Concrete Comparison Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the differences between concrete, cement, asphalt, and
pavers. At Waatti Contracting in Wilmington, NC, we strive to empower you with the knowledge to
make informed decisions for your next project. Whether you’re investing in a new driveway, sport
court, or patio, we’ve got the expertise to help you choose the best material for your needs.

Did You Know?
Concrete vs. Cement
What is Cement?
Cement is a key ingredient in concrete. It’s a fine powder made from limestone, clay, and other materials, which acts as a binder. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that holds other materials together.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a composite material made of cement, water, and aggregates like sand, gravel, or crushed stone. It’s one of the most durable and versatile building materials available.
Key Differences:
Cement is a component of concrete, not the same material.
Practical Applications:
Cement: Smaller repair projects, adhesives for tiles.
Key Differences:
Concrete is used for construction; cement is used to make concrete.
Practical Applications:
Concrete: Driveways, sport courts, foundations, patios, and large-scale construction.
Concrete vs. Cement
What is Cement?
Cement is a key ingredient in concrete. It’s a fine powder made from limestone, clay, and other materials, which acts as a binder. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that holds other materials together.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a composite material made of cement, water, and aggregates like sand, gravel, or crushed stone. It’s one of the most durable and versatile building materials available.
Key Differences:
Cement is a component of concrete, not the same material.
Practical Applications:
Cement: Smaller repair projects, adhesives for tiles.
Key Differences:
Concrete is used for construction; cement is used to make concrete.
Practical Applications:
Concrete: Driveways, sport courts, foundations, patios, and large-scale construction.
Did You Know?
Adding a concrete patio to your home can be a significant investment. According to North East Decorative Concrete, it can provide an 80% to 100% Return on Investment (ROI) and add as much as 10% to your home’s value. Decorative stamped patios can further increase your home’s value by up to 15%.

Concrete vs. Asphalt
What is Concrete?
Concrete is made from cement, water, and aggregates. It is durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of 30-50 years. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance and is highly resistant to extreme weather and heavy loads. These qualities make it an excellent choice for projects that will experience heavy use and where owners prefer a low maintenance, stress-free solution.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is made from aggregates and bitumen (a petroleum product).While it offers a lower initial investment, asphalt is a far inferior choice in most scenarios. Its lifespan is significantly shorter at just 15-20 years, and it requires constant maintenance such as seal coating and frequent repairs. Asphalt’s softer material is also prone to cracking in the extreme heat and cold often experienced in Wilmington, NC.
Pros of Concrete:
-Long lifespan and durability, double the lifespan of asphalt.
Resistant to heavy loads, frequent use, and the heavy rains we experience in Wilmington, NC.
Customizable finishes (stamping, staining, texturing, etc.).
Requires significantly less maintenance than asphalt, making it a hassle-free and cost-effective
choice.
Cons of Concrete:
Higher initial investment.
Longer installation time compared to asphalt.
Pros of Asphalt:
Lower upfront cost.
Quick and easy installation.
Cons of Asphalt:
Extremely short lifespan, requiring frequent maintenance and replacement.
Highly susceptible to damage from weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain.
Requires regular seal coating, leading to higher long-term costs.

Which to Choose?
Concrete vs. Asphalt
What is Concrete?
Concrete is made from cement, water, and aggregates. It is durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan of 30-50 years. Additionally, it requires minimal maintenance and is highly resistant to extreme weather and heavy loads. These qualities make it an excellent choice for projects that will experience heavy use and where owners prefer a low maintenance, stress-free solution.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is made from aggregates and bitumen (a petroleum product).While it offers a lower initial investment, asphalt is a far inferior choice in most scenarios. Its lifespan is significantly shorter at just 15-20 years, and it requires constant maintenance such as seal coating and frequent repairs. Asphalt’s softer material is also prone to cracking in the extreme heat and cold often experienced in Wilmington, NC.
Pros of Concrete:
-Long lifespan and durability, double the lifespan of asphalt.
Resistant to heavy loads, frequent use, and the heavy rains we experience in Wilmington, NC.
Customizable finishes (stamping, staining, texturing, etc.).
Requires significantly less maintenance than asphalt, making it a hassle-free and cost-effective
choice.
Cons of Concrete:
Higher initial investment.
Longer installation time compared to asphalt.
Pros of Asphalt:
Lower upfront cost.
Quick and easy installation.
Cons of Asphalt:
Extremely short lifespan, requiring frequent maintenance and replacement.
Highly susceptible to damage from weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain.
Requires regular seal coating, leading to higher long-term costs.
Which to Choose?
Concrete is the ultimate material for nearly all projects. Its durability, long lifespan, and low maintenance make it a stress-free investment for decades. Asphalt, on the other hand, is best suited for very short-term needs or tight budgets. Choosing concrete is a decision you won’t regret.

Concrete vs. Pavers
What is Concrete?
Concrete is typically poured as a solid slab or in sections, offering a smooth, uniform appearance. It is less expensive per square foot than pavers and can be stained, stamped, or textured to achieve a
custom look-including designs that mimic the appearance of pavers. Unlike pavers, concrete does not have joints, which can become maintenance nightmares due to vegetation growth and difficulty in cleaning without causing damage. Concrete is incredibly easy to clean and maintain, making it the superior choice for long-term durability and aesthetics.
What are Pavers?
Pavers are individual blocks made from materials like concrete, stone, or brick, offering high customization with various shapes, colors, and patterns. While pavers add aesthetic value and are easier to repair since individual pieces can be replaced, they come with significant downsides. The joints between pavers require constant upkeep, often leading to weed growth and accumulation of dirt, making them difficult to clean without damaging the integrity of the joints.
Pros of Concrete:
Seamless, uniform appearance with customizable finishes like stamping and staining, including designs that mimic the look of pavers.
Significantly less expensive than pavers.
Low maintenance and easy to clean.
No joints to maintain, eliminating problems with vegetation growth, accumulation of dirt, and
cleaning difficulties.
Installed much quicker than pavers, making it a more efficient option.
Durable and long-lasting, ideal for high-use areas.
Cons of Concrete:
Requires professional installation to ensure durability.
Longer curing time compared to laying pavers.
Pros of Pavers:
Highly customizable with various patterns, shapes, and colors.
Easy to repair by replacing individual pavers.
Adds aesthetic value to high-visibility areas like patios and walkways.
Cons of Pavers:
More expensive than concrete.
Joints require regular maintenance and are prone to weed growth.
Cleaning is challenging without damaging the joints.
Less durable than a solid concrete slab.
Which to Choose?
Concrete is the ultimate choice for large-scale surfaces like driveways, sport courts, and areas that
need to withstand heavy use. Its seamless design, low maintenance, and customizability make it
superior to pavers in almost every scenario. While pavers may suit decorative walkways or patios, the ease of cleaning and maintenance-free nature of concrete ensures it remains the best investment for any property.


Which to Choose?
Concrete is the ultimate choice for large-scale surfaces like driveways, sport courts, and areas that
need to withstand heavy use. Its seamless design, low maintenance, and customizability make it
superior to pavers in almost every scenario. While pavers may suit decorative walkways or patios, the ease of cleaning and maintenance-free nature of concrete ensures it remains the best investment for any property.
Concrete vs. Pavers
What is Concrete?
Concrete is typically poured as a solid slab or in sections, offering a smooth, uniform appearance. It is less expensive per square foot than pavers and can be stained, stamped, or textured to achieve a
custom look-including designs that mimic the appearance of pavers. Unlike pavers, concrete does not have joints, which can become maintenance nightmares due to vegetation growth and difficulty in cleaning without causing damage. Concrete is incredibly easy to clean and maintain, making it the superior choice for long-term durability and aesthetics.
What are Pavers?
Pavers are individual blocks made from materials like concrete, stone, or brick, offering high customization with various shapes, colors, and patterns. While pavers add aesthetic value and are easier to repair since individual pieces can be replaced, they come with significant downsides. The joints between pavers require constant upkeep, often leading to weed growth and accumulation of dirt, making them difficult to clean without damaging the integrity of the joints.
Pros of Concrete:
Seamless, uniform appearance with customizable finishes like stamping and staining, including designs that mimic the look of pavers.
Significantly less expensive than pavers.
Low maintenance and easy to clean.
No joints to maintain, eliminating problems with vegetation growth, accumulation of dirt, and
cleaning difficulties.
Installed much quicker than pavers, making it a more efficient option.
Durable and long-lasting, ideal for high-use areas.
Cons of Concrete:
Requires professional installation to ensure durability.
Longer curing time compared to laying pavers.
Pros of Pavers:
Highly customizable with various patterns, shapes, and colors.
Easy to repair by replacing individual pavers.
Adds aesthetic value to high-visibility areas like patios and walkways.
Cons of Pavers:
More expensive than concrete.
Joints require regular maintenance and are prone to weed growth.
Cleaning is challenging without damaging the joints.
Less durable than a solid concrete slab.
Still Unsure? Let Us Help!
Every project is unique, and the choice depends on your budget, aesthetic goals, and durability
needs. Contact us today, and we’ll guide you to the perfect solution for your space.