Structural · Cost Guide
How Much Does Concrete Works Cost in Ontario?
Concrete Works costs in Ontario range from $2,500 – $4,500 per project. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$2,500+
Starting price
1-10 days + 28-day cure
Timeline
10%
Recommended contingency
Concrete Works Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway (single-car, 10x20 ft) | $2,500 | $4,500 | per project | 55% | 45% |
| Basement floor slab (1,000 sq ft) | $4,000 | $7,000 | per project | 50% | 50% |
| Walkway or patio (100 sq ft) | $800 | $1,500 | per project | 55% | 45% |
| Foundation footing | $40 | $80 | per lin. ft | 55% | 45% |
| Retaining wall (4-6 ft tall) | $150 | $300 | per lin. ft | 50% | 50% |
| Concrete steps (3-5 steps) | $1,200 | $2,500 | per set | 60% | 40% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Driveway (single-car, 10x20 ft)
Basement floor slab (1,000 sq ft)
Walkway or patio (100 sq ft)
Foundation footing
Retaining wall (4-6 ft tall)
Concrete steps (3-5 steps)
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Excavation and subgrade preparation
- Compacted gravel base
- Formwork and reinforcement (wire mesh or rebar)
- Air-entrained concrete (25-32 MPa)
- Placement, screeding, and finishing
- Control joint cutting
- Basic curing (compound or covering)
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Old concrete removal and disposal ($3-$6/sq ft)
- Stamped or decorative finishes ($8-$15/sq ft extra)
- Exposed aggregate finish ($5-$10/sq ft extra)
- Concrete pump for hard-to-reach areas ($600-$1,200)
- Winter premiums (heated enclosures, accelerators)
- Grading and drainage modifications
Concrete Works Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $2,500 | $4,500 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $2,381 | $4,286 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $2,318 | $4,172 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $2,434 | $4,381 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $2,420 | $4,356 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $2,409 | $4,336 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $2,356 | $4,241 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $2,541 | $4,574 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $2,398 | $4,316 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $2,318 | $4,172 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $2,279 | $4,102 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $2,318 | $4,172 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $2,226 | $4,007 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $2,265 | $4,077 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $2,254 | $4,057 | -10% | View |
Permit & Engineering Costs
Building Permit (structural concrete)
City of Toronto or local municipality
Required for foundation footings, retaining walls > 4 feet, or structural slabs. Driveways, walkways, and patios typically do NOT require permits unless they alter drainage or are on heritage properties.
$200-$1,000
Grading and Drainage Plan (if altering site drainage)
Municipal engineer or building department
Required if the concrete work changes how water flows on your property (e.g., large patio that diverts runoff toward a neighbor). Plan must show pre- and post-construction drainage patterns.
$500-$2,000
Engineered Drawings (for retaining walls > 4 ft)
Professional Engineer (P.Eng)
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall are structural elements — they resist lateral earth pressure and must be designed by an engineer. Drawings specify wall thickness, rebar schedule, footing size, and drainage.
$1,500-$4,000
Money-Saving Tips
Specify air-entrained concrete on every job — non-air-entrained fails in 5-10 Ontario winters.
Verify thickness before the pour (measure the forms) — some contractors pour 3" instead of 4".
Wait 28 days before heavy loads — driving on a 7-day-old driveway causes permanent damage.
Broom finish is included; stamped adds $8-$15/sq ft — weigh aesthetics vs maintenance cost.
Bundle multiple pours (driveway + walkway + steps) to save on mobilization and ready-mix minimums.
Related Cost Guides
Concrete Works Cost FAQs
What's the difference between 25 MPa and 32 MPa concrete?
MPa (megapascals) measures compressive strength — how much load the concrete can carry before crushing. 25 MPa = 3,600 PSI; 32 MPa = 4,600 PSI. Residential driveways, slabs, and walkways use 25 MPa. Foundations, footings, and structural elements use 32 MPa (or higher). The difference in cost is $5-$10 per m³. Stronger concrete is slightly more brittle, so it needs proper curing and jointing to avoid cracking.
How long do I have to wait before driving on a new driveway?
Light foot traffic: 24-48 hours. Cars: 7 days. Heavy trucks or RVs: 28 days (full strength). Concrete reaches 50% strength in 3 days, 75% at 7 days, 100% at 28 days. Driving on it too early creates surface cracking and indentations that are permanent. If you MUST use it early, lay plywood sheets to distribute the load.
Can I pour concrete in the rain?
Light rain is OK if the concrete has been placed and finished — cover it with plastic to prevent surface erosion. Heavy rain is a problem: it dilutes the surface, washes away cement paste, and weakens the top 1-2 inches. If rain is forecast within 2-3 hours of the pour, reschedule. Once concrete has cured for 24 hours, rain is actually beneficial (keeps it moist for hydration).
Why does my concrete have white powdery deposits (efflorescence)?
Efflorescence is salts (calcium hydroxide, sodium sulfate) dissolved by water migrating through the concrete and deposited on the surface when the water evaporates. It's cosmetic — you can brush it off or wash it with dilute vinegar. It indicates moisture is present, but it doesn't mean the concrete is weak. To prevent it: (1) use low-alkali cement, (2) cure properly to densify the surface, and (3) seal the concrete with a penetrating sealer.
What's the purpose of wire mesh in a slab?
Wire mesh (6x6 W1.4xW1.4 is standard) doesn't prevent cracking — it holds cracks together after they form. Concrete is weak in tension; it WILL crack as it shrinks. Wire mesh spans the crack and prevents it from opening wide (keeps it tight, < 1/16 inch). This maintains load transfer and prevents the slab from settling on one side of the crack. Rebar is stronger but more expensive; mesh is sufficient for non-structural slabs.
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