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The most common alternatives to a gravel driveway are concrete, asphalt, brick, and permeable pavers. Concrete and asphalt are the two more affordable alternatives, while the intricate design options of brick and permeable pavers make installation significantly more expensive. Similar to gravel, concrete isn’t the best driveway material for cold weather, as frigid temperatures can cause it to crack. Alternatively, asphalt is sensitive to heat, and driveways can become soft in areas with high temperatures and sun exposure. While brick and permeable pavers give homeowners curb appeal, the latter offers the added functionality of preventing flooding and reducing runoff water.

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.

The layer of polymeric sand under the pavers plus the polymeric sand that gets swept into the joints between your pavers holds them in place in a few ways. For one, the gritty texture of the sand helps lock the pavers together. Polymeric sand also contains bonding agents that get activated by water. Polymeric sand will take between 24 and 48 hours to fully cure, so do not walk on your paver walkway before this time.

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.