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Concrete should be at least 2 inches thick to maintain its stability and quality. Most concrete slabs fall between 4 and 6 inches thick, but you should be careful not to make the new slab too high or heavy. If you're considering a stamped concrete overlay, hire an experienced stamped concrete contractor to determine the ideal concrete thickness.

Yes, you can pour a foundation slab without footings, in which case it’s often called a floating slab. Floating slabs don’t have separate footings poured beforehand for support, which means they’re better suited for smaller structures. Monolithic concrete slabs are another option for a slab foundation without standalone footings, although the vertical edges of the single-pour slab do act as footings.

A paver patio will add more value than a concrete patio. Pavers are a more commonly preferred option from an aesthetic and longevity point of view, so most buyers will be willing to pay more for a paver patio than they would for a concrete one. Pavers also don’t require a permanent foundation, so they won’t increase your property taxes. Buyers also prefer lower property taxes, so that will play into the ROI you’ll see, too.

Asphalt can get sticky in high temperatures and intense sunlight and is better for cooler or moderate climates, while concrete is more likely to crack in colder climates where water can seep into the slab and freeze. Asphalt requires more maintenance in terms of sealing, it has a slightly shorter lifespan, on average, and it’s a bit more expensive to install. Concrete will last longer with less maintenance, and it offers you more options for customization, including staining and stamped patterns. As such, a concrete driveway adds to home value more than an asphalt driveway in many cases.