone and high-quality pavers, both of which can last 50+ years. Natural cobblestone has proven durability with centuries-old examples still in use, while modern concrete pavers achieve compressive strengths over 8,000 psi.

Do permeable driveway alternatives work in Arkansas weather?

Yes, permeable driveway alternatives work well in Arkansas weather because they allow water to drain through rather than pooling on the surface. This drainage capability actually helps them handle freeze-thaw cycles better than solid surfaces since there’s less water present to freeze and cause damage.

What Are Alternatives to Concrete for Driveways and Walkways?