What is the price of ready-mix concrete per cubic yard in New Brunswick?

Ready-mix concrete in New Brunswick is priced between $180 and $260 per cubic yard delivered in 2025–2026, depending on the mix specification, delivery distance, and order volume. Standard 25 MPa (3,500 PSI) mix runs $180–$220 per yard, while air-entrained exterior-grade mix (25–32 MPa) costs $190–$240 per yard.

Air-entrained mix costs $10–$20 more per yard than standard mix, but it is mandatory for any concrete exposed to NB's freeze-thaw cycles — driveways, patios, walkways, steps, porches, and exterior slabs. The small premium is the best money you can spend on an outdoor concrete project in New Brunswick. High-early strength mix (32+ MPa) for cold weather pours or fast-turnaround commercial work runs $210–$260 per yard. Fibre-reinforced mix adds $15–$30 per yard for synthetic polypropylene fibre or $30–$50 per yard for steel fibre.

Short-load surcharges apply when you order less than the minimum load — typically 3–4 cubic yards in NB. If your project requires less than a full truck load, expect a surcharge of $75–$150. This is why small projects (fence post footings, small repair pads) often use bagged Bomix or Quikrete from the lumber yard instead of ready-mix. Bagged mix runs $5–$8 per 30 kg bag at NB building supply stores and makes about 0.5 cubic feet — perfectly fine for small sonotubes or patching, but not practical or economical for slabs or foundations.

For reference on volume: one cubic yard covers 80 square feet at 4 inches thick, 65 square feet at 5 inches thick, or 54 square feet at 6 inches thick. A 500-square-foot driveway at 5 inches deep requires roughly 7.7 cubic yards, so material cost alone is approximately $1,460–$1,850 before labour, forming, or base preparation.

NB has ready-mix plants serving all major centres — Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, Bathurst, Miramichi, and Campbellton. Rural delivery may incur additional charges for long hauls, as concrete has a working life of roughly 90 minutes in the drum. In warm weather this window shortens, so timing and site access matter.