Choosing a driveway material in Ontario means weighing upfront cost against long-term maintenance and freeze-thaw performance.
Material comparison (2-car driveway, ~500 sq ft, GTA 2026):
| Material | Installed Cost | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $4,000-$7,000 | 20-30 yrs | Sealcoat every 3-5 yrs |
| Interlock | $12,000-$22,000 | 30-50 yrs | Re-sand joints every 5-7 yrs |
| Concrete | $8,000-$14,000 | 40-50 yrs | Avoid road salt, crack repair |
| Gravel | $1,500-$3,000 | Ongoing | Annual top-up |
Key notes:
- Permit required for new curb cut access to municipal road
- Some municipalities restrict impervious surface area (stormwater bylaws)
- Asphalt quality indicator: minimum 4" compacted granular base + 3" asphalt depth
- Concrete: road salt causes surface scaling — use sand-based ice control
Has anyone recently had interlock installed in the GTA? Who did you use and how was the price?
More Ontario renovation advice at home.renovation.reviews