When it’s time to pave or replace a commercial parking lot, most Rhode Island businesses face a common question: Asphalt or concrete?
Each material has its strengths, but the best choice often depends on your local climate, use case, and budget. At J. Perry Paving, we’ve helped businesses across Rhode Island evaluate their options — and in most cases, asphalt comes out on top.
Here’s a detailed comparison of asphalt and concrete for commercial parking lots in New England.
Installation Time
- Asphalt: Fast to install — most lots can be paved and usable within 24–48 hours.
- Concrete: Slower to cure — often takes 5–7 days before it’s ready for traffic.
Winner: Asphalt — less business disruption.
Upfront Cost
- Asphalt: Lower initial cost per square foot. Ideal for large commercial lots.
- Concrete: More expensive due to materials and labor.
Winner: Asphalt — more budget-friendly.
→ See our guide: How to Budget for a Commercial Paving Project
Cold Weather Performance (Key for Rhode Island)
- Asphalt: Flexible, better at withstanding freeze-thaw cycles. Heats faster, helping snow melt.
- Concrete: Brittle and prone to cracking in cold climates. Salt can deteriorate the surface.
Winner: Asphalt — made for New England winters.
→ Protect your surface with seal coating
Maintenance and Repairs
- Asphalt: Needs regular maintenance (seal coating every 3–5 years), but cracks are easy and affordable to repair.
- Concrete: Longer initial lifespan but harder to patch without visible seams. Repairs are more expensive.
Winner: Asphalt — easier to maintain and extend life with routine care.
Appearance and Customization
- Asphalt: Clean, dark finish that hides stains and marks well.
- Concrete: Can be colored or stamped for decorative effect, but more relevant for patios or walkways than parking lots.
Winner: Tie — depends on project goals.
Sustainability
- Asphalt: 100% recyclable and often reused in new paving projects.
- Concrete: Also recyclable but requires more energy to produce.
Winner: Asphalt — better environmental profile, especially with recycled material use.
Overall Cost of Ownership
When considering installation + maintenance + repairs + longevity, asphalt typically offers a better ROI for commercial lots in New England — especially when installed and maintained by experienced contractors.
Why Businesses Choose Asphalt in Rhode Island
Most commercial properties across Rhode Island use asphalt for their parking lots — and for good reason:
- Faster installation
- Easier snow removal
- Lower risk of cracking in cold temps
- Smoother, safer surfaces for both cars and pedestrians
- Simpler, more affordable maintenance over time
→ Learn about our full commercial paving services
Why Work with J. Perry Paving?
We’ve helped Rhode Island businesses pave smarter for over 20 years. Whether you’re building new or replacing old, we:
- Help you choose the right material
- Design for proper drainage and traffic flow
- Deliver ADA-compliant layouts
- Offer durable, well-compacted surfaces built to last
→ Meet the team behind our reputation:About J. Perry Paving
Final Thoughts
While concrete has niche applications, asphalt is the best choice for most commercial parking lots in Rhode Island. It’s cost-effective, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain — especially when installed by pros who know the local landscape.
Not sure which material is right for your lot?
Get in touch with J. Perry Paving for a no-pressure evaluation and expert recommendation.