Concrete Patios & Walkways

Concrete patios and walkways transform New Brunswick outdoor spaces into functional living areas that endure the province's demanding four-season climate far longer than interlocking pavers, natural stone, or wood decking when properly installed. While NB homeowners enjoy their patios primarily from May through October, the concrete must survive the other six months of freeze-thaw cycling, snow loads, ice buildup, and de-icing chemical exposure without cracking, heaving, or surface deterioration. The key to a long-lasting NB concrete patio is starting below the surface. The subgrade must be excavated to remove all organic topsoil and soft fill, then backfilled with 150-200mm (6-8 inches) of compacted granular base material that drains freely and resists frost heave. In NB's clay-heavy river valley soils, this granular base is essential — clay soils retain water, and when that water freezes beneath a patio slab, the expanding ice lifts the concrete unevenly, creating trip hazards and structural cracks. Sandy soils in coastal NB areas are more forgiving but still require compacted gravel base for uniform support. Proper drainage grading is critical for NB patios: the slab must slope away from the house at a minimum 2% grade (1/4 inch per foot) to direct snowmelt and rain away from the foundation. Ponding water on a patio surface in NB accelerates freeze-thaw damage and creates ice hazards. Control joints at 8-10 foot intervals guide inevitable shrinkage cracking into straight, inconspicuous lines. NB patios are poured at 100mm (4 inches) minimum thickness using air-entrained concrete rated for exterior exposure, with welded wire mesh or synthetic fibre reinforcement to add tensile strength. Finishing options range from broom-finish (standard texture that provides excellent slip resistance on wet and icy surfaces — the most practical choice for NB conditions) to exposed aggregate (decorative finish using coloured stones that provides natural texture and grip), smooth trowel (sleek appearance but dangerously slippery when wet or icy — not recommended for NB climate), and stamped concrete (see our dedicated stamped concrete service for decorative options). A standard NB concrete patio (200-400 square feet) costs $3,000 to $8,000 installed, including excavation, gravel base, forming, reinforcement, pouring, and finishing. Walkways (3-4 feet wide, 20-50 linear feet) run $1,500 to $5,000. Combined patio and walkway projects offer cost efficiencies through a single mobilization of crew and concrete delivery. NB pricing runs 10-15% below larger Canadian markets for comparable quality work.

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