How much does stamped concrete cost compared to regular concrete in NB?

Stamped concrete costs roughly 50–100% more than plain broom-finish concrete in New Brunswick. Broom-finish runs $8–$15 per square foot installed; stamped concrete runs $12–$20 per square foot for most residential projects.

The price gap exists because stamped concrete requires specialized tools (pattern stamps, texture rollers), integral colour or colour hardener, a release agent to prevent stamps from sticking, and significantly more skilled labour. The stamping window — the time between when the concrete is firm enough to stamp without sinking and when it's too hard to accept the impression — is measured in minutes, not hours. Experienced stamping crews know exactly when to move and work fast. For a 300-square-foot patio, that could mean a $600–$1,500 premium over plain concrete for the same square footage. On a 600-square-foot driveway, the premium climbs to $1,200–$3,000 or more.

In New Brunswick's climate, stamped concrete carries additional long-term costs to factor in. The colour hardener surface layer that gives stamped concrete its colour and texture can be vulnerable to NB's 150+ annual freeze-thaw cycles if not properly sealed and maintained. An acrylic or polyurethane sealer should be applied within the first month after the pour and reapplied annually or every two years, especially on driveways that see road salt. Budget $1–$3 per square foot per sealing application. Skipping sealers on stamped concrete in NB leads to fading colour, surface spalling, and a surface that looks much worse than plain concrete would.

Stamped concrete also requires the same air-entrained mix as any exterior concrete in NB — this is non-negotiable regardless of finish type. Any contractor who says air entrainment isn't necessary for stamped concrete because "it has a sealer on it" is not someone you should trust with the project.

For homeowners in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John looking at stamped concrete for a patio or entryway, the results can be genuinely beautiful. Just go in with realistic expectations about maintenance. New Brunswick Concrete can connect you with experienced stamped concrete contractors in your area — this is not the right project for a crew doing it for the first time.