How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in London, Ontario?

If you're looking at replacing or pouring a new driveway in London, Ontario, concrete is the most common and cost-effective choice for our climate. But pricing varies a lot depending on the scope of work, and most homeowners don't have a clear idea of what to expect before they start getting quotes.

Here's a straightforward breakdown of what concrete driveways actually cost in London and Southwestern Ontario — based on the projects we work on.

Average Cost Per Square Foot

In the London, ON area, you can expect to pay between $8 and $15 per square foot for a standard concrete driveway. The wide range comes down to your finish, thickness, and how much site prep is needed.

A typical two-car driveway runs about 400 to 600 square feet. That puts most projects in the $4,000 to $9,000 range all-in.

These numbers include demolition of the old surface (if applicable), grading, forming, pouring and finishing. They don't include major excavation, drainage regrading, or heated driveway systems, which are separate line items.

What Affects the Price

No two driveways cost the same. Here are the variables that move the number up or down:

Size and shape

A straight rectangular pour is the most efficient. Curves, flared entries, and turnaround areas add forming time and labour. The bigger the driveway, the lower the per-square-foot cost tends to be — setup and mobilization costs get spread across more area.

Old driveway removal

If there's an existing concrete or asphalt driveway, it needs to come out first. Demolition and removal of an old slab typically adds $1,500 to $3,000 depending on thickness and access. Asphalt is faster to remove than old concrete.

Grading and base preparation

Concrete needs a proper granular base — usually 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel (Granular A). If your lot has drainage issues, poor soil, or an uneven grade, you'll need more base work. This is where cutting corners causes problems. A poor base leads to cracking within a few years.

Thickness

A standard residential driveway is poured at 4 inches thick. If you're parking heavier vehicles or equipment, we'll recommend 5 or 6 inches with reinforcement. Thicker pours cost more in material but last significantly longer under load.

Finish type

The finish is the biggest aesthetic and cost variable. A basic broom finish is the most affordable and provides good traction in Ontario winters. Stamped and exposed aggregate finishes look great but require more labour and materials. More on finishes below.

Types of Finishes

Broom finish

The standard. A broom is dragged across the surface while it's still wet, creating a textured, non-slip surface. It's clean, functional, and the most affordable option. Ideal if you want a good driveway without spending extra on decorative work.

Exposed aggregate

The top layer of cement is washed away to reveal the stone aggregate underneath. It has a natural look, excellent traction, and hides tire marks well. This is one of the most popular choices in London because it ages well through freeze-thaw cycles.

Stamped concrete

A pattern is pressed into the surface to mimic brick, stone, slate, or other materials. It can be coloured to match. Stamped concrete looks impressive, but it does need resealing every 2 to 3 years to maintain the colour and protect against salt damage.

Coloured concrete

Integral colour is mixed into the concrete itself, so it runs all the way through the slab. It can be combined with stamped or broom finishes. Colour adds $1 to $3 per square foot, and the result is a more finished look than plain grey.

Best Time to Pour in Ontario

Concrete needs consistent temperatures above 5°C for at least a week after pouring. In London, Ontario, that means the pouring season runs from late April through mid-October.

The best months are May through September. You get the warmest curing temperatures, which means stronger concrete. Pouring in early spring or late fall is possible, but you'll likely need blankets and may face longer curing times.

We don't pour in winter. No reputable concrete contractor in London should. Concrete that freezes before it cures will fail — it's not a matter of if, it's when.

Book early. Spring is our busiest season because everyone wants their driveway done before summer. If you reach out in February or March, you'll have your pick of scheduling.

How to Get the Best Value

• Get 2-3 quotes. Don't go with the cheapest. Ask each contractor what's included — base prep, forming, reinforcement, and cleanup should all be in the price. The lowball quote usually means cut corners on the base.
• Ask about the base. If a contractor doesn't mention grading and Granular A, ask. This is the most important part of the job. A 4-inch slab on a proper base will outlast a 6-inch slab on bare clay.
• Consider a broom finish with a border. You can get 90% of the visual impact of stamped concrete by doing a broom-finish field with a stamped or coloured border. Costs much less.
• Bundle with other concrete work. If you also need a walkway, patio, or garage pad, doing it all at once saves on mobilization and forming costs. We're already on site with the equipment.
• Time it right. Booking mid-season (June–August) when crews aren't scrambling to fit in last-minute fall pours can sometimes offer better scheduling flexibility.

For more on our concrete services, including foundations, garage pads, patios, and walkways, visit our concrete page or request a free estimate.