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Paving is a part of hardscaping, so all paving is hardscaping, but not all hardscaping is paving. Paving involves laying down concrete or asphalt, while hardscaping can also include the use of paving stones, bricks, gravel, wood, and more. Hardscape features that involve paving are considered permanent and will increase your property taxes, while some other hardscaping features—like those involving bricks, gravel, and paving stones—will not affect property taxes. Paving also typically requires a permit, while hardscaping features considered temporary will not.

Generally speaking, tiles are for indoor use, while pavers are for outdoor use. The main difference between travertine tiles and pavers is their thickness. Tiles are around 1/2 inch thick, and pavers are 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches thick.

Pavers are more rugged and can handle different weather. The extra thickness on pavers also makes them ideal for high-traffic areas.

An ideal driveway gradient is between 2% and 5%. Anything lower than 1% or higher than 15% can cause problems for your car or property. A driveway with less than a 1% slope increases your likelihood of flooding and water damage, while a driveway with a 15% grade or higher can be too steep for safe traveling.

In most cases, driveway repair is worth the investment. Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they look at your home, so repairing cracks, chips, and potholes can improve your home’s curb appeal and overall value. Repairing your driveway is also almost always more affordable than replacing it entirely—an average of $1,765 compared to the cost of replacing a driveway, which typically costs around $5,000.