One of the most important decisions when designing a parking lot is choosing the right surface material. There are a few different solutions that you can explore from asphalt to resin bound gravel. This guide compares five common surface materials.
Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the most popular options for high traffic parking lots. It’s fast to install and costs very little upfront, making it a quick and affordable option. While asphalt is not as durable as concrete, repairing damage is often quite easy and cheap. In hot climates, asphalt may start to go soft in the sun – as a result it is more common in cooler locations.
Concrete
Concrete has an exceptionally long lifespan due to being very strong and highly resistant to heat. It’s commonly used in parking lots that are used by heavy vehicles like trucks, and it’s a good choice in hot climates. Expect to pay more to install a concrete parking lot than you would for an asphalt parking lot. Repairs can also be expensive, but as already mentioned, concrete doesn’t experience damage as often due to being a much harder material.
Permeable pavers
If you’re looking for a parking lot surface solution that provides good drainage, permeable pavers are a top choice. This surface consists of paving with grassy gaps that allow water to seep through into the ground, preventing puddles or flooding. Permeable pavers can give a parking lot a higher end look and are a very durable surface option. However, the cost of installing these pavers can be high, making it an unsuitable solution for those on a tight budget. Upscale sites in rainy locations with strict drainage rules can benefit the most from permeable pavers.
Loose gravel
One of the cheapest parking lot solutions is loose gravel. This is a rustic solution that is often used for low-traffic rural parking lots. Gravel comes in all kinds of colours and stone options, making it quite versatile when it comes to appearance. It also offers decent drainage. There are however some downsides to using gravel – this parking lot surface can create a lot of dust and can be more challenging for disabled visitors or parents with prams. You also need to regularly rake it to make sure that gravel is evenly distributed.
Resin bound gravel
This type of surface consists of gravel that has been bound together with resin to provide a firmer surface. It’s permeable just like regular gravel and can be made from various different types of stone. Unlike loose gravel, it does not need raking and can be a very low maintenance choice. The problem with resin bound gravel? It can be quite an expensive surface option, making it often unsuitable for tiny parking lots and small businesses.
Which should you choose?
The ultimate surface solution depends on your needs. For affordability, choose loose gravel or asphalt. For durability, consider a solution like concrete or permeable pavers. When it comes to drainage, consider either loose gravel, resin bound gravel or permeable pavers.