How much does resurfacing a stamped concrete driveway cost in Ottawa if the pattern is worn but the base is solid?

Resurfacing a stamped concrete driveway in Ottawa typically costs $8 to $16 per square foot when the base is solid but the surface pattern and colour have worn away. For an average Ottawa driveway (40-60 square metres), expect to budget $3,200 to $9,600 for professional resurfacing.

The cost depends on the resurfacing method you choose. Concrete overlay resurfacing involves applying a new 10-15mm layer of decorative concrete over the existing surface, then re-stamping the pattern and applying fresh colour. This is the most common approach and runs $8 to $12 per square foot in Ottawa. Polymer-modified overlay systems offer superior adhesion and flexibility for Ottawa's freeze-thaw conditions but cost $12 to $16 per square foot.

Ottawa's extreme climate makes proper surface preparation critical for overlay success. The existing concrete must be thoroughly cleaned, etched, and tested for soundness. Any loose, scaling, or spalling concrete must be repaired first. Cracks wider than 3mm need crack injection or routing and sealing before overlay application. The existing surface must also be checked for proper drainage slope — standing water will destroy any overlay within 2-3 winters.

Timing is crucial in Ottawa's short concrete season. Overlay work requires consistent temperatures above 10°C during application and curing, with no freezing for 72 hours after placement. This realistically limits the work window to May through October. The overlay must also cure for 28 days before exposure to deicing salts, so work completed after September risks salt damage during the first winter.

Consider the underlying concrete age and condition carefully. If your stamped concrete is more than 15-20 years old and showing signs of structural cracking, spalling, or settlement, resurfacing may only provide 5-8 years of additional life. In these cases, full replacement might offer better long-term value. However, if the base concrete is sound with only surface wear from Ottawa's UV exposure and salt damage, a quality overlay can provide 10-15 years of renewed service life.

Alternative approaches include concrete staining ($4 to $8 per square foot) if the existing stamped pattern is acceptable but colour has faded, or decorative concrete coatings ($6 to $12 per square foot) that can create new textures over the worn surface.

When to Hire a Pro: Concrete resurfacing requires specialized materials, precise mixing ratios, proper surface preparation, and expert timing for Ottawa's climate conditions. The overlay must bond perfectly to the existing concrete and cure properly before winter exposure. This is definitely professional-grade work requiring experienced concrete contractors familiar with overlay systems and Ottawa's freeze-thaw environment.

Find local concrete and paving professionals through the Ottawa Construction Network to get multiple quotes and ensure your contractor has specific experience with decorative concrete overlays in Ottawa's challenging climate.