Concrete Patio Cost in Ottawa: Size It, Then Price It
About $9 to $15 per sq ft, plain broom finish
Small jobs often hit a minimum charge of about $5,500, according to two Ottawa price pages. Published 2025-26 Ottawa-area prices, not quotes.
Reviewed 2026-09-30 · how we set these ranges
A plain broom-finish concrete patio is the starting point for every concrete price on this site. Enter the size of the patio you have in mind to see where it sits against published Ottawa-area prices, and whether it falls under the minimum charge two Ottawa price pages describe.
Size your job
$9 to $15 per sq ft
Published band for this finish. Enter a size to see the area math.
Get quotes for thisAn illustration from published 2025-26 prices, not a quote. Excavation, removal, disposal and extras can be added.
What shows up in the quote
| Line | Published figure | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab, broom finish | About $9 to $15 per sq ft | Slab thickness and base depth in writing (the Code sets neither for a patio) |
| Minimum charge | Small-job minimum (see the note above) | Whether a minimum applies to your size |
| Removal of an old slab | About $1,000 to $5,000+ per project (one national cost page) | Removal and disposal as their own line |
| Disposal at Trail Road | $144 per tonne for concrete without rebar | Whether disposal is in the price |
The rules behind this job
The 2024 Ontario Building Code standard for exterior flatwork and garage floors is at least 32 MPa at 28 days with a water-to-cement ratio no higher than 0.45. Site-batched concrete for those uses needs 5 to 8% entrained air; ready-mix follows CSA A23.1.
O. Reg. 163/24, Div. B, 9.3.1.6 and 9.3.1.7The City of Ottawa lists landscaping among projects that do not need a building permit, and its patio page exempts a patio supported directly on the ground when its conditions are met. Designated heritage properties are not exempt.
City of Ottawa, Projects not requiring building permits; Tents, patios, awnings and canopiesWhen the air is below 5 °C, the Code requires concrete to be kept between 10 °C and 25 °C while mixed and placed, and at not less than 10 °C for 72 hours after placing; no frozen material or ice may be used.
O. Reg. 163/24, Div. B, 9.3.1.9Since March 1, 2026 the City of Ottawa has required a hardscaping contractor licence for businesses that install or alter concrete pads, patios, walkways, steps, driveways and retaining walls on private property. Licence holders must carry at least $2,000,000 of commercial general liability insurance and give clients the City's Landscaping Education Guide. Ask to see the licence and check the City's list yourself; we do not check it.
City of Ottawa, Hardscaping Contractor Licence
Ask before you sign
- What slab thickness and base depth will you use, in writing?
- Is there a minimum charge, and does my patio fall under it?
- Is removal and disposal of the old slab included?
- What cold-weather protection is in the price if the air is below 5 °C?
More on this work: Concrete Patios & Pads
Concrete Pro IQ answers behind this page
- Is $15 a square foot fair for a plain concrete patio in Orleans?
- What should I budget for a broom-finish patio in Kanata?
- What is the going rate for a plain concrete patio slab in Ottawa?
- Why do small concrete jobs in Ottawa hit a $5,500 minimum?
- What base should go under a concrete patio in Kanata?
- Hot tub pad pricing in Greely: what should I expect?
Quick answers
Does the Building Code set a patio thickness?
We found no thickness, base depth, mesh or vapour barrier for an exterior patio in the 2024 Ontario Building Code. The 75 mm minimum is for floors-on-ground such as garage slabs. Ask for the thickness in writing.
Why can a small patio cost more than the area math?
Two Ottawa price pages describe a small-job minimum (see the note at the top). They state it without a breakdown, so ask each contractor whether a minimum applies and what it covers.
Want this done at your place?
Tell us about your concrete job and we'll send it to local Ottawa concrete contractors, who reply by email. We send it out to local contractors for you. Free, no pressure.