What's a realistic cost per square foot for a 6-inch reinforced concrete driveway in the Moncton area including excavation, gravel base, and a basic broom finish?

For a 6-inch reinforced concrete driveway in the Moncton area, expect to pay $12-$18 per square foot fully installed, including excavation, gravel base, and broom finish. This puts a typical two-car driveway (400-600 square feet) in the $5,000-$10,000 range.

The 6-inch thickness is excellent for New Brunswick conditions — it provides the structural strength to handle frost heave and heavy vehicle loads while lasting 25-40 years when properly installed with air-entrained concrete. Here's how the costs break down in the Moncton market:

Material costs account for roughly 40% of the total. Air-entrained ready-mix concrete (essential for NB's 150+ annual freeze-thaw cycles) runs $190-$240 per cubic yard delivered. A 500 square foot driveway at 6 inches thick requires about 9 cubic yards, so expect $1,700-$2,200 just for concrete. Add welded wire mesh at $3-$5 per sheet, rebar for the edges, and a quality penetrating sealer for another $400-$600 in materials.

Labour and equipment make up the remaining 60%. Excavation to 12-14 inches deep (6 inches concrete plus 6-8 inches compacted gravel base) runs $3-$6 per square foot depending on soil conditions and access. In Moncton's clay-heavy soils, excavation can be more challenging when wet, potentially pushing costs toward the higher end. The gravel base, typically 3/4-inch crushed stone, adds $2-$3 per square foot including delivery and compaction.

Moncton-specific factors that influence pricing include the city's established concrete industry with good competition among contractors, which helps keep prices reasonable. However, Moncton's location means some ready-mix plants may charge delivery fees for certain neighborhoods, and the area's clay soils can complicate excavation during wet periods in spring and fall.

The 6-inch thickness is worth the extra cost in New Brunswick. While you'll pay about $2-$3 more per square foot compared to a 4-inch driveway, the additional strength dramatically reduces cracking from frost heave and heavy loads. Combined with proper reinforcement (welded wire mesh plus rebar around the perimeter), this creates a driveway that can handle Maritime winters for decades.

Timing affects pricing significantly. Book for May through September installation to avoid cold-weather concrete surcharges. Late-season pours (October-November) may add 15-25% to the total cost due to heating requirements and weather protection measures.

Always get quotes from at least three contractors, as pricing can vary 30-40% for identical scope. Verify that quotes include air-entrained concrete, proper reinforcement, and that the contractor carries liability insurance and preferably WorkSafeNB coverage.

Need help finding a professional concrete contractor? New Brunswick Concrete can match you with experienced driveway specialists in the Moncton area for free estimates on your project.