Essential Commercial Parking Lot Paving Materials

Choosing the right parking lot paving materials for your commercial project comes with multiple types of decisions. Use this direct comparison from the experts to determine which material is best for your lot or surface—we cover all the benefits and drawbacks of the three most common types of parking lot materials.

Best Parking Lot Materials for Michigan

Asphalt

Asphalt is made of crushed stone or gravel combined with oil that hardens into tar after application. It provides a smooth, practical surface and is popularly used on roads with lower traffic or parking lots in cold-weather areas.

Asphalt can last 30–50 years with proper maintenance and can withstand some of the coldest temperature extremes Michigan has to offer. It has a lower price per square foot than concrete and can be an economical way to keep your driveway safe for visitors or customers.

Maintenance for asphalt parking lots is relatively inexpensive, as well—patching holes and sealing cracks every few years can extend the life of your pavement and keep it safe for your customers, visitors, and potential clients.

Asphalt requires more maintenance than other types of pavement surfaces such as concrete or gravel. These parking lots need to be resealed roughly every 3–5 years and are more likely to develop potholes without proper maintenance.

Find out more about asphalt paving through our sister company, Michigan Paving & Materials.

Limestone

Among the cheapest materials for driveways, limestone is ideal for commercial or multifamily residential properties in colder or more remote areas with less traffic. Limestone for parking lots comes in multiple size ranges by diameter, along with a spectrum of color options.

Limestone costs a fraction of the price of concrete or asphalt and rarely needs repairs—often just $1–2 per square foot. It also withstands both hot and cold weather with very little upkeep and lasts longer than most other types of paving materials. 

Factors for Choosing Materials for Your Parking Lot

Every commercial parking lot or pavement has different needs and requirements that will affect the best material for your project. Some of the most common factors include:

• Budget: Asphalt and limestone both present cheaper upfront costs, but asphalt may need to be repaved every few years.

• Maintenance: Asphalt tends to require some maintenance every few years by design, as does concrete. Limestone requires relatively little maintenance, but has other drawbacks.

• Durability: Some types of vehicular traffic are heavier than others, and weather conditions can play a major role in whether you need to choose a more durable material.

• Purpose: A parking lot for a large store will generally experience more wear and tear than a blacktop intended to only serve as a playground.

• Expected traffic: Busy parking lots can also contribute to the overall wear and tear and maintenance needs of your parking lot or paved surface.

Tell Us About Your Next Paving Project

Stoneco can be your partner for paving your commercial parking lot or other large surfaces, with unmatched commitments to safety and quality. Ask for a quote from our paving project experts today to get an estimate and recommendations for the best material for your pavement.