Unlocking the Advantages of Concrete: Why It’s the Ultimate Building Material

Concrete is underfoot more than you realize. This durable material might have strictly been utilitarian in the past, but it’s become a versatile part of home-building and remodeling in the last few decades. Stamped, stained, and cast, the advantages of concrete make it a clear contender for driveways, foundations, walls, and more. 

What Is Concrete?

Concrete is a mix of cement, large and small aggregates, and water. The water and cement act as a paste that binds the aggregates together into a tough, durable material. The types and blend of aggregates and the water ratio determine the final product's weight, density, and strength. 

According to the American Concrete Institute, an organization that’s studied and standardized concrete use and continues to innovate in the concrete industry, aggregates used in concrete vary and may include but are not limited to:

• Brick chips

• Crushed stone

• Volcanic cinder

• Gravel

• Sand

• Clay

• Pumice

• Shells

Standard concrete, like that used for driveways, typically has coarse aggregates mixed with sand. Other types may have smaller aggregates mixed with more water to make the concrete smoother for countertops or sinks. 

Advantages of Concrete

No two building projects are exactly the same. However, there are few where concrete can’t be used in some capacity, whether indoors or out. Concrete brings clear advantages to outdoor uses, but those same strengths make it a definite contender for countertops, floors, and unique decorative designs, too. 

Versatile

The growing number of aggregate blends used to make concrete continues to expand the ways you can use it. Pros can:

• Stamp it to look like brick or stone

• Mix in a stain to create different colors

• Cast it into different shapes

Entire homes are made of concrete, with different types offering added insulation. 

Long-Lasting and Durable

How long concrete lasts (often 30 to 50 years for a concrete driveway) makes it a good long-term investment. Keep in mind that the life of the concrete varies by the concrete mix used, freeze-thaw cycles, and the use of deicers. 

For concrete projects, like installing a driveway, you can improve the life of the concrete by:

• Properly preparing the ground underneath

• Mixing with the recommended water ratio

• Using adequate fiber or mesh reinforcements

• Adequately scoring the concrete

Additionally, concrete’s durability can balance concrete slab costs, which are generally higher than other materials. Keep in mind that if you’ve got a big project, a concrete driveway pro near you will make sure to use the right concrete mix and may create a custom mix to maximize the life of your concrete. 

Low Maintenance Costs

Concrete needs minimal maintenance, especially if you install it correctly. You can repair or coat it if you want, but that's not generally needed to maintain the structural integrity. You may need to repair cracks or deice in the winter to prevent damage from contraction and expansion. However, there's no need to seal every few years like you do asphalt.

Fire, Wind, and Water Resistance

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), concrete can resist wind and water damage, some of the benefits as a building material. You often use it to construct buildings in areas prone to hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions.

Disadvantages of Concrete

While the pros often outweigh the cons, it’s important to weigh the disadvantages of this material for your specific project and location. Your budget and geography could make concrete a less desirable option. 

• Installation costs: Concrete costs more at about $4–$15 per sq. ft. compared to asphalt at around $5–$7 per sq. ft.  

• Low tensile strength: Tensile strength relates to the forces needed to pull the concrete apart, and concrete’s tensile strength is relatively low. Concrete can’t expand and contract like asphalt. Consequently, it can crack in climates with extreme temperature differences. 

• Heavy: Weight might not matter for a driveway, but a concrete counter or sink may require reinforced cabinetry to support the concrete’s weight. 

What Is Concrete Used For?

You can use concrete for everything, from driveways and foundations to countertops and sinks. You can buy bags of concrete mix ready to blend with the correct amount of water. However, you have to follow the directions carefully. Too much water weakens the concrete, while too little prevents the aggregates and cement from binding correctly. New concrete cracking isn't unheard of if the water ratio isn't correct. 

Different types of concrete work better in certain circumstances and conditions. It takes time working with concrete to know which type to use and when. Professionals have the necessary experience and often mix their own concrete, adjusting the aggregates and water to fit the job, making pros a good choice for larger projects.

Other Materials Similar to Concrete

Concrete isn’t the only choice for home-building projects. It’s useful to know the differences between concrete and its competitors to make sure you get the right material for your project. 

Asphalt

When you’re talking about driveways, you’re probably pitting asphalt versus concrete. The two are similar in some ways but different in how and when they’re used. Asphalt is made with a petroleum-based binder that’s mixed with sand and a small, fine aggregate. You also have to heat asphalt when mixing and installing for it to flow properly. Asphalt can only cover flat surfaces because it doesn’t hold its structure the way concrete does. 

Cement

Concrete often gets confused with cement, and some people use the terms interchangeably. But they’re not the same. Cement is a binding agent and an ingredient used to make concrete. You can use cement alone in some cases, but it’s more prone to cracking and breaking down than concrete. Learn more about concrete versus cement.

Mortar

Mortar is another material that’s similar to but not quite the same as concrete. Mortar is made of sand, cement, and water but no large aggregate. This material acts more like an adhesive and is commonly used by bricklayers.