Order Concrete →CONCRETE
DRIVEWAY
TORONTO.
New driveway installation, full replacement, and decorative finishes. Proper base prep, CSA-certified mix, built for Toronto winters. Quote within 2 hours.
Construction writer & concrete industry enthusiast based in Toronto. Covering concrete driveways, driveway installation & replacement and the GTA concrete trade.
New concrete
driveway.
A new concrete driveway starts with the sub-base. We excavate to the required depth, install and compact granular fill, and set forms before a single yard of concrete arrives. The result is a driveway that won't settle, crack, or heave in the freeze-thaw cycles Toronto gets every winter.
When to replace.
If your driveway has widespread cracking, significant heaving, or spalling across more than 30% of the surface, replacement costs less over 10 years than repeated patching. We handle full demolition and haul-away as part of the replacement package.
Repair makes sense
Isolated cracks under 3mm wide. Single heaved section from tree root. Corner or edge chips. Surface dusting on otherwise sound slab.
Borderline
Multiple cracks across different panels. Moderate spalling on 20–30% of surface. Low spots causing drainage issues. Age 20–30 years.
Replace
Widespread cracking and heaving. Spalling over 30% of surface. Multiple settled panels. Age over 40 years. Failed sub-base.
Broom, exposed,
or stamped.
Broom Finish
Standard residential finish. Textured surface provides grip in wet and icy conditions. Most cost-effective option.
Exposed Aggregate
Top layer of cement paste removed to reveal stone aggregate. Durable, slip-resistant, and attractive. Popular in Toronto.
Stamped Concrete
Pattern pressed into fresh concrete to mimic stone, brick, or slate. Adds significant curb appeal. Requires sealing.
Smooth Float
Hand-troweled smooth surface. Best for covered areas, not recommended for outdoor driveways subject to frost.
What's under
matters more.
Most concrete driveway failures in Toronto start at the sub-base, not the surface. Poorly compacted fill settles. Clay subgrade retains water that freezes and heaves. We excavate to stable bearing soil, import granular A, and compact in 4" lifts. We also address drainage before the forms go in — water running toward the foundation is a problem that concrete makes worse, not better.
Start to finish.
Old Concrete Removal
Existing slab cut and broken up with equipment, debris hauled off-site. Clean slate before we start.
Sub-Base Preparation
4–6" granular A or crusher run, compacted in lifts to prevent settling. Toronto frost line is 1.2 m — proper drainage matters.
Forming & Reinforcement
Wood or steel forms set to grade. Rebar or fibre mesh placed for structural integrity.
Concrete Pour
32 MPa air-entrained mix, typically 4" thick for residential driveways. Placed and screeded to grade.
Finishing
Float, edge, then broom, stamp, or expose aggregate as specified. Saw-cut control joints same day.
Curing & Sealing
Curing compound applied immediately. Optional penetrating or film-forming sealer at 28 days.
Pricing questions.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Residential driveways are typically 4" (100 mm) thick. For heavy vehicle access — RVs, large trucks — 5–6" is recommended.
How long before I can drive on my new driveway?
7 days minimum for passenger vehicles. 28 days for full design strength. Avoid parking heavy vehicles for 30 days.
Should I repair or replace my driveway?
If cracks are hairline and isolated, patching works. If there is widespread cracking, heaving, or spalling over 30% of the surface, replacement is more cost-effective.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
30–50 years with proper installation and occasional sealing. Far longer than asphalt, which needs resurfacing every 5–10 years.
What is exposed aggregate?
A finish where the top layer of cement paste is washed away while the concrete is still green, exposing the decorative stone aggregate underneath.
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Toronto?
Typical range is $8–$14 per square foot for a standard broom finish. Exposed aggregate is $12–$18/sq ft. Stamped is $18–$28/sq ft. We quote per project after a site visit.
Want a decorative finish? See stamped concrete. Existing driveway cracked or sunken? Check concrete repair.
Price your
driveway.
Send us dimensions and finish preference. We'll come back with a price in under 2 hours during business hours.