Cost of Driveway Resurfacing in Ontario in 2026

Profile picture of editor Stephen Arnold

Author: Stephen Arnold
Content Writer, Former Construction Project Manager
Published: February 24, 2026

How Much Does Driveway Resurfacing Cost in Ontario?

The cost of driveway resurfacing in Ontario ranges from $4 to $25 per square foot depending on the material you choose. For a typical 800 square foot driveway, expect to pay between $3,500 and $20,000.

These prices include both materials and labour. Asphalt resurfacing sits at the lower end while interlock pavers cost the most. Plain concrete and stamped concrete fall in the middle.

Key Factors That Influence Driveway Resurfacing Costs

  • Material choice (asphalt, interlock, stamped concrete, plain concrete)

  • Driveway size and shape

  • Condition of the existing surface

  • Removal and disposal of old material

  • Drainage requirements and water management

  • Slope and grading work needed

  • Municipal permits and fees

  • Regional labour rates across Ontario

  • Additional features (lighting, heating, borders, curbs)

  • Site accessibility for equipment

Driveway Resurfacing Materials and Costs

Interlock/Paver Overlay

Interlock pavers are individual stones that lock together to create a durable surface. They come in various colours, patterns, and textures. Installation requires excavation, a gravel base, sand bedding, and polymeric sand between joints.

Cost Component Price
Materials only $4.00 – $10.00/sq ft
Installed cost per sq ft $17.00 – $22.00/sq ft
500 sq ft driveway $8,000 – $11,000
Expected lifespan 25-50 years

Pros

  • Can replace individual pavers if damaged
  • Wide range of design options
  • Doesn’t crack like concrete or asphalt
  • Handles freeze-thaw cycles extremely well
  • Increases property value
  • Allows water drainage between pavers

Cons

  • Highest upfront cost
  • Can shift if base isn’t properly prepared
  • Weeds can grow between pavers
  • Needs polymeric sand reapplication every few years
  • Snow removal requires care to avoid dislodging pavers

Best for: Homeowners who want a premium look and don’t mind the higher initial investment for long-term durability.

Asphalt Resurfacing

Asphalt resurfacing involves adding a new layer of asphalt over your existing base. It works when the foundation is still solid but the surface shows wear. The new layer typically runs 1.5 to 2 inches thick.

Cost Component Price
Materials only $2.00 – $3.00/sq ft
Installed cost per sq ft $4.00 – $7.00/sq ft
500 sq ft driveway $2,000 – $3,500
Expected lifespan 15-20 years

Pros

  • Lower upfront cost than other materials
  • Quick installation (1-2 days for most driveways)
  • Flexible in freeze-thaw cycles
  • Easy to repair small sections
  • Can drive on it within 24-48 hours

Cons

  • Requires sealing every 2-3 years
  • Can soften in extreme heat
  • Develops cracks over time
  • Limited colour options (black or dark grey)
  • Petroleum-based product subject to oil price fluctuations

Best for: Homeowners looking for a practical surface that handles Ontario winters well at a lower price point.

Stamped Concrete Overlay

Stamped concrete mimics the look of stone, brick, or pavers using moulds pressed into wet concrete. Colour is added during installation. It offers the appearance of high-end materials at a lower cost than actual stone.

Cost Component Price
Materials only $8.00 – $12.00/sq ft
Installed cost per sq ft $15.00 – $30.00/sq ft
500 sq ft driveway $7,500 – $15,000
Expected lifespan 20-25 years

Pros

  • Attractive decorative finish
  • Costs less than natural stone or pavers
  • Durable when properly installed
  • Low maintenance compared to asphalt
  • Can match various architectural styles

Cons

  • Can crack in Ontario freeze-thaw cycles
  • Requires resealing every 2-3 years
  • Colour fades over time
  • Difficult to repair without visible patches
  • More expensive than plain concrete

Best for: Homeowners who want decorative appeal without the cost of interlock pavers.

Plain Concrete Resurfacing

Plain concrete resurfacing involves pouring a new concrete layer over an existing base or replacing damaged sections. Finishes range from basic broom to exposed aggregate for added texture and grip.

Cost Component Price
Materials only $4.00 – $7.00/sq ft
Installed cost per sq ft $9.00 – $18.00/sq ft
500 sq ft driveway $4,500 – $9,000
Expected lifespan 25-40 years

Pros

  • Long lifespan with proper installation
  • Handles heavy vehicle loads
  • Minimal maintenance required
  • Light colour reflects heat in summer
  • Can be finished for better traction

Cons

  • Can crack from freeze-thaw cycles
  • Salt and de-icers cause surface damage
  • Difficult and expensive to repair
  • Limited design options with plain finish
  • Takes 7 days to cure before driving

Best for: Homeowners who want a long-lasting surface and don’t need decorative elements.

Driveway Material Cost Comparison

Material Installed Cost/Sq Ft 500 Sq Ft Total Annual Maintenance Lifespan
Interlock/Pavers $17 – $22 $8,000 – $11,000 $100 – $250 25-50 years
Asphalt $4 – $7 $2,000 – $3,500 $150 – $300 15-20 years
Stamped Concrete $15 – $30 $7,500 – $15,000 $100 – $200 20-25 years
Plain Concrete $9 – $18 $4,500 – $9,000 $50 – $100 25-40 years

Cost Over Time Analysis

Looking at total costs over 20 years including maintenance:

Asphalt (500 sq ft):

  • Installation: $2,500 (average)

  • Sealing every 2-3 years: $200 × 8 = $1,600

  • Crack repairs: $400

  • Total 20-year cost: $4,500

Plain Concrete (500 sq ft):

  • Installation: $6,750 (average)

  • Sealing every 3-4 years: $75 × 5 = $375

  • Minor repairs: $300

  • Total 20-year cost: $7,425

Stamped Concrete (500 sq ft):

  • Installation: $11,250 (average)

  • Sealing every 2-3 years: $150 × 8 = $1,200

  • Touch-ups and repairs: $500

  • Total 20-year cost: $12,950

Interlock Pavers (500 sq ft):

  • Installation: $13,250 (average)

  • Polymeric sand replacement: $175 × 6 = $1,050

  • Releveling and repairs: $600

  • Total 20-year cost: $14,900

How Long Does Driveway Resurfacing Take?

Interlock Pavers:

  • Small driveway: 3-5 days

  • Standard driveway: 5-7 days

  • Large driveway: 7-10 days

  • Can drive on surface: Immediately after installation

Asphalt Resurfacing:

  • Small driveway (300-500 sq ft): 1-2 days

  • Standard driveway (500-800 sq ft): 2-3 days

  • Large driveway (800+ sq ft): 3-4 days

  • Can drive on surface: 24-48 hours after completion

Stamped Concrete:

  • Small driveway: 3-4 days

  • Standard driveway: 4-6 days

  • Large driveway: 6-8 days

  • Can drive on surface: 7-10 days

Plain Concrete:

  • Small driveway: 2-3 days

  • Standard driveway: 3-5 days

  • Large driveway: 5-7 days

  • Can drive on surface: 7 days minimum (full cure takes 28 days)

Factors That Affect Timeline:

Weather plays the biggest role. Rain delays concrete and asphalt work. Temperatures below 10°C aren’t suitable for asphalt. Concrete needs above-freezing temperatures.

Existing surface condition matters. Heavily damaged driveways need more prep work. Removing old material adds 1-2 days.

Curing time is non-negotiable for concrete. Driving or parking too early causes permanent damage. Asphalt needs less time but still requires 24 hours minimum.

Special Features and Add-Ons That Affect Price

Electric heating cables or hydronic tubing installed beneath your driveway melt snow automatically. The system connects to your home’s electrical or heating system.

Electric heated driveway:

  • Installation: $12 – $21 per sq ft

  • 500 sq ft system: $6,000 – $10,500

  • Operating cost per winter: $120 – $350

Hydronic heated driveway:

  • Installation: $15 – $25 per sq ft

  • 500 sq ft system: $7,500 – $12,500

  • Operating cost per winter: $80 – $200

Works with asphalt, concrete, and interlock surfaces. Best installed during new driveway construction or resurfacing.

Driveway edge lights:

  • Low-voltage LED pathway lights: $50 – $150 per light

  • Installation per light: $75 – $150

  • Typical driveway needs: 8-12 lights

  • Total cost: $1,000 – $3,600

Bollard lights:

  • Solar bollard lights: $50 – $100 each

  • Hardwired bollard lights: $100 – $300 each

  • Professional installation: $200 – $400 per light

  • Total for 6-8 bollards: $1,800 – $3,200

In-ground driveway lights:

  • LED fixtures: $80 – $200 each

  • Installation per light: $150 – $300

  • 8-10 lights for standard driveway: $1,840 – $5,000

General Ontario Requirements

Building Permits for Driveway Work

Most Ontario municipalities don’t require permits for simple driveway resurfacing

Allowed Construction Hours in Residential Areas

Ontario municipalities regulate construction noise through local bylaws. General guidelines for residential areas:

Weekdays (Monday – Friday):

  • 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (most municipalities)

  • Some allow 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturdays:

  • 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (most common)

  • Some municipalities allow 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sundays and holidays:

  • 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Some municipalities prohibit construction entirely

Heavy equipment operation, jackhammering, and concrete cutting often have stricter time restrictions. Check your municipality’s noise bylaw for specifics.

Utility Locates Through Ontario One Call

Before any excavation work, Ontario law requires utility locates. This is usually handled by contractor. Contracting company should contact Ontario One Call at least 5 business days before work begins.

The service is free. It notifies utility companies who mark underground lines including:

  • Natural gas lines

  • Electrical cables

  • Water mains

  • Telecommunications lines

  • Sewer pipes

Driveway Resurfacing Bylaws by Municipality (GTA)