If you've been searching for interlocking or hardscaping quotes in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, you've probably noticed a wide range of prices — and wondered why two contractors can quote the same driveway at $12,000 and $28,000 respectively. This guide breaks down what drives those differences, what you should realistically budget for in 2026, and what questions to ask before signing any contract.
Important note: All prices in this guide are general ranges based on our 16+ years of experience in the GTA market. Actual costs for your project will depend on your specific site conditions, soil type, existing drainage, local material availability, and project complexity. We always recommend a free on-site consultation before budgeting.
Section 1
Interlocking Driveway Costs in Toronto & GTA (2026)
Interlocking driveways remain the most popular hardscaping upgrade for GTA homeowners — and for good reason. A well-installed interlocking driveway adds curb appeal, increases property value, and can last 25–30+ years with proper maintenance. But pricing varies significantly based on materials, size, and site conditions.
| Scope | Price Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-car driveway (approx. 200–300 sq ft) | $8,000 – $18,000 | Standard Unilock pavers, basic pattern |
| Double-car driveway (approx. 400–600 sq ft) | $14,000 – $30,000 | Most common GTA project |
| Large estate driveway (600+ sq ft) | $28,000 – $60,000+ | Custom patterns, premium materials |
| Per sq ft (installed) | $18 – $40+ / sq ft | Varies by material grade and complexity |
The per-square-foot range ($18–$40+) reflects the difference between a basic concrete paver installation and a premium Unilock Skyline or Hex Series project with custom borders, soldier courses, and intricate patterns. Material costs alone can account for 40–55% of the total project budget.
What Drives Driveway Costs Up?
- Demolition and removal of existing concrete or asphalt ($1,500–$4,000+)
- Clay soil or poor drainage requiring additional base preparation
- Sloped driveways requiring grading and retaining elements
- Premium paver selection (Unilock Umbriano, Promenade, etc.)
- Complex patterns: herringbone, basket weave, custom borders
- Integrated lighting or drainage channels
Section 2
Backyard Patio & Outdoor Living Space Costs
Backyard patios in the GTA range from simple interlocking slabs to full outdoor living environments with pergolas, built-in seating, fire pits, and landscape lighting. The scope of your vision determines the budget.
| Project Type | Typical Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Basic interlocking patio (300–400 sq ft) | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Mid-range patio with walkways & lighting | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| Full outdoor living space (patio + pergola + kitchen) | $40,000 – $80,000+ |
| Per sq ft (patio only) | $18 – $40+ / sq ft |
One of the most common mistakes GTA homeowners make is underestimating the cost of site preparation. If your backyard has significant grade changes, soft soil, or existing structures to remove, base preparation alone can add $3,000–$8,000 to the project. A proper base — correctly compacted with a plate compactor to the right density — is what separates a patio that lasts 30 years from one that shifts and settles within five.
Section 3
Retaining Wall Costs in the GTA
Retaining walls are among the most technically demanding hardscaping projects — and the most consequential if done incorrectly. A failing retaining wall can damage your foundation, flood your basement, or collapse onto neighboring properties. This is not an area to cut costs.
| Wall Type | Cost per Sq Ft (face area) |
|---|---|
| Unilock/Allan Block segmental retaining wall | $80 – $150+ / sq ft |
| Natural stone retaining wall | $100 – $200+ / sq ft |
| Armour stone wall | $120 – $250+ / sq ft |
Retaining wall costs are high because the work is structural, not decorative. Proper installation requires excavation, a compacted gravel base, drainage aggregate behind the wall, geogrid reinforcement for taller walls, and precise batter (backward lean) to resist soil pressure. In Ontario's freeze–thaw climate, shortcuts in any of these steps will result in wall failure within a few seasons.
Actual costs vary significantly based on your specific terrain, soil conditions, wall height, and drainage requirements. A wall on a flat lot with good drainage will cost considerably less than the same wall length on a sloped property with clay soil and active water movement. Always get an on-site assessment before budgeting.
Section 4
Front Entrance & Steps: What to Expect
A front entrance redesign — including new steps, landing, and walkway — is often the highest-ROI hardscaping project for GTA homeowners. It's the first thing visitors and potential buyers see, and a well-designed entrance can add $15,000–$30,000 to perceived property value.
| Scope | Typical Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Steps only (3–5 risers) | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Steps + landing + walkway | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Full front entrance with retaining walls & lighting | $20,000 – $45,000+ |
Section 5
Hidden Costs Most Contractors Don't Mention
The biggest source of budget surprises in GTA hardscaping projects isn't the materials or labor — it's the site conditions discovered after work begins. Here are the costs that often catch homeowners off guard:
Demolition & disposal
Removing an existing concrete driveway or patio typically costs $1,500–$5,000+ depending on thickness and area. Concrete disposal fees have increased significantly in the GTA since 2023.
Soil remediation
GTA clay soil often requires additional granular base material to achieve proper compaction and drainage. This can add $2,000–$6,000 to projects on properties with heavy clay.
Drainage solutions
If your property has active water movement or poor natural drainage, French drains, catch basins, or grading work may be required before hardscaping can begin.
Utility locates
Ontario law requires utility locates before any excavation. While the locate itself is free (Ontario One Call), delays can affect project scheduling.
Polymeric sand and sealing
Quality polymeric sand and a professional sealer application add $800–$2,500 to a project but significantly extend the life of your interlocking and reduce maintenance.
Section 6
How to Evaluate a Hardscaping Quote
When comparing quotes from GTA hardscaping contractors, price alone is a poor indicator of value. A $10,000 driveway that fails in three years costs far more than a $20,000 driveway that lasts thirty. Here's what to look for in a quote:
- Is the base preparation method specified? (depth, material type, compaction standard)
- Are materials named specifically? (e.g., Unilock Brussels Block vs. generic concrete paver)
- Is demolition and disposal included, or quoted separately?
- Is polymeric sand and sealing included?
- What warranty does the contractor offer on workmanship?
- Is the contractor a Unilock Authorized Contractor (UAC)?
- Can they provide references from projects in your neighborhood?
As a Unilock Authorized Contractor with 16+ years of experience in the GTA, Lin Elegant Landscaping provides detailed, itemized quotes that specify every material, process, and warranty term. We also provide complimentary 3D design renderings for qualifying projects so you can see the finished result before any work begins.
Get a Free, Detailed Quote for Your GTA Project
We serve Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, North York, Scarborough, Mississauga, Oakville, Newmarket, Aurora, and surrounding GTA communities. Free consultation and 3D design included.