A 2023 Guide To Budgeting For An Interlock Driveway

If you want a new driveway installed in 2023, we think it's fair to say that there are plenty of options. There is much to choose from, from gravel to asphalt, brushed or stamped concrete, and interlock. It can be overwhelming with all of these choices, but if you're reading this article, you've likely decided that interlock is the best fit for you. Great choice! 

Here at Luke's Landscaping, we design and install interlock driveways. We often ask folks, "What should I budget for an interlock driveway in Toronto?" and "Why should I get an interlock driveway?" And we certainly love to answer their questions. If you're considering an interlock driveway for your Toronto home, we'd love to give you some tips and share some of our personal experience with budgeting for an interlock driveway project in this area.

Budgeting For An Interlock Driveway In Toronto

One of the main questions we get asked is, "What should I budget for an interlock driveway?" And if this question is the reason you are reading this article, we applaud you for doing your research. How much you'll be spending on your new interlock driveway is a genuine concern, but sometimes it can be easy to overlook important factors that may impact the budget required. Questions like "What style of pavers is best for me?", "is an interlock driveway a good investment?", and "What is the difference between smooth and textured pavers?" are very common questions when budgeting for a new interlock driveway in Toronto. We will speak from Luke's Landscaping's 15+ years of combined experience serving the Greater Toronto Area. 

Average Cost Of An Interlock Driveway In Toronto

"What should I budget for an interlock driveway in Toronto?" Well, as we've already mentioned, plenty of factors may affect the final cost, but here are some averages for varying-sized driveways in Toronto. Based on our experience, homeowners spend an average of about $24,000 to install a new double-car interlock driveway. You can expect a driveway at this price point to be approximately 20 feet by 20 feet, meaning it can comfortably park 2-3 cars. 

On the lower end, a single-car driveway approximately 20 feet by 10 feet will likely run you around $10,000 - $14,000. And, of course, on the higher end, prices can vary, with an average three-car wide driveway costing about $30,000 and a larger driveway that holds upwards of 6 vehicles costing $35,000 - $70,000. 

As we said, these figures are based on our experience and may not fit you best. And that is A-okay! Your contractor should consider your budget and walk you through the options to ensure your new interlock driveway is best suited for your and your family's needs. 

Things To Consider For Your Toronto Interlock Driveway Budget

When planning your budget for a new interlock driveway, we suggest you consider the following factors: 

Size - This likely goes without saying, but as the figures above reveal, the larger your driveway is, the more it will cost you. The upside here is that past a certain point, you may start to see some savings from a cost-per-square-foot standpoint.

Paver Choice - The beauty of using pavers on your new interlock driveway is that you have plenty of options. Smooth, textured, or polished, earth tones, gray tones, or black pavers. Another key factor is the thickness of the paver. For a typical driveway installation, you will want a paver with a minimum thickness of 80mm or 3.15". 

The material cost of driveway pavers can vary up to $6/ square foot. This means on a 400-square-foot driveway, a high-end paver may add thousands of dollars to the cost of your new interlock driveway. 

Installation Pattern

Another awesome feature of interlock driveways is the extensive options for different patterns. These can range from a simple linear pattern to a herringbone or chevron pattern. Utilizing different colored pavers allows your creativity to be showcased in the installation. It also allows you to create beautiful designs to make your driveway the neighborhood star. Here is a guide to help you decide what installation pattern best suits your style.

Other Elements Surrounding The Driveway

It is important never to underestimate the power of the rest of your front yard. It truly adds to the look and feel of your new interlock driveway. We bring this up because if you want to boost your curb appeal beyond just the driveway, your budget needs to account for this. Some things that go hand in hand with your new driveway install may be replacing that outdated walkway or overlaying your plain concrete porch with matching pavers or natural stone. Discuss these options with your contractor so you're not in for a surprise bill.

Deciding On Interlock In Toronto

You've made it to this blog, so you may have already decided that an interlock driveway is right for you. If so, Awesome! If you're still undecided, no worries. After reviewing various elements of an interlock driveway budget, you may wonder, "Is an interlock driveway worth the money?" And we don't blame you! At this point, you probably know what our answer would be, but this is your decision to make. Here are a few benefits of an interlock driveway: 

• Lower And Easier Maintenance
• Various color, style, and texture options to choose from. 
• A wide array of installation patterns create beautiful designs. 
• Pavers are manufactured in a controlled environment. 
• More resistant to ice melting agents compared to asphalt or poured concrete. 

If these things are important, an interlock driveway may be worth your budget!

However, discussing the pros without mentioning some potential cons of an interlock driveway wouldn't be fair. Here are a few to consider:

• Generally higher upfront installation cost.
• Installation may take longer due to the nature of the material, as all pavers must be placed by hand.

Interlock driveways are rising in Toronto, but we strongly suggest you consider other driveway options to ensure you feel 100% confident in your choice.

Conclusion

Plain and simple, there just isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for what your budget should look like. We won't act like an interlock driveway is best for everyone, nor can we provide you with a solid number for a budget. A range can be given, but what matters most is what you envision for your home and what makes sense for you to put into it. 

At Luke's Landscaping, we design and build awe-inspiring interlock driveways using industry-leading techniques. You can find more information here if you'd like to learn more about what we have to offer. Feel free to ask questions or let me know if you're ready to start your project. We're here to help!