Poured concrete, pavers both work for driveways, when installed right

Q: My wife and I are debating whether to choose another concrete driveway or a concrete-paver driveway. I have concerns about the pavers moving around during winters in central Ohio. We’ve talked to local contractors and received different opinions. Some say the pitch of our driveway makes concrete a poor option. What’s your advice? — Scott J., Westerville

A: Let me guess: The paver contractor said the pitch of your driveway would make poured concrete fail. The concrete contractor said pavers are problematic, even though he walked on your paver sidewalk to your front door.

It’s hard to make an informed choice when you get biased information.

Let’s talk about the truth. Both systems rely on Portland cement, and that’s a good thing. Portland cement is the glue that holds together the sand and gravel in the poured concrete and the pavers. I’ve walked across concrete sidewalks and driveways in Cincinnati that look fantastic after 70 years.

Another key point is the concrete pavers are made in a controlled environment where they gain maximum strength. Poured concrete ordered from a ready-mix plant might not have enough cement, which lets the contractor save money.

Also, poured concrete can be ruined not only as it’s being installed but also after the contractor drives away. He may add water to the mix as he’s finishing it, or he may not apply a curing compound to slow the evaporation of water from the mix.

If you decide to go with poured concrete, make sure the contractor knows exactly how to order, place, finish and cure it. If you want a super-strong driveway, I’d order it with a 5,000 poundsper-square-inch (PSI) compressive strength.

Be sure the slump is no more than 5 inches, don’t allow any water to be added at the job site, and apply a curing compound after the concrete is finished. I’d also pour the slab 6 inches thick and have

½ -inch reinforcing steel in the slab 2 feet on center both directions.

Concrete pavers can be installed with ease and will not be a problem with your cold weather. The most compelling evidence is your front sidewalk shown in the photo you sent. It’s in great shape.

On the negative side, precast concrete paving bricks fade over time, exposing the true gray and white color of the sand and stone used to make the pavers.

The key to a smooth, strong driveway made with pavers is the compacted gravel base. Not only does the soil beneath the drive need to be solid and compacted, but the crushed gravel under the pavers also needs to be well compacted. The gravel is what prevents the pavers from sinking as heavy vehicles drive up the driveway.