Driveway paving is a popular home improvement project among homeowners because it greatly impacts the property’s appearance and increases safety and convenience.
Installing a driveway can cost from $600 to $25,000 but the average cost for homeowners is around $7,500 for a 24 X 24 ft. area. This could be a simple loose aggregate driveway or one with stamped or stained concrete.
To get a clear picture of the costs of paving a driveway, speak to reputable paving contractors in our network.
You can benefit from professional advice when it comes to choosing the right materials and design for your property.
Get the answers you need by filling out the short online form on this page and compare FREE and NO commitment quotes.
Best Reasons to Pave your Driveway
Canada is known to have extreme weather conditions. Paving the driveway can simplify your life. Below are the most common reasons homeowners decide to pave their driveways.
Paved driveways look amazing.
Paved driveways are more attractive in appearance than unpaved ones that look messy. Paved driveways look clean, well-maintained, and stylish. They complement the overall design of the property and even increase curb appeal.
Easier maintenance.
Paved driveways need less maintenance than gravel. Bare space that looks unappealing can result from gravel because they shift daily. You will need to rearrange and refill the space constantly. You can save time, effort, and money with a paved driveway.
You can also remove snow or ice faster and easier with a paved driveway.
Less Dust.
Whenever you drive over gravel, debris and rocks get disturbed and creates dust. When it is raining, dirt turns to mud.
With a paved driveway, you won’t have to worry about dust under your tires.
Higher Resale Value
A paved driveway also makes your property more appealing to homebuyers. You can get a better price for your property if you decide to put it on the market.
You can have a more beautiful and tidy home exterior with a paved driveway. You will surely derive satisfaction from paving your driveway for many years to come.
Find the right paving contractor for your driveway renovation using our short online form today.
Get multiple quotes to compare to choose the best price.
Popular Paving Materials & their Pros and Cons
Homeowners who plan to pave their driveway will face a tough question. Is it better to use gravel, asphalt, concrete, or interlocking stones?
You will have choices to match your taste and budget. Of course, you need to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of these materials to make the best choice.
Gravel
It is easy to see why many homeowners choose gravel to pave the driveway. The initial cost is low but it comes with more frequent maintenance.
Gravel is versatile as a paving material. You can mix it with a variety of crushed stones for eye-catching designs and textures. It is a durable material that is not affected by freeze-thaw process that most areas in Canada experience. However, you will need to get snow removal services to ensure that the material is not stripped.
A paving expert can make sure your gravel driveway lasts a long time.
Asphalt
Asphalt is another popular choice that is suitable to cold climates. This material is malleable and very resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, too. Its black surface can also retain heat quite well.
Homeowners also like asphalt because it requires minimum maintenance and gives the property a clean look. You will need to seal the asphalt every 2 or 3 years to keep in in good condition.
Concrete
Concrete is reliable as a paving material for driveways. It has a higher installation cost but needs little maintenance. Hence, it saves you money in the long run.
You also have many options to achieve the design you prefer, whether simple or fancy. You can also add aggregate to provide contrast and achieve a unique look.
Concrete driveways can last up to 50 years with proper installation.
Interlocking Stones
You can achieve a unique driveway by using interlocking stones. They are faster and easier to install. You will need to wait around 7 days before using a concrete driveway. Interlocked driveways, in contrast, are ready for use instantly.
Interlocking stones have many varieties so you will have many design options. Your driveway will surely be eye-catching with interlocking stones.
Interlock pavers are non-slip and safe to use even when raining or snowy outside. While the initial cost for interlocking stone pavers is higher than asphalt driveways, its lower maintenance cost and durability make it more cost-effective.
What is the cost of driveway paving in 2024?
When choosing a paving material, cost will be a significant factor. Below is a guide to the average cost of paving a driveway based on materials.
Whether you prefer concrete or asphalt, our partner contractors can provide you with competitive offers so you can make an informed choice.
| Type of Paving Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Total Average Cost |
| Asphalt | $8 to $12 | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Concrete | $6 to $15 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Gravel | $3 to $5 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Interlocking Stones | $12 to $35 | $8,000 – $25,000 |
The size of the driveway, materials, and requirements for installation affect the total cost of a paving project.
Gravel is much cheaper but will cost more to maintain over time.
Connect with top paving contractors in your area using our short online form at no charge! Compare paving costs and take advantage of expert advice for a successful driveway paving project.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Paving a Driveway
Installing a driveway sounds like a simple project but it may not be as easy as you think. Consider the following factors that can affect the cost of your driveway.
Thickness
The contractor will check the thickness of the driveway consistent with your preferred material and the maximum load you need. The average price range is based on the standard requirement of 4 to 6 inches in thickness. The price will go up if you need a double layer for trucks or special equipment.
Protective Coating
Sealing a driveway costs up to $1,000++ after installation. Concrete, asphalt, and paver driveways need protection from water damage and wear and tear with protective coating.
Finishing
Creative finishes to mimic natural stone or pavers can add from $10 to $12 (for stamping) and $4 to $12 for staining per square foot.
Drainage
Gravel, grass, aggregate, and other permeable pavers will require drainage. A drainage system can increase the cost from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the type of drain required.
Cost of Replacement
If you are tearing up an existing driveway, be sure to include the cost of replacement and junk removal.
Old concrete, asphalt, or paving stones need to be removed before a new one can be installed. In Ontario, concrete removal can cost about $4 to $7 per square foot.
These factors make it hard to determine the actual cost of driveway paving without a site inspection. As a general rule, paving projects cost around $8 to $15 per square foot for materials and labor.
Choosing between an Asphalt & Concrete Driveway
A lot of people like the longevity of concrete driveways. However, this should not be the only basis of your decision for a paving project.
Freezing and thawing in many parts of Canada such as Alberta occur. Damage like cracks can result in concrete surfaces. The higher price for a concrete driveway may not be as good an investment in areas with extreme freeze-thaw cycles. If you consider the cost of a concrete driveway at $18 per square foot compared to the less expensive asphalt driveway, it might be a better choice to use asphalt.
The best driveway material for cold weather is asphalt as it can handle the expansion and contraction due to freeze-thaw cycles in sub-freezing temperatures.
Asphalt driveways have a shorter lifespan (generally 8 years) compared to concrete driveways but have a lower initial cost.
Still, poured concrete driveways are also popular as it requires less maintenance and lasts longer.
In the end, the decision to install an asphalt or a concrete driveway will depend on your location, budget, lifestyle, and future plans.
Can I lower the cost of paving my driveway with DIY work?
DIY driveway paving may seem like a good idea to reduce costs initially. However, improper installation can result in expensive repairs in the future. You may also get disappointed with the results.
Paving a driveway can be done in 1-3 days by professionals because they have the knowledge, experience, and proper equipment to complete the work. If you do it on your own, you will take a longer time to do it. You could also make mistakes that could cost you more money.
Find a driveway installer for laying asphalt, pavers, or concrete to get the job done right.
Do I need a permit for paving my driveway?
In Ontario, you need to apply for a Private Approach Permit if you want to widen or close your driveway. Reconstructing (including paving), altering a driveway or walkway, and constructing a driveway requires a street work permit in Toronto.
In Gatineau, a permit is not required for general paving work which makes it simple for homeowners. But policies differ from one municipality to another. Some cities do require permits for paving work. The best thing to do is to check with your municipality to avoid paying fines.
How much is the labour cost for an asphalt driveway?
Paving contractors can charge anywhere from $15 to $18 per square foot for an asphalt driveway installation. Almost half of that goes to labour cost. This can increase if the contractor needs to excavate an existing driveway. The additional cost could be as much as $5,000.
Do your research before choosing a paving contractor by comparing quotes from our reliable partners.
Does a new driveway increase property value?
You can increase the resale value of your property by as much as 10% with a new driveway. It will also depend on whether you install a concrete, asphalt, or paving stones driveway.
Paving a driveway is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase curb appeal and property value if you plan to list your property.
Should I replace or repair my asphalt driveway?
If you install an asphalt driveway, it could last 8 years or more with proper maintenance.
Many problems can be easily fixed to extend the life of your driveway and postpone the cost of repaving. Cracks and holes can be patched to repair the damage.
Speak to an asphalt paving contractor to check your options so you can save thousands of dollars on paving your driveway.
Please fill out the short online form on this page to connect with reputable paving companies near you.
How to choose a Paving Contractor
Consider 2 or 3 contractors and their proposals before making a decision. The right company should be able to complete your project within an ideal timeframe and should suit your budget.
More than 1 contractor may fit this bill so you can further narrow your choice by checking their customer service, warranties, track record, and other factors you consider relevant.
Fortunately, we have dozens of reputable paving companies in our network that serve your area. We can connect you to them so you can compare competitive bids to find the best price.
It only takes 1-2 minutes to fill out our no-obligation form and receive free quotes.
