Gravel vs. Concrete Paving
Gravel costs are very low compared to other surface options. A gravel parking lot will cost around 2 dollars per square foot to get the gravel moved and installed. Compare this to the most popular alternatives, which are asphalt and concrete and there is about 60% savings for gravel. Although other factors come into play like lifetime maintenance, durability, ease of use and aesthetics.
Parking Lots are oftentimes one of the most overlooked areas of commercial construction and maintenance, although one of the first aesthetic components of your home that visitors notice. The material used for your parking lot can have a significant impact on not only the way it looks, but it also affects its durability and function. There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of material to use when laying a commercial parking lot.
>> Related: The Importance of Subgrade in Concrete Parking Lots <<
While it’s always important to lean on the consultation of an installation expert, some factors that will help you make the appropriate decision include:
COST
SOIL TYPE
CLIMATE
APPEARANCE
USAGE
This helpful guide will get you on the path to choosing the best parking lot for your Des Moines business and will provide pros and cons for two of the most common driveway surfaces – gravel and concrete.
Gravel Parking Lots in Des Moines
Gravel is a common surface material for driveways throughout the United States. The crushed stone used in many applications can be easy to maintain and available in a various array of colors. Installation of a gravel driveway should be conducted by an experienced grade operator to minimize ongoing maintenance. Additional factors to be considered include the following pros & cons:
PROS TO GRAVEL PARKING LOTS:
Easy on your budget. Gravel is one of the most affordable surface material options available - especially for larger parking lots. However, top-dressing the gravel material will be required every few years.
Easy to maintain. Many consider a gravel driveway as easy to maintain as a paved surface. Gravel may sink due to environmental conditions such as rainwater or snow. Filling in sunken areas caused by weather conditions may need to be done a few times a year. Because gravel is permeable, it is an environmentally friendly product that allows replenishment of ground water.
Diverse style. Depending on the style of your business, gravel can oftentimes bring out the beauty of your exterior landscape more so than many other materials. Whether you like a industrial or more modern feel, gravel can be obtained in a variety of options.
Quick installation. As one of the easiest parking lot materials in terms of installation, laying a gravel parking lot and allowing it to settle will take less than a week. Once installed, it can be used immediately
CONS TO GRAVEL IN DES MOINES:
Climate and snow removal disturbs rocks. One major con to choosing a gravel parking lot surface (especially living in Iowa) is the challenge faced with snow and ice removal. During winter months, removal of snow can be difficult. Oftentimes, using salt or sand on top of the snow & gravel can be the only solution to make the surface slip-free.
Ruts and sinkholes may form. Gravel parking lots that have a high level of usage may be prone to developing ruts. Ruts are gaps or holes in the surface that will need to be filled to keep the area smooth and looking good.
It can be dirty. Driving on gravel can cause dust, debris and dirt to fly – especially in the dry summer months. This may cause the exterior of your building to become dirty and require frequent cleaning.
Concrete Parking Lots in Iowa
Concrete, in contrast, is a long term, quality surface choice for businesses in the midwest. A properly installed concrete parking lot will allow for snow removal and be more of a long term solution. The following pros & cons will help you determine if asphalt is the right choice for you:
PROS TO COMMERCIAL CONCRETE SURFACES:
Long term economical option. Business owners appreciate the sleek appearance of a concrete-paved parking lot with a longer lifetime than gravel or asphalt. With proper maintenance, a concrete parking lot will last anywhere from 12 – 35 years depending on installation, climate, usage and other factors. Like most things in business and life, the better you take care of it, the longer it will last.
Flexible in extreme climate conditions. Concrete is great for snow removal and when properly sealed and maintained, is commonly the best option for the Iowa climate.
Proper drainage. At CMC Solutions, we are experts at protecting your business through engineering proper drainage in your concrete surfaces.
CONS OF CONCRETE:
Style limitations. If style and color are a major consideration for your exterior landscape, a concrete-paved parking lot will present certain limitations.
Required maintenance. It is recommended to clean a concrete parking lot with a broom and power washer at least two times a year to remove dirt and debris. Seal coating of the pavement is required every two to five years and cracks and holes should be repaired as soon as possible.
Concrete will eventually be damaged with salts and freezing weather over time. Remember to reach out to the pros at CMC Solutions to maintain your investment through our concrete sealing process.
Gravel parking lots provide a highly affordable surface option while paved parking lots provide a strong, flat surface that is simple to shovel in winter and convenient to park on all year round. Think about the pros and cons of each surface option before you make a decision about which material to use. Weigh your options and rely on a trained expert to help you make an informed decision that's best for your home.
For more information, visit our Everything You Need To Know About Concrete Paving resource page.
For more information on CMC Solutions, concrete management construction, LLC, or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact us today. If you live or work in the Des Moines area, call us at 515.505.2245.
