Short answer: in Ontario, “interlocking stone” and “pavers” usually mean the same thing: small concrete paving stones laid on a compacted gravel base and locked together by the sand in the joints and a solid edge. Paving slabs are the larger, thinner pieces used for patios and walkways, and they are not built to carry a car. Natural stone covers flagstone, armour stone and solid stone steps. Installed interlocking in Toronto runs $24 – $30 per sq ft; see the full interlocking cost breakdown.
Interlocking Stone vs. Pavers vs. Slabs at a Glance
| Pavers (interlock) | Paving slabs | |
| Size | Small units that lock together | Large, thin flat pieces |
| Thickness | 60 mm patios, 80 mm driveways | About 50 mm |
| Driveways | Yes | No |
| Best for | Driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks | Patios and walkways |
| Repairs | Lift and reset single stones | Swap single slabs |
What Is Interlocking Stone?
Interlocking stone is a concrete paver made to fit tightly against its neighbours. It is laid on a compacted gravel base and a thin bedding layer, then sand is swept into the joints. The sand, the shape of the stones and an edge restraint around the outside keep every piece from moving, so the surface flexes a little with frost instead of cracking the way poured concrete or asphalt can. That is why interlock is the most common choice for Ontario driveways, walkways and patios.
Stones come in many sizes, colours and textures, from small rectangles and cobble looks to large-format squares. Most jobs mix one main colour with a contrasting border, like the patios on this page.
Are Pavers Different from Interlocking Stone?
Not really. “Paver” is the general word for any unit used to pave a surface, and in the GTA most people mean concrete interlocking pavers when they say it. The difference that matters is thickness and use: 80 mm pavers for driveways, where cars turn on them, and 60 mm pavers for walkways, patios and pool decks. Brick and natural-stone pavers exist too, but concrete interlock is the standard in Ontario because it handles freeze-thaw cycles and road salt well.
What Are Paving Slabs?
Paving slabs are big flat pieces, usually 12 to 24 inches or more on a side and about 2 inches thick. They give a sleek, modern look with fewer joints, and they suit patios, walkways and steps. Because they are thinner and wider, they can crack under heavy loads, so they are not used for driveways.
Why Choose Interlocking Stone?
- Handles Ontario winters. The joints let the surface move slightly with frost instead of cracking, and good concrete pavers resist road salt.
- Easy repairs. If a stone is stained or damaged, or a utility line has to be dug up, the stones are lifted and put back. No patching.
- Drains well. Water soaks through the joints instead of sitting on the surface, so a well-built patio stays drier than concrete.
- Safer underfoot. Textured stones grip better around pools and on steps than smooth concrete.
- Low upkeep. Sweep and rinse, top up the joint sand every few years, and seal it if you want the colour to stay rich.
- Adds curb appeal. A new interlock driveway or walkway changes the whole front of a house.
Where Interlocking Stone Is Used
Our crews install interlock for driveways and walkways, backyard patios, pool decks, front steps, raised planters and retaining walls. A few recent jobs:
How Much Does Interlocking Stone Cost?
Installed interlocking in Toronto and the GTA runs $24 to $30 per sq ft, including excavation, the compacted gravel base, the stone, the edge restraint and the joint sand. The stone alone is about $5 to $7 per sq ft. A 200 sq ft front walkway is about $4,800 to $6,000. Full prices are in our interlocking cost guide.
How to Choose for Your Project
- Driveway: 80 mm interlocking pavers on a deep base. Slabs are not an option.
- Front walkway: 60 mm pavers or large-format pavers; slabs work if there is no vehicle traffic.
- Patio or pool deck: any of the three. Pavers are the most forgiving, slabs look the most modern.
- Steps: solid stone or precast steps, often with interlock landings.
- Colour: pick one that works with the brick and roof, and add a border in a darker tone to frame the space.
Not sure which one your yard needs? We come out, measure and help you pick. See how we work on our interlocking installation page.
Get a free quote
Tell us the property address and what you need. We come out, look at the job and send you a written price. Or call 416-831-7076.