Concrete Resurfacing
Resurfacing worn Ottawa patios, walks and steps with a bonded overlay, and when the slab underneath rules it out.
The resurfacing prices we found come from one vendor only, so we do not quote a range. Ask for the product name and the surface preparation in writing.
Find a Concrete ProAbout Concrete Resurfacing
Resurfacing puts a thin bonded layer over sound concrete to renew a worn, scaled or stained surface. It only works if the slab underneath is sound: an overlay will not stop a slab that is heaving, settling or cracking through, because that movement comes from below. Ask the contractor to tell you in writing why the base slab is suitable.
We did not find a Building Code clause written for exterior overlays. The 2024 Ontario Building Code's concrete standard for exterior flatwork is 32 MPa at 28 days with a water-to-cement ratio no higher than 0.45 (Div. B, 9.3.1.6. and 9.3.1.7.), and an overlay product carries its own maker's instructions for preparation, temperature and curing. Ask which product will be used and for its instructions.
Where the City right of way is involved, the Access By-law (No. 2026-139) exempts resurfacing an access from its permit when the location, dimensions and grading do not change. Anything that changes the access needs a permit. Since March 1, 2026 the City of Ottawa requires a hardscaping contractor licence for any business that installs or alters concrete pads, patios, walkways, steps, driveways or retaining walls on private property.
Ask to see the licence and check the City's list of licensed hardscaping contractors yourself; we do not check it for you. The Licensing By-law excludes "minor repairs or minor alterations" from the hardscaping licence and does not define "minor", so ask the City whether your job counts.
What This Work Covers
- Check that the slab underneath is sound
- Surface preparation to the product maker's instructions
- Crack treatment before the overlay
- Broom, stamped or coloured overlay finish
- Sealer if the product calls for it
Popular For
Common questions about concrete resurfacing
- Faded stamped patio in Westboro: resurface, reseal or replace?
- Resurface or reseal a faded patio in Orleans?
- Who checks the slab is sound before an overlay in Ottawa?
- Should an Ottawa resurfacing quote name the product used?
- Does the Code set different rules for coloured concrete in Ontario?
- How often should stamped concrete in Ottawa be resealed?
- Why does a stamped patio cost more than broom finish in Stittsville?
- How thick should a concrete front walk be in Kanata?
Other Concrete Services
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Poured concrete front and side walkways in Ottawa, including the zoning width limit and the City rules where a walk meets the sidewalk.
Concrete Steps
Poured and precast concrete front steps and stoops in Ottawa, with the 2024 Building Code rules for footings, risers, handrails and guards.
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New and replacement concrete garage floors in Ottawa, with what the 2024 Building Code says about strength, thickness, base and drainage.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped and coloured concrete patios, walkways and steps in Ottawa: published price envelope, sealing and the same Code standard as plain flatwork.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate concrete patios, walks and steps in Ottawa: the published price range, the finish and the Code standard underneath.
Concrete Repair
Cracked, scaling, spalling or sunken concrete patios, walks and steps in Ottawa: what the symptom points to and when replacement is the answer.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us about your concrete resurfacing job and we'll send it to local concrete contractors in Ottawa. They reply by email.