Home/Hardscaping/Interlock Driveways
HardscapingInterlock Driveway Installation
in Ottawa
A properly built interlock driveway in Ottawa has to handle freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, and the weight of daily traffic for decades. The difference between one that stays level and one that sinks in year three comes down to what's under the pavers.
Why most interlock driveways fail in Ottawa.
Ottawa's climate is hard on driveways. Freeze-thaw cycles heave poorly prepared bases. Road salt eats away at the surface. Spring melt saturates the ground and pools against your foundation if the grade isn't right.
The #1 call we get every spring: a homeowner whose paver driveway is sinking near the garage after only 3–5 years. The cause is always the same — the original installer used too little base material, didn't compact it properly, or skipped the geotextile fabric. A paver is only as good as what's underneath it.
We build driveways the right way the first time. Here's exactly how.
How we build an interlock driveway that stays level.
Excavate Deep
We dig to 12–18 inches below finished grade. A deeper base means a stronger driveway — this is where most installers cut corners and where Ottawa's freeze-thaw does the most damage.
Compact in Lifts
Granular A gravel is compacted in 4-inch lifts. Compacting one thick layer doesn't work — the bottom stays loose. Four-inch lifts mean uniform density top to bottom.
Geotextile Fabric
A separation layer between the native soil and the granular base. It stops the two from mixing, prevents base contamination, and keeps the structure stable through freeze-thaw cycles.
Precision Lay & Lock
Pavers are laid to pattern with consistent 2–3mm joints. Polymeric sand is swept in, activated with water, and locks the entire surface into one cohesive mat that won't shift.
Unilock vs. Permacon: what we use and why.
We're a Unilock-authorized contractor and also install Permacon, both Canadian-made. The two manufacturers produce excellent pavers. Unilock Beacon Hill and Richcliff are our most-installed lines — Beacon Hill for a classic rectangular paver with textured face, Richcliff for a more natural, flagstone-like look with blended colour tones.
The right paver for your driveway depends on your home's exterior, your style preference, and your budget. We bring samples to every estimate so you can see them on your actual property, in natural light, before you decide.
Most-Requested Pavers
Unilock Beacon Hill
Rectangular, textured, classic. Available in multiple colour blends.
Unilock Richcliff
Flagstone look, blended tones, natural feel. Ideal for larger driveways.
Permacon Canadian-Made
Wide range of styles and colours. Solid, reliable, and locally available.
Kanata Interlock Driveway
Full teardown and rebuild of a 1,200 sq ft asphalt driveway into a Unilock Beacon Hill paver driveway. Soldier-course border framing the entire perimeter. Integrated drainage channel across the apron catching runoff before it hits the garage. 14 yards of old asphalt removed, 12 inches of granular A compacted in 3 lifts, geotextile fabric separation layer, and polymeric sand locking every joint.
“We had our entire driveway and front walkway done in interlock. The detail work was incredible — the soldier-course border, the curve matching the house. Our neighbours stop and compliment it weekly.”
Sarah L.
Barrhaven, Ottawa
Common questions about interlock driveways.
Why do some interlock driveways sink after a few years?+
Inadequate base preparation. When the base is too shallow (under 10 inches), compaction is skipped between lifts, or geotextile fabric is left out, the structure settles unevenly under vehicle weight and freeze-thaw pressure. We excavate to 12–18 inches, compact in 4-inch lifts, and always install geotextile — that's how you get a driveway that stays level for decades.
How long does an interlock driveway take to install?+
A standard single driveway (400–600 sq ft) typically takes 5–8 working days from excavation to finished surface. Larger double driveways or projects requiring significant regrading take 8–12 days. You'll have a firm timeline before we start, and the same crew from day one to final walkthrough.
Can I get an exact quote for my driveway online?+
We don't quote over the phone or online because every property is different — existing surface removal, base conditions, drainage, access, and pattern choice all affect the scope. We provide a free on-site estimate with a detailed line-item breakdown so you know exactly what you're paying for. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Should I replace my asphalt driveway with interlock?+
If you're staying in your home for more than 5 years, interlock is typically the better long-term decision. An asphalt driveway needs replacement every 12–18 years. An interlock driveway lasts 25–40 years with minimal maintenance — and it looks dramatically better the entire time. We provide a free on-site assessment to walk you through your options.
You may also be interested in…
Ready for a driveway that stays level?
Free on-site assessment with paver samples, measurements, and a line-item estimate. No pressure, no obligation.