How much does it cost to tear out and replace a 20-year-old interlock driveway in Vancouver?

Tearing out and replacing a 20-year-old interlock driveway in Metro Vancouver typically costs $12,000-$28,000 for a standard 500-800 sq ft driveway, with removal adding $3,000-$6,000 to the total project cost compared to a new installation on bare ground.

The removal process involves lifting existing pavers (which may be salvageable depending on condition), excavating the old base material, and disposing of deteriorated aggregate at approved facilities. Twenty-year-old interlock installations often have inadequate base depth by today's standards — many were built with only 4-6 inches of base when current best practices require 10-12 inches for driveways in Metro Vancouver's wet climate. The old base material is typically contaminated with clay, organic matter, and fine particles that have migrated upward over two decades, destroying its drainage capacity and structural integrity.

Removal costs break down to approximately $4-$8 per sq ft depending on access, disposal requirements, and whether the existing pavers can be salvaged. Properties with good truck access to the driveway see lower removal costs, while homes requiring manual removal and wheelbarrow transport to the street can double the labour time. The existing pavers may have value if they're in good condition — Holland pavers and other standard shapes from quality manufacturers can often be cleaned and reused for garden paths, fire pit areas, or sold to offset project costs. However, pavers that have been sealed multiple times, are heavily stained, or show significant wear may only be suitable for disposal.

The new installation follows current best practices with 10-12 inches of compacted granular base (Class II road base or equivalent), geotextile fabric separation between the clay subgrade and base, proper edge restraints, and 80mm pavers rated for vehicular traffic. Modern installations also include improved drainage design with perforated pipe at low points and connection to the municipal storm system where required. Polymeric sand in the joints provides superior weed resistance and joint stability compared to the regular sand that was standard 20 years ago.

Additional considerations for Metro Vancouver driveway replacements include potential upgrades to municipal standards — some municipalities now require wider driveway approaches, specific drainage connections, or permeable paving in certain areas. The City of Vancouver and other municipalities offer incentives for permeable paver installations that reduce stormwater runoff. If your property has clay-heavy soil (common in Surrey, Richmond, Delta, and Langley), expect additional excavation depth and base preparation to ensure long-term stability.

Timeline for a complete driveway replacement is typically 3-5 days — one day for removal and disposal, 1-2 days for excavation and base preparation, and 1-2 days for paver installation and finishing. Weather delays are common during Metro Vancouver's October-to-March rainy season, so spring and summer installations proceed more predictably.

Hire a professional for this scope of work — driveway replacement requires heavy equipment for removal, proper disposal permits, precision excavation, and professional-grade compaction equipment. The investment in proper base preparation and drainage design determines whether your new driveway lasts 10 years or 30+ years in Metro Vancouver's challenging climate.

Need help finding an experienced interlock contractor for your driveway replacement? Vancouver Interlock can match you with professionals who understand Metro Vancouver's specific installation requirements and have the equipment to handle removal and disposal efficiently.