Concrete patio vs paver patio for New Brunswick winters?

Both concrete and paver patios can perform well through New Brunswick winters — the difference is in how they handle freeze-thaw movement, and what happens when things go wrong.

A poured concrete patio is a single monolithic slab. When properly specified with air-entrained concrete (25-32 MPa, 4-7% air), adequately reinforced, and correctly jointed, it will handle NB's 150+ annual freeze-thaw cycles well for 30-40 years. The vulnerabilities of concrete are surface scaling (if non-air-entrained concrete was used or de-icing salts are applied to unsealed surfaces) and cracking (which is manageable with proper control joints but visible if it occurs out of plan). When a concrete patio cracks significantly or sections shift, repair is more involved — crack injection, slab levelling, or section replacement.

Paver patios handle frost heave differently because they are not monolithic — individual units can heave and settle without cracking. This is often cited as pavers' big advantage in cold climates: a heaved paver can be relevelled relatively easily. However, pavers require a well-designed compacted base with proper drainage to prevent differential heaving that leaves individual pavers sticking up at different heights, creating trip hazards. NB's clay soils — common in and around Fredericton, Moncton, and Riverview — can cause stubborn frost heave issues that require ongoing relevelling of paver sections year after year.

Cost comparison for NB 2025-2026: A concrete patio runs $10-$18 per square foot fully installed (broom finish). Paver patios typically run $15-$30+ per square foot depending on paver type (concrete pavers vs. natural stone), pattern complexity, and site prep requirements. On a 300 square foot patio, concrete might cost $3,000-$5,400 versus $4,500-$9,000 for pavers. The higher upfront cost of pavers is sometimes offset by lower repair costs later — but this depends heavily on base preparation quality and soil conditions at your specific location.

Maintenance differs significantly. Concrete patios need sealing every 2-3 years and occasional crack filler. Paver patios need joint sand replenishment (polymeric sand) every few years as it washes out, and sections may need relevelling after harsh winters. Weeds growing through paver joints are a common complaint in NB, especially in shadier, moister areas.

For most NB homeowners who want a low-maintenance, durable outdoor space at a reasonable cost, a properly installed concrete patio is the practical choice. Pavers are better suited for homeowners willing to accept ongoing maintenance in exchange for easier spot repairs and greater design flexibility. New Brunswick Concrete can connect you with contractors who install both, so you can get detailed quotes and professional opinions for your specific backyard.