Although “blacktop” and “asphalt” are frequently used interchangeably, they are not the same. Since blacktop and asphalt use the same ingredients, there is cause for confusion. Simply put, blacktop is a type of asphalt. That being said, the difference between the two stems from the same ingredients being mixed differently, as well as in their preparation process. These two different processes are dictated by the difference in usage. Asphalt is mainly used for major highways and streets, whereas blacktop, a subset of asphalt, is used more for less trafficked areas like driveways, parking lots, and playgrounds.

Blacktop is considered more of a “customer-friendly” surface. It is considered reliable and durable and is favoured for less-trafficked applications because it is easier to repair, thus its life can be extended in this way. And because these surfaces are used in situations that have less intense weight capacity, like a parking lot, they do last longer.