Short answer
A new concrete driveway in the London, Ontario area commonly costs about $2,500 to $7,000 depending on size, base work and finish (an Ontario price guide, not a quote). A driveway that survives our winters needs a compacted gravel base, air-entrained concrete about 4 to 5 inches thick, control joints and proper curing.
When a concrete driveway is the right move
Concrete is the usual upgrade for homeowners tired of patching gravel or asphalt, and for anyone whose existing slab has failed. It lasts longer than asphalt when it is built correctly, needs no sealing every second year to stay black, and holds a clean edge. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost and a surface that cannot simply be "topped up" if the base underneath was poor.
You are probably looking at replacement rather than repair when you see several of these:
- Cracks wider than a pencil line that run through the full thickness, especially if one side has dropped or lifted.
- Surface scaling or spalling across large areas, where the top layer flakes off to show the stone underneath. See our salt and frost damage guide.
- Sections that have settled and pool water toward the garage or house.
- A slab that was poured thin, without joints, or directly onto soil.
- A gravel or asphalt driveway you simply want to upgrade.
Isolated hairline cracks and light surface scaling can often be handled through concrete repair and resurfacing. A contractor should tell you honestly which side of that line your driveway is on.
What a properly built driveway includes
Most driveway failures in Ontario trace back to what happened before the concrete arrived: poor drainage, a thin or uncompacted base, or a mix that was not made for freeze-thaw exposure. A proper build covers each of these steps.
- Removal and grading. The old surface is broken out and hauled away, and the subgrade is shaped so water runs away from the house and toward a safe outlet.
- Compacted granular base. A layer of crushed stone, commonly 4 to 6 inches, is compacted in lifts. This is what keeps frost heave and settlement under control.
- Forms and layout. Edges, slope and joint locations are set before the pour, not improvised during it.
- Reinforcement. Welded wire mesh, rebar or fibre reinforcement is chosen to suit the load. Reinforcement helps hold cracks tight; it does not prevent them.
- The right concrete. Exterior concrete exposed to freezing and de-icing salts is generally specified as air-entrained, with a minimum strength around 32 MPa under CSA A23.1 exposure class C-2. Ask for the mix details in writing.
- Thickness. Passenger-vehicle driveways are commonly 4 to 5 inches (100 to 125 mm). Heavier trucks, RVs or a delivery route may justify 6 inches or more.
- Control joints. Cuts that guide where the slab cracks. A common rule of thumb is a joint spacing of roughly 2 to 3 feet per inch of slab thickness, so about 8 to 12 feet for a 4-inch slab.
- Finishing, curing and sealing. The surface is finished, protected while it gains strength, and ideally sealed once it has cured.
Finish options for a concrete driveway
Most driveways are broom finished, but there are several finishes worth comparing before you decide. Our concrete finishes guide covers them in detail.
| Finish | Look and feel | Slip resistance | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom finish | Fine ridged texture, the standard driveway look | Good | Lowest |
| Exposed aggregate | Stone-faced, textured surface. See exposed aggregate | Very good | Medium to higher |
| Stamped and coloured | Pattern and colour to imitate stone, brick or slate. See stamped concrete | Fair to good with sealer grit | Higher |
| Smooth trowel | Slick when wet, not recommended outdoors on slopes | Poor | Low |
What a concrete driveway costs in the London area
There is no single price because every driveway has different square footage, removal work, base depth and finish. As a reference point only, a published Ontario price guide (HomeStars, updated August 2026, based on Ottawa-area contractors, so it is not specific to London) puts concrete driveways at roughly $2,500 to $7,000 as whole projects, with demolition at about $3 to $8 per square foot and site preparation at about $0.40 to $2 per square foot. Treat all of these as ESTIMATE ranges.
| Cost driver | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total square footage | The biggest single factor, and the one most worth measuring before you collect quotes. |
| Removing the old surface | Breaking out and hauling away a failed slab or asphalt adds labour and disposal. |
| Base depth and drainage work | Poor soil or a wet site may need more stone, regrading or a drain. |
| Finish | Exposed aggregate and stamped work cost more than a broom finish. |
| Thickness and reinforcement | Heavier loads need thicker concrete and more steel. |
| Access and season | Tight access, long pump distances and peak-season demand all move the price. |
| Permits and approvals | Widening or changing a curb cut may involve the City, see below. |
For a fuller breakdown and the questions to ask when comparing quotes, read what a concrete driveway costs in London, Ontario.
City of London rules that affect your driveway
Replacing a driveway in the same footprint is usually simpler than changing its size. If you are widening, adding a pad, or altering the curb, the City of London has rules. Its published homeowner guidance (london.ca, "Common homeowner projects") states that a driveway widening requires a permit from the street department, that front-yard parking is not permitted, and that driveways must lead to a garage or a legal side or rear parking area.
The City also publishes a front yard and boulevard parking policy that sets width limits and requires a hard stable surface, and that requires a curb cut permit from the City Engineer when a curb must be removed. The figures on the City's own pages are not identical, so confirm the limit for your lot directly with the City before you pour. Our driveway widening permit guide explains what to ask.
Timing, weather and the first winter
In southern Ontario the practical pouring season runs from spring through fall. Concrete placed in cold weather needs protection from freezing while it gains strength, and a contractor who proposes a late-season pour should explain how the slab will be protected and cured.
As general guidance, expect foot traffic after about a day or two, light vehicles after about a week, and full design strength at around 28 days. Many contractors advise avoiding de-icing salts for the first winter and using sand for traction instead, because young concrete is more vulnerable to salt scaling. Ask your contractor for their own aftercare instructions and follow them.
Questions to ask any concrete contractor
- Is the quote written and does it list removal, base depth, slab thickness, reinforcement, joints, finish and sealing?
- What concrete strength and air-entrainment will be used, and is it suitable for exterior freeze-thaw and de-icing salts?
- Can they provide proof of liability insurance and a current WSIB clearance certificate?
- Who handles permits, and what will they do if the City requires changes?
- What is the payment schedule, and is any deposit tied to materials being ordered?
- What warranty is offered, what does it cover, and what voids it?
- What is the realistic start date, and what happens if weather delays the pour?
There is no provincial licence that makes a concrete flatwork contractor "licensed", so references, insurance, WSIB clearance and a clear written scope matter more than a badge on a truck.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Passenger-vehicle driveways are commonly poured 4 to 5 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Heavier loads such as trucks, RVs or frequent deliveries may call for 6 inches or more. This is general guidance, so your contractor should set the thickness for your site.
How long does a concrete driveway last in Ontario?
A well-built, properly drained and sealed driveway can last decades, but lifespan depends on base quality, mix, drainage and how it is treated in winter. Heavy salt use and poor drainage shorten it. No one can promise a number for your property, so ask the contractor what their warranty actually covers.
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway in London, Ontario?
Replacing a driveway in its existing footprint is usually different from widening it. The City of London states that a driveway widening needs a permit, and a curb cut needs approval from the City Engineer. Confirm with the City before work starts, particularly if the width, curb or boulevard will change.
Can concrete be poured in winter?
It can be, with cold-weather measures such as heated enclosures, blankets and accelerated mixes, but it costs more and carries more risk. Most residential driveway work is planned for spring through fall.
When can I drive on a new concrete driveway?
As a general guide, about a week for light vehicles and around 28 days for full strength. Heavy vehicles should wait longer. Follow your contractor's written instructions.
Is exposed aggregate or broom finish better for a driveway?
Both are common. Broom finish is the lowest-cost, slip-resistant standard. Exposed aggregate costs more but hides small stains and has a more decorative stone texture. See our finishes comparison.
Should I seal a new concrete driveway?
Sealing helps reduce water and salt absorption, which is the main cause of scaling in Ontario winters. Most contractors recommend waiting until the concrete has cured, then sealing and re-sealing periodically. Ask which sealer they use and how often it needs renewing.