The Cost of Concrete Work in Ontario: What to Expect and How to Budget

Thinking about upgrading your outdoor space with concrete? Whether you’re planning a new driveway, patio, walkway, or custom concrete project, knowing what to expect in terms of pricing, preparation, and planning will help you make the most of your investment.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of concrete work in Ontario, what influences the price, and how to budget smart — so you can build with confidence and avoid surprises.

Why Concrete Is a Great Investment

Concrete is one of the most popular materials for residential exteriors in Ontario because it’s:

✅ Durable – lasts 30+ years with proper installation
✅ Low-maintenance – no sealing required for standard finishes
✅ Customizable – finishes include broom, stamped, coloured, and exposed aggregate
✅ Cost-effective over time – lower lifetime cost than wood or asphalt

Average Concrete Pricing in Ontario (2025 Estimates)

Here’s what you can expect to pay in southern Ontario for various types of concrete work, based on size, finish, and site conditions:

Concrete Feature	Average Cost Range	Details
Driveway (Single Car)	$6,500 – $12,000+	Broom finish, reinforced base, 4–6" thick slab
Concrete Patio	$4,000 – $10,000+	Depends on size, layout & finish
Walkways & Paths	$1,800 – $4,500+	Includes base, formwork, finish
Steps & Front Entrances	$2,500 – $6,000+	Per 3–6 step set with landing area
Stamped Concrete	$25 – $40 per sq. ft.	Higher-end decorative finish
Exposed Aggregate	$18 – $28 per sq. ft.	Durable, decorative, textured surface
Custom Projects	Varies by scope & design	Firepits, seat walls, borders, pads, etc.

 

💡 Pro Tip: Square footage, grading, access, and complexity are the biggest pricing factors — not just the surface area alone.

What Affects the Price of Concrete Work?

📏 1. Size & Thickness

Larger areas require more materials and labour. Most residential projects use 4–6 inches of concrete, which adds cost based on slab depth.

🪨 2. Finish Type

• Broom finish = standard and most affordable
• Exposed aggregate & stamped concrete = higher labour and material cost
• Coloured or stained = adds decorative value, increases pricing

🛠 3. Site Access & Prep

• Limited access for machinery increases manual labour
• Sloped lots or poor soil may require additional grading or gravel
• Old concrete removal and disposal also adds cost

🌧 4. Drainage & Reinforcement

Drainage systems, rebar, and mesh reinforcement are essential for Ontario’s freeze-thaw climate and are often included in quality installs.

How to Budget Smart for Your Concrete Project

💰 Step 1: Know Your Priorities
Start with essential spaces like driveways and walkways. Decorative patios and features can be added in future phases.

📏 Step 2: Ask for Detailed Quotes
Ensure your estimate includes excavation, base prep, finishing, sealing, and cleanup — not just surface square footage.

🪵 Step 3: Choose Quality Over Cheapest
Poorly poured concrete leads to costly repairs, surface cracking, or uneven slabs. A professional crew will save you long-term.

📆 Step 4: Time Your Project Right
Book early (spring or fall) for best availability. Summer is high demand and may increase pricing.

Our Concrete Services Include:

✅ Free site assessments & design planning
✅ Patios, driveways, walkways, curbs, and custom installs
✅ Broom, stamped, coloured, and exposed aggregate finishes
✅ Drainage systems & professional grading
✅ Durable bases, rebar, and clean finishing

👉 Get a Custom Concrete Quote Today

Your concrete project should be built to last — and your budget should reflect quality, not compromise. 🧱