Driveway paving in Ottawa costs between $3 and $25 per square foot depending on material. For a standard two-car driveway (600-800 square feet), total costs range from $2,500 for basic gravel to $20,000+ for premium interlocking stone. Asphalt driveway: $4-$8 per square foot ($2,500-$6,000 for a standard driveway). Asphalt is the most popular choice in Ottawa — it handles freeze-thaw well, is affordable, and easy to repair. Lifespan is 15-25 years with proper maintenance (sealing every 2-3 year...
Asphalt excels in Ottawa because it's flexible — it expands and contracts with temperature changes without cracking as easily as concrete. The dark colour absorbs heat and helps melt snow faster. Downsides include the need for sealing every 2-3 years ($200-$500) and a softer surface that can be damaged by car jacks, kickstands, and heavy vehicles. Concrete is harder and more durable than asphalt, handles vehicle weight better, and doesn't need sealing (though sealing is recommended). The risks ...
Proper base preparation is the single most important factor in driveway longevity — more so than the surface material. A well-prepared base prevents settlement, frost heave, and premature failure. The standard Ottawa driveway base consists of: excavation to remove topsoil and organic material (6-12 inches depending on soil conditions), 8-12 inches of Granular A (crushed stone) compacted in lifts, 4-6 inches of Granular B (finer gravel) compacted as a levelling course, and the surface material. ...
Asphalt maintenance: seal every 2-3 years ($200-$500 professional, $50-$100 DIY). Fill cracks promptly with asphalt crack filler ($10-$20 per tube). Avoid using sharp objects (snow blower scraper bars set too low) that gouge the surface. Professional patching for potholes costs $100-$300 per patch. Concrete maintenance: apply a penetrating concrete sealer ($0.50-$1.50 per square foot) every 3-5 years to protect against salt scaling. Use only calcium chloride or sand for de-icing — avoid sodium ...
Driveway widening or installation in Ottawa may require a driveway entrance permit from the City if it affects the municipal boulevard or sidewalk. Permit costs are $100-$300. Driveway width is limited by zoning bylaws — typically no more than 50% of the front yard width. If your driveway replacement involves changing the drainage pattern, consider how runoff affects neighbouring properties. Directing water onto a neighbour's property is not permitted under Ontario law and can create legal liab...
Asphalt costs $2,500-$6,000, concrete $5,000-$12,000, interlocking $10,000-$20,000, and gravel $2,000-$4,500 for a standard two-car driveway. Per square foot: asphalt $4-$8, concrete $8-$15, interlock $15-$25.
Asphalt offers the best value — affordable, handles freeze-thaw well, and easy to maintain. Interlocking is the most durable and attractive but costs 3-4x more. Concrete is a solid middle ground but requires protection from salt damage.
Asphalt lasts 15-25 years with sealing, concrete 25-40 years, interlocking 25-50+ years, and gravel is permanent but needs annual maintenance. Proper base preparation is the biggest factor in longevity.
Every 2-3 years. Professional sealing costs $200-$500 per application. DIY sealing costs $50-$100 in materials. Don't seal in the first year after installation — the asphalt needs to cure.
Sodium chloride (rock salt) can cause surface scaling on concrete driveways. Use calcium chloride or sand instead. Asphalt and interlocking are less affected by salt, though excessive use shortens any surface's life.