How much does it cost to convert a concrete slab patio to pavers in Ottawa?

Converting an old concrete slab patio to pavers in Ottawa generally costs $30 to $55 per square foot all-in, with the total for a typical 300-square-foot conversion landing between $9,000 and $16,500. The process involves more than just swapping surfaces — the concrete needs to come out and a proper base needs to go in, which is what drives the cost above a standard new paver patio installation.

Breaking Down the Conversion Costs

Concrete removal is the first major expense. A 300-square-foot slab that's 4 inches thick produces roughly 5 to 6 cubic yards of concrete rubble weighing close to 10 tonnes. Professional demolition and removal costs $3 to $6 per square foot, or about $900 to $1,800 for the full slab. This includes breaking the concrete with a hydraulic breaker or skid-steer, loading the debris, and hauling it to a recycling facility. If the slab has rebar reinforcement, expect costs toward the higher end because cutting and separating rebar slows the process significantly.

With the concrete out, you're essentially starting fresh. The base preparation — excavation to proper depth, subgrade compaction, installation of 8 to 10 inches of Granular A compacted in lifts, and a 1-inch limestone screening setting bed — costs roughly the same as any new patio base. In Ottawa's clay-heavy areas, you may also need to address drainage issues that the old slab was masking. Concrete slabs often sit on minimal base material, and once removed, you may discover soft or poorly draining subsoil that needs additional excavation and granular fill. Budget an extra $500 to $1,500 as a contingency for subgrade surprises.

Paver installation itself runs $20 to $35 per square foot for standard interlocking concrete pavers laid in a running bond or herringbone pattern. Premium pavers, natural stone, or complex patterns with multiple colours push costs higher. Polymeric sand, edge restraints, and compaction bring the installation portion to roughly $6,000 to $10,500 for a 300-square-foot area.

There's an alternative approach worth considering: overlaying pavers directly on the existing concrete slab. If the slab is structurally sound — no major cracks, heaving, or settlement — you can install pavers on top using a thin sand or pedestal system. This method costs $18 to $30 per square foot and eliminates demolition costs entirely. The catch in Ottawa is that the slab must be in genuinely good condition with proper drainage away from the house. A slab that's already heaving or cracking from Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles will only get worse under the pavers, and you'll be tearing everything up within a few years.

The overlay approach also raises the finished surface height by 3 to 4 inches, which can create issues with door thresholds, steps, and grading. These details need careful evaluation before committing to the overlay method.

Whether you're removing an old slab or exploring an overlay, Ottawa Patios can evaluate your existing concrete and recommend the most cost-effective path to the paver patio you're after.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Floor-2-Wall Inc
• Azalea Landscaping
• Steven Labelle - Your Complete Home Renovator

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