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Pavers are a type of permeable hardscape that can be used for driveways, patios, walkways, and other landscaping features. Unlike poured concrete or asphalt, pavers typically have a layer of gravel underneath to prevent water runoff from damaging your property—though you can also lay pavers on grass. Because pavers are installed piece by piece, you can customize a one-of-a-kind hardscape that best suits your aesthetics, boosting your curb appeal along the way.

Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.

If your driveway is cracked, you can repave it with a process called asphalt overlay. Overlay is more cost-effective than a full replacement but is better suited for minor cracks and issues. If you have major cracks or other problems like water pooling, asphalt overlay isn’t your best bet. Plus, paving over a cracked driveway only extends the lifetime by about 10 years, whereas replacing it would start the clock over completely to give you up to 30 years.

If you miss the perfect time frame to trowel finish concrete, you likely won’t get the smooth, flawless result you’re looking for. In this case, you should contact a concrete professional or look to methods like sanding, grinding, or patching once the concrete dries. These methods will ensure the best final result for the lowest cost.