What is the typical cost to remove and replace an old patio in Ottawa?

Removing and replacing an old patio in Ottawa involves two distinct phases of work, each with its own cost drivers. For a standard 200-square-foot patio, most Ottawa homeowners spend between $6,500 and $14,000 all-in, though the final number depends heavily on what you're tearing out and what you're putting down.

The demolition and removal phase typically runs $1,500 to $3,500 for a 200-square-foot area. Concrete slab removal is the most labour-intensive, often requiring saw-cutting and jackhammering at $8 to $15 per square foot. Old interlocking pavers are faster to pull up, usually $4 to $8 per square foot, and the pavers themselves may have some salvage value. Flagstone set in mortar falls somewhere in between. Disposal fees at Ottawa-area landfills like Trail Road add $150 to $400 depending on tonnage, and most contractors include a bin rental in their demolition quote.

What many homeowners don't anticipate is the base condition underneath. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles—over 50 per winter—can wreak havoc on granular bases over time. If the existing base has heaved, settled unevenly, or lost its compaction, you're essentially starting from scratch. A full base rebuild with 8 to 12 inches of Granular A, machine-compacted in lifts, adds $3 to $6 per square foot. If the old base is still solid and well-draining, a contractor may be able to re-grade and top it up for $1 to $3 per square foot, saving you a significant chunk of the budget.

The replacement surface is the biggest variable. Standard interlocking pavers run $18 to $28 per square foot installed on a proper base. Stamped concrete comes in at $16 to $25. Natural flagstone with a polymeric sand or mortar setting bed ranges from $25 to $40. These prices include the new bedding layer, edge restraints, and finishing work.

Timing matters in Ottawa. The building season runs roughly May through October, and contractors are busiest in June and July. Booking your tear-out for early May or September can sometimes shave 5 to 10 percent off labour costs simply because crews have more availability. If your old patio has drainage issues—water pooling against the foundation, for instance—the replacement is a good opportunity to correct grading and add drainage provisions, which adds $500 to $1,500 but prevents much costlier basement water problems down the road.

Get at least three detailed quotes that separate demolition, base work, and surface installation so you can compare apples to apples. Ottawa's patio contractors can walk you through the options and help you understand where your specific project falls in the cost range.

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• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• JC Carpentry
• Humble Homes - property maintenance
• Brazeau Service
• Custom By Arie