How Much Does Concrete Resurfacing Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,000 - $5,000
Concrete resurfacing costs an average of $2,000, and most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on a few factors.
Concrete resurfacing costs anywhere from $600 up to $13,000, with an average of $2,000 overall. Ornate designs and multiple layers of stain can push the project costs much higher. Whether it’s your driveway, pool deck, patio, or any paved surface, concrete overlays cost far less than installing a new slab while still delivering that fresh-poured look you’re after.
- Average
- $2,000
- Low end
- $600
- high end
- $13,000
Concrete Resurfacing Cost per Square Foot
You could pay anywhere from $600 up to $13,000 for concrete resurfacing in total, which is a massive range. You can better estimate where your cost falls in that range by measuring the size of the area you’re resurfacing.
Concrete resurfacing costs about $3 to $5 per square foot for a basic, single-stain color, and up to $9 per square foot for extensive damage repair. If you’re interested in stamped concrete or decorative overlays, this could drive up your costs to around $7 to $20 per square foot.
Here’s a breakdown of average costs for specific sizes of concrete surfaces.
| Concrete Area in Square Feet | Average Resurfacing Cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $150–$450 |
| 100 | $300–$900 |
| 200 | $600–$1,800 |
| 500 | $1,500–$4,500 |
| 700 | $2,100–$6,300 |
| 900 | $2,700–$8,100 |
| 1,200 | $3,600–$10,800 |
| 1,500 | $4,500–$13,500 |
Concrete Contractor Costs
The materials for your concrete resurfacing project make up just a small part of your total, often no more than 20%, so the majority of the cost—$1,600 on average—goes toward labor. There are a few things that can make your job more labor-intensive for a concrete contractor, leading to above-average labor costs:
Pressure washing the concrete before resurfacing
Excessive damage to the old concrete, requiring repairs
Sunken or unlevel concrete, which requires mudjacking or concrete leveling
Special concrete finishes, like stamped concrete or acid stained concrete
Additional Concrete Resurfacing Cost Factors
While the cost of concrete resurfacing is mostly dependent on the size and labor, there are a few other important factors to consider for budgeting.
Type of Concrete
The type of concrete you’re resurfacing plays a role in your total project cost. Regular-strength concrete is more likely to crack under weight and with soil movement, so your contractor is more likely to have to carry out extensive surface repairs before laying down the top coat. With these repairs, the cost for regular-strength concrete is about $5 to $9 per square foot.
If your walkway, patio, or driveway is made of high-strength concrete, you should need minimal surface preparation, which means your labor costs should be lower. Similarly, reinforced concrete that has steel rebar installed within the slab is less likely to crack and need surface preparation. However, you’ll pay slightly more for the reinforcement.
| Concrete Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Regular-strength | $5–$9 |
| High-strength | $3–$6 |
| Reinforced | $4–$9 |
Power or Pressure Washing
Power washing is an essential step of concrete resurfacing, as it removes dirt and debris that can compromise the bonding between the old concrete and the new top coat. You can expect to pay around $210 or somewhere between $100 and $500 for a professional to complete the work. You also have the option of doing this portion of the job yourself, but you’ll pay an average of $90 per day for the tool rental.
Repairing or Removing Concrete
Concrete usually needs repairs before the resurfacing process can begin, and depending on the extent of the surface preparation you need, you could spend anywhere from $50 to $3,500 or more.
Concrete spalling—the natural breakdown of concrete from everyday wear and tear—is one thing your contractor will need to address before adding the new surface. Depending on the size and state of the area, this could be anywhere between $300 and $3,500.
If you’re dealing with cracks, the type of crack in your concrete can help you determine the best solution. If you’re only fixing some minor surface cracks or shrinkage cracks in the concrete, your cost might be in the $250 to $800 range. Concrete removal prices for larger, wider cracks could set you back between $200 and $1,000 or more. And don't forget to consider the cost of disposal. If you know how to dispose of concrete in your area, you could save by DIYing this portion of the job.
Leveling the Concrete
If the existing concrete is unlevel or portions of it are sinking below the rest, you’ll need to factor in the cost of concrete leveling. This is usually done by paying through the process of mudjacking, which involves drilling through your slab and pumping cementitious material underneath it to raise it back up. Concrete leveling can cost between $3 and $6 per square foot for outdoor surfaces.
Pouring New Concrete
Once your surface is prepped and ready to go, the concrete application itself costs between $400 and $4,500, in most cases, with most of that money going toward labor.
Concrete Staining or Coloring
If you’re moving away from the basic greige color, you can opt to pay for concrete staining or coloring. Most of the time, concrete coloring doesn’t add anything to your total cost, as the dye is inexpensive and easy to add while your concrete is in the mixer.
Concrete staining can add between $8 and $10 per square foot to your total, as it’s a more labor-intensive job. Acid staining can add up to $13 per square foot, as it’s even more complicated to apply.
You can even create a work of art with multiple colors and intricate, eye-catching patterns, which could cost upward of $25 per square foot.
Overlay Design
The design of your overlay will determine both the thickness and cost of the concrete resurfacing. The more complex the design, the more labor and materials are necessary to reach your desired look.
| Type of Overlay | Cost per Square Foot | Overlay Details |
|---|---|---|
| Microtopping | $3 – $7 | Less than 1/8 of an inch, simple designs, color options |
| Decorative | $6 – $10 | Thicker than 1/8 of an inch, ornate design options, multiple color options |
| Stamped | $5 – $20 | Up to 2 inches thick, more design options, mimics popular stone and pavers |
Sealing Concrete
About a month after resurfacing your concrete slab, consider adding a layer of sealant to protect it from future damage and fading. The cost to seal a concrete slab ranges from $1 to $1.75 per square foot, or about $700 for a 500-square-foot slab. However, the extra layer will keep the new surface stronger for longer, avoiding costly repairs or even the cost of a concrete slab from scratch.
How Much Does Concrete Resurfacing Cost by Project?
Different concrete resurfacing jobs require various weights and finishes. Depending on the type of surface you’re working on, costs can go up or down.
Driveway: Concrete driveway resurfacing costs between $3 to $9 per square foot. If it’s too damaged or crumbly to resurface, the cost of a concrete driveway replacement can run $15 per square foot. Whatever your needs are, a concrete driveway contractor can help achieve the smooth and durable surface you’re after.
Patio: Concrete patio resurfacing costs about $4 per square foot. A concrete resurfacing patio contractor can give you the best estimate based on your needs and wants, like a gorgeous stamped concrete patio detail.
Pool Deck: Pool deck resurfacing costs $2,250 to $3,750 for your basic 750-square-foot deck. The total is higher than the average concrete resurfacing costs because pool decks are often much larger than walkways and patios. Decorative overlays are a higher-end option for pool decks, costing between $5,250 and $9,000. A stamped concrete pool deck overlay falls between $6,000 and $15,000.
Sidewalk: Concrete sidewalk resurfacing jobs cost about $3 to $7 per square foot. The cost to fix a concrete sidewalk and add decorative overlays could result in higher rates, but many municipalities don’t allow for custom surfaces on sidewalks.
Cost to Resurface Concrete Yourself
If you’re up for the task, you can resurface your concrete yourself for around $200 to $400 in materials. Of course, that number can climb as high as $2,000 or more if you’re working on a very large surface.
You can find a 40-pound bag of ready-mix concrete resurfacer for around $30 to $75. If you’re doing a depth of 1/16 of an inch, this will cover about 120 square feet. You’ll also need to rent a power washer for around $90 per day. This will help you clean off any dirt and debris that could compromise the bond between your existing concrete and the new surface.
Additionally, you’ll spend around $175 to $250 for basic tools. Your biggest expense is a mud mixer, which you’ll need to make the concrete and get a good consistency for the top coat. If you already have one in your toolbox, you’ll only need to budget around $35 to $50 for a bucket, finishing trowel, and optional concrete broom.
Tools Required
Mud mixer: $175–$250
Mixing paddle attachment: $15
Finishing trowel: $15
Concrete broom (optional): $15
5-gallon bucket: $5
Cost savings are always alluring, but this isn’t a simple DIY you can do without some thought and preparation. Achieving a smooth surface demands precision and keen attention to detail. A little cracking is normal for concrete, but a botched DIY job could result in excessive cracks and a slumped surface. To guarantee a professional finish, we recommend hiring a concrete resurfacing company near you.
Cost of Common Concrete Resurfacing Add-Ons
While you have your concrete professional on-site, it’s a good idea to get other related projects done. You could save some money on trip fees or minimum fees for other projects by getting them done all at once. Below are some add-on projects you might want to consider:
Concrete removal: If there’s another concrete surface you want demolished and hauled away, expect to pay between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of the slab.
Mudjacking: Maybe a separate concrete surface is sinking, and you want to raise it back to level. Mudjacking will cost between $3 and $6 per square foot for outdoor surfaces, like patios and walkways.
Exterior power washing: Your concrete professional will likely already have a power washer on-site, so you could get your siding, fence, or other materials power-washed, as well. Expect to pay around $210 for a driveway or patio, $150 to $250 for a walkway, around $300 for your siding, and between $150 and $350 for a PVC fence.
Exterior lighting: Exterior lighting around your patio, walkway, or driveway is an easy way to brighten up your property. You could pay around $75 per fixture for solar lights or as much as $150 per fixture for wired lights.
Signs Your Concrete Needs to Be Resurfaced
So, how long does concrete last before it needs resurfacing? While concrete structures last an average of 100 years, driveways and other high-traffic areas typically need major repairs every 25 to 30. It's best to skip the ongoing repairs and opt for resurfacing if you notice any of the following:
There are multiple long cracks across your concrete.
Uneven surfaces are affecting how you use the area.
Cracks and uneven surfaces are causing safety hazards.
Water is pooling around specific areas.
Indoor concrete floors have lost their sheen or smooth surface.
You're consistently fixing potholes, spalling, and cracks after the winter.
How to Save Money on Concrete Resurfacing Costs
The best way to keep concrete resurfacing costs low is to manage ongoing concrete maintenance yourself. Learn how to clean your concrete surface, whether it's indoors or outdoors. There are also a few ways you can save on the work itself:
Limit the area you’re resurfacing. Since concrete resurfacing costs are based largely on the area you need treated, you can save some money on the process by only tackling a portion of the concrete. Aim for large patios and leave less-trafficked walkways as-is.
Choose the type of resurfacing carefully. Opt for a thin microtopping overlay instead of a thicker, more ornate design.
Consider your finishing options. You can add a unique appearance to your yard by choosing a stamped concrete resurfacing, but you’ll pay more for customization. Keep it simple to reduce your costs.
Aim for the off-season. Avoid busy times of the year for concrete pros, such as the late spring and early summer.
Handle the concrete sealing process yourself. If you’re comfortable working with concrete, consider attempting the resurfacing yourself to save an average of around $1,600.
Ginny Bartolone contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether or not resurfacing concrete is worth it depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage below the top layer of concrete is too extreme, the concrete resurfacing cost may not be worth it, and it’s better to replace it. However, if your concrete has some standard wear and tear, resurfacing can extend its lifespan by adding a protective layer that shields it from future damage—without the cost of replacing the entire slab. Speak with a licensed concrete specialist to determine if resurfacing is the best choice.
The difference between resurfacing and refinishing is that refinishing only works on solid surfaces that are in good condition, whereas resurfacing will restore a cracked or worn surface to its original, blemish-free state. Refinishing will leave you with a smooth and glossy surface you can’t get from resurfacing alone. If that’s the look you’re going for, contact a local concrete finishing contractor to achieve it.
Concrete blemishes such as chipped steps or small cracks are fixable with patching. For bigger jobs, including driveway repair and cracks wider than a 1/4 of an inch, patches will only serve as a temporary fix. Resurfacing is ideal when the surface is showing more widespread wear—like if it’s pitted, rough, or has lots of cracks. Resurfacing gives your concrete a fresh, like-new appearance without needing a full replacement.
When the concrete is severely cracked, sinking, or otherwise structurally unsound, replacing it might be your best option. Replacement ensures the safety and longevity of the surface in this case.
The best—and most popular—time of year to resurface a concrete driveway is the late spring. Concrete damage often peaks in the winter as the ground freezes and thaws. Waiting until late spring allows the ground to soften fully, so you don't run the risk of more damage from a sudden cold snap.