Choosing A Paving Material For Your Parking Lot: An Ultimate Guide

If you run a business or organization, you already know the importance of visual appeal and safety. However, many people often need to pay more attention to the parking lot of their establishments. A well-maintained, freshly paved parking lot can attract customers and improve your organization's safety. 

If your parking lot has potholes or standing water or is uneven, it creates the potential for slip-and-fall accidents and other injury-inducing problems. A qualified professional can help you update your parking lot so it is safer and more appealing for you, your employees, and your customers. Of course, you may need assistance deciding which paving material will work best.

Asphalt

Asphalt is among the most popular choice for paved parking lots. Although it is one of the most widely used materials, you may need something else. The benefits of asphalt include:

• Durability
• Great for heavy traffic
• Easy maintenance and repair
• Affordability

Paving with asphalt is an excellent idea if you own a mall, retail store, or any other business that experiences heavy traffic daily. It may not be the most visually appealing choice compared to other materials, but it is sturdy, affordable, and widely available.

Concrete

Concrete is another popular paving material. A feature that you may enjoy is the ability to customize the appearance of your concrete parking lot. You can choose a specific color, or you can choose to stamp the concrete with designs or even your company's logo. Benefits of using concrete for parking lots include:

• Durability
• Holds up to heavy traffic
• Weather resistant

Remember that concrete costs a bit more than asphalt but can also improve the aesthetic appeal of your organization's exterior appearance.

Tar & Chip

The tar and chip method is one of the least expensive paving options available. Tar and chip may be your best bet if you are working with a tight budget. There are benefits to using tar and chip you may not know about, including:

• Affordability
• Ease of installation
• Relatively quick processing time

Tar and chip is not recommended for every parking lot because it is less durable than asphalt or concrete. In fact, tar and chip is best reserved for organizations with low foot traffic, such as churches, parks, and small office buildings.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are ideal for businesses looking to pave their parking lot while improving curb appeal. You might be surprised to learn that brick pavers offer many benefits, including:

• Durability
• Ease of installation
• Low maintenance
• Customization

You can customize brick pavers however you like, whether you want a unique color, shape, or pattern. You can use different colored brick pavers to create a design in your parking lot that effectively draws the attention of potential customers. Because of the customization options, brick pavers are often recommended for businesses or organizations that benefit from visual appeals, such as restaurants, hotels, and airports.

Gravel

Finally, you have gravel, the most affordable paving option. Gravel does not use petroleum products like some other paving materials, which means it is excellent for environmentally conscious people. Benefits of gravel include:

• Affordability
• Ease of installation
• Environmentally friendly

Gravel is not a suitable choice for everyone since it is less durable than some of the other materials listed. You should only choose gravel for your parking lot if you experience minimal traffic. Rather than using gravel for your entire parking lot, try using it in areas used for recreational purposes instead.

A paving contractor can help you choose a suitable material depending on your business type, the amount of traffic you expect, and your budget. Contact a professional today to discuss parking lot paving.