How much does a concrete driveway cost in Saint John NB?

A standard concrete driveway in Saint John NB costs $8-$15 per square foot fully installed for a broom-finish surface, putting a typical two-car driveway (400-600 square feet) in the range of $4,000-$8,000 in 2025-2026.

Saint John's market reflects NB-average pricing -- roughly 10-20% below the national Canadian average -- but costs vary significantly based on project specifics. The single largest variables are the existing driveway condition, site access, and the concrete specification required.

Breaking down the cost components for a Saint John driveway:

Removal of existing driveway: If you have an asphalt or concrete driveway that needs to come out, expect $2-$5 per square foot for removal and disposal. Old asphalt removal on a 500 square foot driveway adds $1,000-$2,500 to the project.

Excavation and base preparation: A properly built NB driveway requires a minimum 6-inch compacted gravel base beneath the concrete. Excavation and gravel costs run $2-$4 per square foot depending on depth required and whether the soil is fill, clay, or rocky -- all common in the Saint John area. Budget $1,000-$2,000 for a typical driveway.

Concrete material: At $190-$240 per cubic yard for air-entrained mix (essential for Saint John's coastal and freeze-thaw conditions), a 500 square foot driveway at 5 inches thick requires approximately 7-8 cubic yards -- roughly $1,500-$1,900 in concrete alone.

Labour: Forming, reinforcement (wire mesh), pour, finish, control joints, and basic sealer run $3-$6 per square foot for the concrete crew. On a 500 square foot driveway, labour is $1,500-$3,000.

Putting it together: a straightforward 500 square foot driveway replacement in Saint John, with existing removal, proper base, air-entrained 25 MPa concrete, reinforcement, broom finish, and basic sealer, typically runs $5,500-$9,000 depending on the contractor and site conditions.

For stamped or exposed aggregate concrete, add $4-$6 per square foot for decorative finishing -- bringing a 500 square foot stamped driveway to $7,000-$12,000 or more.

Saint John-specific considerations: the city's coastal location on the Bay of Fundy means salt air is an additional stressor on concrete. Specify 30-32 MPa air-entrained concrete with a water-to-cement ratio below 0.45 for best longevity in Saint John conditions. Budget for sealing every 2-3 years as routine maintenance.

Prices fluctuate with concrete material costs, fuel, and contractor availability. Always get 3 quotes -- prices vary 30-50% between NB contractors for identical scope. New Brunswick Concrete can match you with qualified local contractors in the Saint John area for free.