Planning a new concrete driveway for your Calgary home? This guide covers real 2025 pricing, what affects your costs, and how to compare contractor quotes. We’ll help you understand everything from basic broom-finish driveways to decorative stamped options.
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles and heavy clay soils mean your driveway needs proper base preparation and reinforcement. Getting these details right affects both your upfront cost and how long your driveway lasts through our tough winters.
Average Concrete Driveway Costs in Calgary (2025)
Standard broom-finish concrete driveways in Calgary typically cost $12 to $18 per square foot installed. This includes excavation, base prep, forming, pouring, and finishing. For a typical two-car driveway (600-700 square feet), you’re looking at $7,200 to $12,600.
Here’s what homeowners can expect for different driveway sizes and finishes:
| Driveway Size | Finish Type | Price per sq ft | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car (300 sq ft) | Broom | $12–$16 | $3,600–$4,800 |
| Single car (300 sq ft) | Stamped | $18–$25 | $5,400–$7,500 |
| Single car (300 sq ft) | Exposed | $16–$22 | $4,800–$6,600 |
| Double car (650 sq ft) | Broom | $12–$16 | $7,800–$10,400 |
| Double car (650 sq ft) | Stamped | $18–$25 | $11,700–$16,250 |
| Double car (650 sq ft) | Exposed | $16–$22 | $10,400–$14,300 |
Note: These are estimates. Your actual quote will depend on site conditions, access, and specific requirements.
What Drives the Price
Base Prep & Excavation
Your driveway’s foundation makes all the difference in Calgary. Contractors need to excavate 8 to 12 inches deep, remove existing material, and lay 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel base. If you have heavy clay soil (common in many Calgary neighbourhoods), extra excavation and base material add $2 to $4 per square foot.
Poor drainage or a high water table means more work. Your contractor might need to add drainage channels or extra gravel, which increases costs.
Thickness & Reinforcement
Standard concrete driveways in Calgary should be 4 to 6 inches thick. Most contractors include wire mesh reinforcement in their base price. Upgrading to rebar adds $1 to $2 per square foot but provides better crack resistance through freeze-thaw cycles.
Control joints, cut every 8 to 10 feet, help manage natural cracking. These are typically included in your contractor’s price.
Finish Type
Your choice of finish significantly affects the final cost:
- Broom finish concrete: Standard pricing ($12-$16/sq ft)
- Stamped patterns: Adds $6-$9/sq ft to base cost
- Exposed aggregate: Adds $4-$6/sq ft to base cost
Access, Tear-Out & Disposal
Tight access between houses or steep slopes increase labour costs. If you’re replacing an old driveway, tear-out and disposal typically adds $3 to $5 per square foot. Calgary landfill fees for concrete disposal run about $80 to $120 per tonne.
Tying into existing sidewalks, stairs, or garage pads requires careful planning and adds complexity to the pour.
Drainage & Slope
Your driveway must slope away from your house and garage—typically 1 to 2 percent grade. Proper drainage prevents pooling water that becomes ice in winter. Complex grading or the need for catch basins increases costs.
Calgary-Specific Factors to Know
Calgary sees 100+ freeze-thaw cycles yearly. This constant expansion and contraction demands quality concrete (32 MPa minimum) and proper air entrainment. Sealing your driveway every 2 to 3 years helps protect against moisture penetration and salt damage.
Speaking of salt, use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride products sparingly. Rock salt can damage concrete surfaces, especially in the first winter after installation.
If you need a new driveway crossing (curb cut), the City of Calgary’s program charges separately. Single residential crossings cost approximately $3,500 to $4,500, while double crossings run $5,000 to $7,000 (2025 rates). Factor this into your total budget if you’re widening your driveway or building new.
Most driveway work requires a development permit if you’re changing the width or location of your curb crossing. Simple resurfacing usually doesn’t need permits. Check with the City’s driveway requirements before starting work.
Finish Options & How They Affect Cost
Broom Finish
The most popular choice for Calgary driveways, broom finish provides excellent traction in snow and ice. The textured surface is created by dragging a broom across wet concrete. It’s budget-friendly and requires minimal maintenance beyond regular sealing.
Stamped Concrete
Want the look of stone or brick? Stamped concrete creates decorative patterns using special mats pressed into wet concrete. Colour is added through integral pigments or surface stains. While beautiful, stamped concrete costs more upfront and needs resealing yearly to maintain colour and prevent wear.
Exposed Aggregate
This finish reveals the natural stones in the concrete mix by washing away the surface paste. Exposed aggregate provides excellent texture and durability. It handles Calgary winters well and hides minor staining better than smooth finishes.
How to Compare Quotes (Checklist)
When reviewing contractor quotes, look for these specifics:
- Concrete thickness (minimum 4 inches for residential)
- Concrete strength (32 MPa or higher for Calgary)
- Reinforcement type (wire mesh or rebar)
- Base preparation depth and material
- Number and spacing of control joints
- Curing method and timeline
- Sealer application included or extra
- Warranty terms (2+ years minimum)
- Clean-up and disposal fees
- Timeline from start to completion
Typical Timeline in Calgary
Here’s what to expect for your driveway project:
Day 1-2: Site visit, measurements, and detailed quote Day 3-4: Excavation and base preparation Day 5: Forms set and reinforcement placed Day 6: Concrete pour and finishing Days 7-14: Curing period (keep concrete moist) Day 15: Sealer application (weather permitting) Day 28: Full strength reached, safe for regular vehicle traffic
Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours. Wait at least 7 days before parking cars, and 28 days for heavy vehicles.
FAQs
How long does a concrete driveway last in Calgary? With proper installation and maintenance, expect 25 to 30 years. Regular sealing and prompt crack repairs extend lifespan significantly.
What’s the best finish for winter traction? Broom finish provides the best winter traction. Exposed aggregate also works well. Avoid smooth finishes in Calgary.
When can I drive on new concrete? Wait 7 days for regular cars, 28 days for heavy trucks or RVs. Walking is usually safe after 48 hours.
Do I need permits for widening my driveway? Yes, if you’re changing the curb crossing width or location. Simple resurfacing of the existing footprint typically doesn’t need permits.
How often should I reseal my driveway? Every 2 to 3 years in Calgary’s climate. Spring application protects against summer heat and winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Can I pour concrete in winter? Concrete can be poured until temperatures consistently stay below -5°C. Winter pours cost more due to heating and insulation requirements.
What width should my driveway be? Single driveways are typically 9 to 12 feet wide. Double driveways range from 16 to 24 feet. Consider extra width for easier snow removal.
Get a Local, Itemized Quote
Ready to start your concrete driveway project? Get a free, detailed quote from our experienced Calgary team. We serve Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Cochrane with quality concrete services designed for our climate.
Request Your Free Quote today and we’ll schedule a site visit to discuss your specific needs and provide an itemized estimate.
