It’s common to question asphalt driveway costs in Ontario before starting a paving project. Pricing does vary depending on the size of the driveway, material choice, and site conditions. In this blog, VIP Paving’s experts will break down the costs of asphalt driveways, including cost per square foot, comparisons with other driveway materials, and the main factors that affect overall pricing. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect when planning your new asphalt driveway.

Asphalt Driveway Cost per Square Foot

One of the most reliable ways to estimate driveway costs in Ontario is by looking at the average price per square foot. Asphalt driveways typically cost between $3 and $5 per square foot, depending on site preparation, grading, and asphalt type. Below is a chart with cost estimates for different driveway sizes.

Driveway Size (sq ft)	Cost per Sq Ft	Total Estimated Cost
400 sq ft (single car)	$3 – $5	$1,200 – $2,000
600 sq ft (single long)	$3 – $5	$1,800 – $3,000
800 sq ft (double car)	$3 – $5	$2,400 – $4,000
1,000 sq ft (double long	$3 – $5	$3,000 – $5,000

These numbers provide a useful baseline, but final asphalt driveway costs will also depend on excavation, grading, drainage, and other site-specific factors discussed later in this article.

Asphalt vs Concrete vs Interlock: Cost Comparison

Homeowners often compare asphalt driveways with concrete or interlock when considering new paving. Each material comes with different costs, durability, and appearance options. Below is a side-by-side look at average driveway costs in Ontario, including the benefits and drawbacks of each choice.

Material	Average Cost per Sq Ft	Pros	Cons
Asphalt	$3 – $5	Quick installation, affordable, flexible in cold climates	Requires resealing, shorter lifespan,
Concrete	$7 – $12	Durable, long lifespan, low maintenance	Higher upfront cost, prone to cracking in freeze-thaw cycles
Interlock	$12 – $20	Aesthetic appeal, customizable patterns, easy to repair	Highest cost, requires more site preparation

Asphalt driveways remain the most cost-effective option, while interlock and concrete appeal to homeowners willing to pay more for appearance or longevity. Comparing these materials helps balance initial costs with long-term value.

Factors That Influence Asphalt Driveway Costs

Driveway costs in Ontario are shaped by more than just square footage. The site’s condition, required materials, and local regulations all play a role in final pricing. Understanding these factors gives homeowners a clearer sense of why asphalt driveway cost estimates may vary from one project to another. Below are some of the most common elements that impact asphalt driveways, along with an explanation of how each contributes to overall pricing.

Excavation

If an existing driveway needs to be removed, excavation costs add to the total. The depth and type of material being cleared can affect both time and price.

Grading

To create a level surface, professional grading is required. If your property needs significant adjustment to slopes, this will raise driveway costs in Ontario due to additional labour and equipment.

Asphalt type

Different mixes of asphalt are available, with thicker or more durable options costing more. Choosing a higher-quality mix can increase upfront price but often provides longer-lasting results.

Drainage

Is a must to prevent future driveway damage.Installing or adjusting drainage systems however adds to costs, especially if water needs to be redirected away from structures.

Permits

Some municipalities in Ontario require permits for driveway work. Permit fees and inspection requirements add to the total asphalt driveway cost and should be factored into your budget.

Size and shape

The bigger your driveway the more materials will be needed. Uniquely shaped driveways require more work to cover than straightforward parking spaces.
Other factors that affect pricing include thickness of the asphalt layer installed. Homeowners can get 5 cm (2 inch) or 10 cm (4 inch) of asphalt on their driveways. The thicker driving path requires more materials which also affect the asphalt paving costs estimate.

Cost of Materials

Asphalt is made primarily of sand, gravel, stone, crude oil, and other sediments. On average, the asphalt paving costs estimate for materials ranges between $100 to $200 per tonne. One tonne covers between 40 to 80 square feet. Average driveway requires 7.5 to 15 tonnes of asphalt.
Asphalt paving costs per square foot depend on the cost for manufactures to produce asphalt. For example, when petroleum prices increase, it costs manufacturers more to produce asphalt so the price for consumers also increases.

New vs Recyclable

Asphalt is 100 percent recyclable so less resources are used and lowering carbon footprint by making less. Better for the environment. Many companies now use recycled asphalt for the base layer. Recycled asphalt is up to 80 percent cheaper than new asphalt so the asphalt paving costs per square foot are much lower. On average, recycled asphalt costs per square foot are $10.00 to $20.00 per square foot, a considerable savings for home owners.

Labour Costs

Most contractors charge between $12.00 to $17.00 per square foot to install an asphalt driveway. However, there are some factors that could increase the asphalt paving labour cost estimate. For example, if the company has to excavate your driveway first, it could cost $5,000.00+ depending on the size of your driveway. Adding drainage lines, difficult to get to locations, regional price variations, and required permits will also increase the labour costs.

Repair or Replace

Once an asphalt driveway is installed, it can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Many issues with the driveway can be easily repaired. This will not only extend the life of your driveway but lower the estimated asphalt paving cost per square foot. Many cracks and small holes can be easily patched or resurfaced, significantly lowering the asphalt paving cost estimate.

How to Save Money on Asphalt Driveway

While driveway costs in Ontario can vary, there are ways to keep expenses manageable. Choosing standard asphalt over premium mixes, limiting unnecessary excavation, and keeping the design simple all reduce pricing.

Getting multiple quotes from local paving contractors also helps secure the best rate. By planning carefully, you can keep your asphalt driveway cost under control without sacrificing quality or durability.

Get Asphalt Driveway Cost Per Square Foot

At VIP Paving, we provide free asphalt paving cost estimates to homeowners so you know exactly how much the work will cost before we even begin.

We guarantee superior and professional service on all our asphalt install and repair jobs.