Cost of Interlock Driveway in Ontario in 2026 | Price Calculator
Tips and FAQ
Here are several tips how to negotiate a lower cost of driveway with a contractor: 1) If you have an existing asphalt, concrete, or interlock driveway that you want to resurface then your contractor may not need to excavate and add the gravel base. If existing base is good enough, the construction contractor may just reuse it and put new interlock pavers on top of it. This saves time, material, and money for your driveway builder. Ask your contractor if they can pass these savings to you and reduce the price given that the base is good enough. Note that you will not know whether the base is good until the existing paver stones or asphalt are removed. 2) If you have certain store discounts, credits, or credit card points that you want to use you can opt to buy paver stones yourself and have contractor only provide the installation. Note that when buying interlock pavers, in addition to stone price you need to account for delivery and skid deposit. Most stone yards provide delivery, and they will unload skids of pavers right on your front yard with a truck-mounted piggyback forklifts. Also, stone yards usually take $50-$70 deposit for every skid which you get back when you return skids back to stone yard. For more information about stones, brands, and prices check out our stone pavers for driveway page Read More (4 more tips)
Interlocking stone pavers vary by color, brand, thickness, and pattern. For driveways, homeowners may want to consider darker colors because marks from tires are significantly more visible on light colored interlock pavers. The most popular paver stone brands are Unilock, Techo-Bloc, Oaks, and Permacon. Each brand has its own budget and high-end versions of paving stone. In general, Unilock and Techo-Bloc are more high-end with better quality and expensive prices. Oaks and Permacon are more affordable while still maintaining a decent quality. Stone pavers for driveway must be at least 2.75′ (70mm) inches thick and can be as thick as 3′ (80mm) for larger vehicles. In comparison, for backyard patio 1.75′ (45mm) thick paver stones are enough. Word of caution not to use cheap interlock stones under $5 per sq ft. Unless the price is good due to a seasonal discount, the cheap paver stones are usually not worth it because they may chip off or crack. Check out our stone pavers page to get more information and view selection of pavers
1) Get quotes from 2-3 contactors. You may be tempted to go with the contractor who got recommended to you by a friend or contractor who did a good job at a project down the street. While referral comes with certain promise for quality you may be overpaying greatly when selecting a contractor this way. When contractors get clients from referral or word of mouth, they tend to quote a higher than usual price because a) they know their reputation is working in their favor b) they know a client is likely not shopping around. 2) Don’t put too much trust in reviews online. Large companies like Google and Facebook only relatively recently started enforcing major fight on fake reviews. Smaller companies tend to be slower at this because they neither have the resources nor have an incentive to tackle fake reviews ( often their business model depends on fees that they charge to contractors hence they are hesitant to remove the fake good reviews from their platforms ). Read More (4 more tips)
Patterns from paver stones range from very simple cuts to complex projects. Driveways that are rounded on one side are not as complicated and may add $3-4 per sq ft to your driveway project cost. More complex projects, such as making rounded or circular patterns in the middle of driveway, requires laying the stone and cutting out the shapes in that place after which usually adds a flat fee for a particular shape.
Author: Jessica Bellingem
Content Writer, Former Landscaping Project Coordinator
Published: March 19, 2026
The cost of interlock driveway installation in Ontario ranges from $17 to $35 per square foot in 2026, depending on the paver material, project size, design complexity, and site conditions. For a typical 500 sq ft single-car driveway, expect to pay $10,000 to $15,000. A larger double-car driveway (around 576 sq ft) runs $14,500 to $32,000 installed.
The average interlocking paver driveway price in the Greater Toronto Area sits around $18 to $22 per square foot for standard concrete pavers with a proper base. Premium materials like natural stone or complex patterns push costs toward $30+ per square foot.
What Affects the Cost of an Interlock Driveway
Several factors determine the final price of your paving stone driveway. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations before getting quotes.
Size of the Driveway
Larger driveways cost more overall but often less per square foot. Contractors offer better rates on bigger jobs because setup and equipment costs are spread across more area. A small 300 sq ft project might cost $22-$28/sq ft, while a 700+ sq ft driveway could come in at $17-$22/sq ft.
Paver Type and Material
This is the biggest variable. Basic concrete pavers start around $4-$8 per sq ft for materials alone. Premium options like Techo-Bloc or natural stone can run $15-$20+ per sq ft just for the stone.
Base Depth and Preparation
A proper interlock driveway needs a compacted granular base – typically 8 to 12 inches deep for vehicle traffic. Deeper bases cost more in materials and labour but are necessary for Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles. Cutting corners here leads to sinking and shifting pavers within a few years.
Design Complexity
A simple running bond or herringbone pattern is standard. Circular patterns, fan designs, or multi-colour layouts require more cutting and fitting. Complex designs can add $3-$5 per square foot to the total price.
Site Preparation
If the ground needs significant grading, drainage correction, or levelling, costs go up. Sloped driveways require more engineering and retaining solutions.
Drainage and Grading
Water must flow away from your house and garage. If your property has poor drainage, the contractor may need to install French drains or regrade the area. This can add $1,500 to $4,000+ to the project.
Removal of Existing Driveway
Tearing out old concrete costs $2 to $7 per square foot for demolition and disposal. For a 500 sq ft driveway, that’s $1,000 to $3,500 added to your project. Removing old asphalt is usually cheaper. If there are tree roots or stumps in the way, expect additional costs for excavation.
Driveway Projects & Prices
Standard size driveway with border at Toronto
Premium Stone Techo Block on a driveway at Vaughan
Types of Interlock Pavers and Cost Breakdown
Paver Comparison Table
The most common choice for Ontario driveways. Made from a mix of cement, sand, and aggregate, they come in dozens of shapes and colours. Brands like Unilock, Techo-Bloc, Permacon, and Belgard all manufacture concrete pavers.
Traditional look with rich, natural colour that doesn’t fade. Clay brick holds up well to Ontario winters and won’t lose its colour over time like some concrete pavers can.
Includes granite, limestone, sandstone, and flagstone. Each piece is unique. Natural stone gives a high-end look but costs significantly more.
A newer option gaining popularity. Porcelain is extremely dense, stain-resistant, and comes in finishes that mimic wood, concrete, or stone. It requires precise installation to avoid cracking.
Popular Brands in Ontario
Special Features That Affect Price
Recessed LED lights along the driveway edges or built into the paver surface add ambiance and safety. Expect to pay $100 to $300 per fixture installed, including wiring and transformer. A typical driveway with 6-10 lights adds $800 to $2,500 to the project.
A contrasting border using a different colour or material is one of the most popular upgrades. Soldier course borders add $3 to $8 per linear foot. Using a premium accent paver (like natural stone borders around concrete pavers) increases the cost further.
If your driveway connects to a raised porch or entrance, interlock steps are often part of the project. Paver steps cost $50 to $150 per linear foot depending on materials and height. A standard 4-foot-wide set of 3-4 steps runs $1,500 to $3,500.
Sloped properties often need retaining walls alongside the driveway. Costs range from $40 to $100 per linear foot for a standard 2-3 foot wall using interlock block. Taller walls requiring engineering can cost significantly more.
Electric heating coils installed beneath the pavers eliminate the need for snow shovelling. The heating system alone costs $3,200 to $5,800 to install for a standard driveway. Electric systems use about 50 to 60 watts per square foot, so operating costs depend on your hydro rates and how often you run it. Hydronic (glycol) systems cost more upfront – $28 to $40 per square foot – but can be cheaper to operate.
Paver sealing protects against stains, enhances colour, and stabilizes polymeric sand in the joints. Initial sealing runs $1,000 to $2,500 for a standard driveway. It should be done 60-90 days after installation and reapplied every 3-5 years.
General Ontario Requirements for Driveway Construction
Construction Hours
Ontario does not have a single province-wide rule for residential construction noise. Each municipality sets its own hours through noise bylaws. However, most follow a similar pattern:
Some municipalities allow earlier Saturday starts (7:00 AM) while others restrict to 9:00 AM. Always check your specific city’s bylaw before work begins.
General Permit Information
In most Ontario municipalities, repaving an existing driveway with interlock does not require a building permit as long as you’re keeping the same footprint and not raising the surface more than a few inches above grade.
You will need a permit if you are:
Toronto is an exception – it requires a street work permit even for repaving an existing driveway.
Municipality Permit Requirements Near Toronto
Below are the permit requirements and contact information for municipalities within one hour of Toronto. Rules can change, so always confirm with your local office before starting work.
Permit required for: New driveways, driveway widening, and repaving (street work permit required even for replacing an existing driveway).
Zoning: Maximum driveway width depends on lot width. Soft landscaping minimums apply in front yards.
Contact: 311 (or 416-392-2489 outside Toronto)
Website: toronto.ca
Permit required for: New driveways and driveway widening. Repaving the same footprint generally does not require a permit.
Zoning: Driveway width restricted based on property zoning. Check Mississauga’s Property and Zoning Information Map.
Contact: 311 (or 905-615-4311 outside city limits)
Website: mississauga.ca
Permit required for: New driveway entrances and alterations within the municipal right-of-way. Development Engineering Permit may be required.
Contact: 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca
Website: oakville.ca
Permit required for: New driveways and driveway widening. A driveway permit is required before construction.
Contact: 905-335-7600
Website: burlington.ca
Permit required for: A curb cut and entrance permit is required for any modification to an existing driveway entrance or construction of a new one within Milton’s road allowance.
Contact: 905-878-7252
Website: milton.ca
Permit required for: Driveway widening and new entrances. Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint typically does not require a building permit. Construction parking permits available for vehicles displaced during work.
Contact: 905-832-2281
Website: vaughan.ca
Permit required for: Driveway widening and adding a second entrance (circular driveway). A curb cut permit is required from the City.
Contact: 905-771-8800
Website: richmondhill.ca
Permit required for: New driveways and widening. Entrance permits handled through city engineering.
Contact: 905-477-5530
Website: markham.ca
Permit required for: New driveway entrances and widening. Entrance permits required for work on regional roads (apply through Durham Region).
Contact: 905-683-4550
Website: ajax.ca
Permit required for: Driveway widening to the property line requires a permit. Curb cuts may be needed.
Contact: 905-420-4660
Website: pickering.ca
Permit required for: New driveway entrances and widening. Entrance permits required for work on regional roads.
Contact: 905-436-3311
Website: oshawa.ca
Permit required for: New entrances and driveway modifications. For regional roads, apply through Durham Region. For local roads, contact the Town.
Contact: 905-430-4300 or Ryen.Carleton@whitby.ca
Website: whitby.ca
Permit required for: A building permit is not required for driveway paving. However, zoning regulations and site plan control may restrict driveway width and location. Check with the Zoning Examiner.
Contact: 905-895-5193
Website: newmarket.ca
Permit required for: New driveway entrances and widening. Entrance permits through the Town’s engineering department.
Contact: 905-727-1375
Website: aurora.ca
Permit required for: An entrance permit is required for new driveways and modifications. Application requires a site plan/survey of the proposed driveway alteration.
Contact: 905-833-6568 or drivewayentrance@king.ca (Public Works – Civil Engineering)
Website: king.ca
Permit required for: New driveway entrances and widening. Permits handled through Public Works and Engineering.
Contact: 905-584-2272 x7338 or planning@caledon.ca
Website: caledon.ca
Permit required for: Excavation and entrance permits are required for construction sites that need access or site works within the Town’s right-of-way.
Contact: 905-873-2601
Website: haltonhills.ca