How much does concrete resurfacing cost?
Nationally, the average cost for concrete resurfacing is $3 to $10 per square foot, depending on the condition of the original concrete and local labor costs. For smaller projects, some contractors charge a flat fee of at least $500 to $1,000. The new concrete must also be sealed, which costs $20 to $80 per gallon.
From concrete driveways to walkways to patios, most homes have concrete laid in either the front or back yards. They may have concrete floors in the basement or a concrete garage floor. Over time, concrete can crack, weeds may start to grow and surfaces may sink. That's when you'll want to consider resurfacing your concrete.
Resurfacing involves cleaning and repairing the concrete, then overlaying it with a new surface. In some cases, resurfacing costs can be lower than the cost of removing and pouring new concrete.
What's in this cost guide?
Cost of concrete resurfacing per square foot
Concrete contractors generally charge $3 to $10 per square foot for resurfacing, depending on the condition of the original concrete and local labor costs. For smaller projects, some contractors charge a flat fee of at least $500 to $1,000. Nationally, the average cost for resurfacing a 500-square-foot driveway ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The new concrete must also be sealed, which costs $20 to $80 per gallon.
What affects the cost of concrete resurfacing?
The cost of a concrete resurfacing project depends largely on the state of the concrete and the size of the area that needs to be worked on. A concrete resurfacer will assess the condition of your concrete and check for damage or large cracks. Resurfacing is significantly less expensive than tearing out old concrete and replacing it with new material.
Steps in concrete resurfacing
The resurfacing process has multiple steps, starting with power-washing the surface, using a pressure washer. Next comes concrete repair, in which cracks and holes are fixed, often with an epoxy mortar.
Then the surface is primed and covered with a layer of spray-on polymer concrete, ranging from 1/16 of an inch to 1-inch thick. Optionally, the concrete surface can then be colored and sealed.
Some concrete specialists, such as Level Best Concrete Solutions in Crown Point, Indiana, specialize in a concrete-leveling process called “mudjacking.” Polyurethane foam is pumped through a concrete slab that has sunk or shifted to support and lift the slab until it’s even again. Then, the concrete can be resurfaced to appear like new.
Decorative additions
Decorative concrete overlays cost more than basic poured concrete, ranging from $4 to $12 per square foot for a stamped pattern, for example.
Resurfacing can also include adding ornate layers such as flagstone, brick or stone patterns to the concrete. The surface can be stamped or etched to look like stone, which is a much less expensive option than laying actual stone. Alternatively, homeowners can have small stones embedded in the new surface.
Homeowners looking to improve their curb appeal and customize their home's exterior should consider driveway resurfacing, or adding a stamped concrete pattern to their pool deck. A decorative overlay could be a lovely addition to your front walkway. Talk to a concrete pro and ask about resurfacing products that can help your project stand out.
Of course, decorative concrete overlays cost more than basic poured concrete, ranging from $4 to $12 per square foot for a stamped pattern, for example.
Why hire a concrete resurfacing pro?
While it may seem appealing to tackle DIY resurfacing, here's the reality: It's not an easy job to take on yourself.
Sure, you may be able to do some prep or pressure washing to help save costs, but the actual repair and resealing process is a job for a pro. Hauling around 40-pound bags of concrete is not a fun weekend project. And if you want long-lasting results, and many design options with resurfaced concrete, contact a local concrete company for an estimate.
Find concrete resurfacing pros near you
Give your concrete a much-needed upgrade. Compare several concrete contractors in your area, and reach out to them start receiving free cost estimates.
