Atlanta homeowners upgrading their driveway face a fundamental choice: poured concrete or interlocking pavers. Both are legitimate options — but they perform very differently in Georgia’s climate. Here’s an honest comparison from a contractor who installs both.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Concrete | Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $8–$15/sq ft | $18–$35/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 30–50+ years |
| Maintenance | Seal every 2-3 years | Minimal (re-sand joints occasionally) |
| Repair | Full section replacement | Replace individual pavers |
| Cracking | Common (expansion/contraction) | Virtually none (flexible joints) |
| Appearance | Clean, uniform | Patterns, colors, borders |
| Resale value | Standard | Premium |
Durability in Atlanta’s Climate
Georgia’s climate is tough on hardscaping. Summer temperatures above 95°F cause concrete to expand. Winter freezes (yes, Atlanta gets them) cause it to contract. This cycle creates cracks — usually within 5-10 years.
Pavers handle this better because each paver moves independently. The sand-filled joints act as expansion gaps. A paver driveway flexes with temperature changes instead of cracking.
We’ve seen well-built paver driveways last 30+ years in Metro Atlanta without structural issues. Concrete driveways typically start showing cracks around year 7-10.
Cost: Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Concrete wins on upfront cost — about 40-50% less than pavers. For a 600 sq ft driveway:
- Concrete: $4,800–$9,000
- Pavers: $10,800–$21,000
But consider the 30-year picture:
- Concrete will likely need one full replacement ($4,800–$9,000 again) and multiple crack repairs ($500–$2,000 each)
- Pavers may need joint re-sanding once or twice ($200–$400) and possibly a few individual paver replacements ($50–$100 each)
Over 30 years, the total cost of ownership is often comparable.
When We Recommend Concrete
Concrete makes sense when:
- Budget is the primary constraint — and you need a functional driveway now
- Simple, uniform look — you prefer clean, modern aesthetics
- Short-term ownership — you’re selling the home within 5 years
- Commercial properties — where appearance matters less than function
When We Recommend Pavers
Pavers make sense when:
- Curb appeal matters — pavers dramatically improve a home’s appearance
- Long-term investment — you plan to stay in the home 10+ years
- You want repairability — utility work won’t ruin your entire driveway
- Grade changes exist — pavers handle slopes better than poured concrete
- Drainage concerns — permeable paver options manage stormwater
Our Recommendation
For most Atlanta homeowners who plan to stay in their home, pavers are the better investment. The higher upfront cost pays for itself through longevity, lower maintenance, and increased property value.
That said, we install both — and we’ll always recommend what’s right for your specific situation and budget.
Get a free driveway estimate → or call (678) 524-5531.