Pavement vs. Curb: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
Pavement vs. Curb: "Pavement" is the surface of a road or sidewalk, while "Curb" is its raised edge.
Key Differences
"Pavement" and "Curb" are two terms linked to roadways, but they refer to different components. The pavement is essentially the surface that people walk or drive on. It's designed to be durable and can be made from various materials like asphalt or concrete. In contrast, the curb is the raised edge that lines the pavement, functioning to separate the road or sidewalk from other areas and guide water runoff.
The primary purpose of pavement is to provide a smooth, safe, and long-lasting path for vehicles and pedestrians. It is engineered to endure the stresses of traffic and varying weather conditions. Conversely, the curb's design ensures safety by preventing vehicles from veering off the road and also aids in managing stormwater drainage.
Whenever you walk on a sidewalk or drive on a road, you're utilizing the pavement. This surface demands regular maintenance to patch up any wear or damage. On the other side, the curb, often made of concrete, requires attention if it breaks or chips, ensuring safety and proper water flow.
The presence of pavements in cities facilitates ease of movement for both pedestrians and vehicles. They can be found in parking lots, pathways, and all manner of roadways. Curbs, with their distinct raised design, can often be seen accompanying these pavements, providing clear boundaries and enhancing safety measures.
While both pavement and curb are integral parts of city planning and transportation infrastructure, their roles are distinct. Pavement is the primary surface for movement, whereas the curb serves a protective and guiding function.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Surface of a road or walkway
Raised edge lining a pavement or street
Primary Material
Asphalt, concrete, cobblestones
Often concrete
Function
Allows movement of vehicles and pedestrians
Boundary and drainage facilitation
Maintenance Concerns
Wear, potholes, cracks
Breakage, misalignment
Associated Features
Lane markings, crosswalks
Gutters, curb cuts for accessibility
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Pavement and Curb Definitions
Pavement
A material used to pave an area.
The choice of pavement for the driveway was brick.*
Curb
A raised edge along a street or sidewalk.
She stepped off the curb to hail a taxi.*
Pavement
The hard surface of roads or sidewalks.
The city just finished laying fresh pavement on Main Street.*
Curb
A type of necklace chain.
He wore a thick gold curb around his neck.*
Pavement
An exterior floor or ground surface.
The patio had a colorful mosaic pavement.*
Curb
To control or restrain.
He had to curb his enthusiasm during the meeting.*
Pavement
A hard smooth surface, especially of a public area or thoroughfare, that will bear travel.
Curb
A market for trading in securities not listed on a stock exchange.
Many startups begin in the curb market before moving to larger exchanges.*
Pavement
The material with which such a surface is made.
Curb
A concrete border or row of joined stones forming part of a gutter along the edge of a street.
Pavement
Chiefly British A sidewalk.
Curb
An enclosing framework, such as that around a skylight.
Pavement
A paved surface; a hard covering on the ground.
Curb
A raised margin along an edge used to confine or strengthen.
Pavement
A paved path, for the use of pedestrians, located at the side of a road.
Curb
Something that checks or restrains
High interest rates put a curb on spending.
Pavement
A paving (paved part) of a road or other thoroughfare; the roadway or road surface.
Curb
A chain or strap that passes under a horse's lower jaw and serves in conjunction with the bit to restrain the horse.
Pavement
The paved part of an area other than a road or sidewalk, such as a cobblestone plaza, asphalt schoolyard or playground, or parking lot.
Curb
A market, originally on a street or sidewalk, for trading securities that are not listed on a stock exchange.
Pavement
(architecture) The interior flooring of a church sanctuary, between the communion rail and the altar.
Curb
To check, restrain, or control (an impulse or activity, for example); rein in.
Pavement
That with which anything is paved; a floor or covering of solid material, laid so as to make a hard and convenient surface for travel; a paved road or sidewalk; a decorative interior floor of tiles or colored bricks.
The riches of heaven's pavement, trodden gold.
Curb
To prevent (a person or group) from doing something or acting in a certain way.
Pavement
To furnish with a pavement; to pave.
Curb
To lead (a dog) off the sidewalk into the gutter so that it can excrete waste.
Pavement
The paved surface of a thoroughfare
Curb
To furnish with a curb.
Pavement
Material used to pave an area
Curb
A concrete margin along the edge of a road; a kerb (UK, Australia, New Zealand)
Pavement
Walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
Curb
A raised margin along the edge of something, such as a well or the eye of a dome, as a strengthening.
Pavement
A paved surface or the material of which it is made.
Rain made the pavement slick and dangerous.*
Curb
Something that checks or restrains; a restraint.
Pavement
A hardstanding area.
The aircraft was parked on the pavement.*
Curb
A riding or driving bit for a horse that has rein action which amplifies the pressure in the mouth by leverage advantage placing pressure on the poll via the crown piece of the bridle and chin groove via a curb chain.
Curb
(North America) A sidewalk, covered or partially enclosed, bordering the airport terminal road system with adjacent paved areas to permit vehicles to off-load or load passengers.
Curb
A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness.
Curb
(transitive) To check, restrain or control.
Curb your dog
Curb
(transitive) To rein in.
Curb
(transitive) To furnish with a curb, as a well; to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.
Curb
Ellipsis of curb stomp
Curb
(transitive) To bring to a stop beside a curb.
Curb
(transitive) To damage vehicle wheels or tires by running into or over a pavement curb.
Curb
(transitive) To bend or curve.
Curb
(intransitive) To crouch; to cringe.
Curb
To bend or curve.
Crooked and curbed lines.
Curb
To guide and manage, or restrain, as with a curb; to bend to one's will; to subject; to subdue; to restrain; to confine; to keep in check.
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed.
Where pinching want must curb thy warm desires.
Curb
To furnish with a curb, as a well; also, to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.
Curb
To bend; to crouch; to cringe.
Virtue itself of vice must pardon beg,Yea, curb and woo for leave to do him good.
Curb
That which curbs, restrains, or subdues; a check or hindrance; esp., a chain or strap attached to the upper part of the branches of a bit, and capable of being drawn tightly against the lower jaw of the horse.
He that before ran in the pastures wildFelt the stiff curb control his angry jaws.
By these men, religion,that should beThe curb, is made the spur of tyranny.
Curb
An assemblage of three or more pieces of timber, or a metal member, forming a frame around an opening, and serving to maintain the integrity of that opening; also, a ring of stone serving a similar purpose, as at the eye of a dome.
Curb
A frame or wall round the mouth of a well; also, a frame within a well to prevent the earth caving in.
Curb
A curbstone.
Curb
A swelling on the back part of the hind leg of a horse, just behind the lowest part of the hock joint, generally causing lameness.
Curb
An edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
Curb
A horse's bit with an attached chain or strap to check the horse
Curb
A stock exchange in New York
Curb
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Curb
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Curb
To put down by force or authority;
Suppress a nascent uprising
Stamp down on littering
Conquer one's desires
Curb
Keep to the curb;
Curb your dogs
Curb
Place restrictions on;
Curtail drinking in school
Curb
A restriction or check on behavior or action.
The new laws were a curb on trading malpractices.*
FAQs
Why do some curbs have cuts or ramps?
To provide accessibility, especially for wheelchairs.
Can "Curb" have meanings beyond road infrastructure?
Yes, it can refer to restraint or a type of necklace chain, among others.
How often should pavements be maintained?
Depending on wear and tear, but regular checks are advised.
Which is more expensive to repair, pavement or curb?
Costs vary based on extent and location, but both can be resource-intensive.
What does "curb appeal" mean?
It refers to the attractiveness of a property from the street.
Can pavements exist without curbs?
Yes, but curbs offer added safety and water management.
What's the main function of a curb?
It serves as a boundary and aids in drainage.
How do pavements affect urban heat?
Dark pavements can absorb and radiate heat, contributing to urban heat islands.
Why are some curbs painted red or yellow?
Color-coding indicates parking regulations or restrictions.
Is asphalt the only material for pavements?
No, pavements can be made of concrete, bricks, cobblestones, and more.
Are "Pavement" and "Curb" used interchangeably?
No, pavement refers to the surface, while curb is the raised edge.
Are pavements and sidewalks the same?
In American English, "sidewalk" is for pedestrians; "pavement" can refer to any paved surface.
What happens when a curb is damaged?
It may affect safety and drainage, so repairs are recommended.
Why are curbs usually made of concrete?
Concrete offers durability and can handle runoff without eroding.
What's the purpose of patterns or designs on some pavements?
Aesthetics, traction, or to denote specific zones like crosswalks.
Why is pavement maintenance important?
To ensure safety, longevity, and smooth transportation.
What's the relationship between curbs and stormwater management?
Curbs guide stormwater to drains, preventing flooding and road damage.
How do weather conditions affect pavements?
Temperature changes can cause expansion or contraction, leading to cracks.
Can the term "curb" be used as a verb?
Yes, it can mean to control or restrain.
Do all roads have curbs?
No, many rural or lesser-used roads may lack curbs.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
