Concrete or Asphalt

[Rockin' G Ranch]

I have a 20' x 40' barn with crushed concrete for a floor. It is very dusty and I am wanting to put down a better floor. I have checked on asphalt and concrete and asphalt costs at least half of what concrete would.
Is there any reasons NOT to use asphalt?

 

[/pine]

If you decide to go with asphalt...and you would rather not have a black/dark floor...

here is a good trick...get a bag of trinity white portland cement and after the hot asphalt has been rolled out...spread the portland just enough to cover the surface....work it with a wide broom...
...once it cools you can broom and or vacuum up any extra dust...the white coat will remain for the life of the paving...regular portland can be used to look (reflect light) like regular concrete...

 

[chim]

One consideration would be the hardness. If you plan on using a jack or jack stands they would be better on concrete. Also, spilled petroleum fluids may stain concrete but they won't dissolve it.

 

[dragoneggs]

Concrete would be my definite choice not considering money. Will stay flatter, especially if using heavy equipment and warm weather. A driveway yes asphalt, but I like a concrete pad that you will be working on, parking equipment, etc.

 

[Soundguy]

no way i'd do asphalt.

for all the reasons stated.

jacks will print it.

a oil drip or spileld fuel can will eat a spot out of it permanently.

patching asphalt looks like 'excreted food '

plus it must be rolled to be good. around your edges and poles it will be hand tamped.. and not as good...

 

[RDrancher]

A lot of petroleum products (like gas) will damage or melt asphalt. Something to think about.

Looks like I was out-typed. :laughing:

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I'd stick with concrete for all of the above reasons as well.

 

[jel1988]

Asphalt a poor excuse for a floor. If you place anything with wheels or sharp edges it will eventually imprint into the floor. Park your tractor in the same spot you'll leave impressions not to mention tire tracks to the impressions. Think of how much it will cost to remove and dispose of and then putting in a concrete floor. If you can't afford the entire concrete floor, do it in sections most ready mix companies have part load charges so order more concrete than that and do part of the floor. Sometime the cheap turns out to be expensive!

 

[Western]

What they said! Wont be cheaper in the long run and you wont like sweeping it.

 

[Western]

What they said! and you wont like sweeping it. Use the barn walls for the "forms" and do the re-bar yourself to save money, just pay someone to "pour and finish". Should cost around a $1-2 per foot