Should I Repair or Replace My Concrete Patio?
Replacing a concrete patio is more expensive than repairing it, but it will look better and last longer.
The average cost to replace a concrete patio is around $10 per square foot, with prices ranging from $4 to $15.
Most homeowners pay between $2 and $4 per square foot for concrete patio repairs, making it a more affordable option.
If repairing the damages will total 50% or more of the replacement cost, you’re better off splurging on a replacement for greater value.
In most cases, it’s more affordable to repair your concrete patio than replace it, totaling an average of $2 per square foot less for the appropriate repairs. However, a brand-new concrete patio will look better and last longer, so depending on the total repair cost, you may get more value out of a full replacement.
Is It Worth It to Repair a Concrete Patio?
Deciding whether it’s better to repair or replace your existing concrete patio comes down to more than just cost. Consider the following factors to help you decide which is the right option for you.
| Repair | Replace |
|---|---|
| Surface is faded but in good physical condition | Surface is badly damaged with areas of spalling |
| Short hairline cracks in the surface | Cracks that are more than 1/8-inch wide |
| It’s less than 15 years old | Cracks with one side rising above the other |
How Long Does a Concrete Patio Last?
A concrete patio routinely lasts for 30 years or more, depending largely on the climate and soil conditions in your area. In an area that sees minimal rainfall and snowfall and has stable, loamy soil, you could get 50 or more years out of your patio. If your concrete patio sees excessive rain and snow, and you have expansive clay soil or rapidly draining sandy soil, you may only get 15 to 20 years of life from your patio.
Cost to Repair a Concrete Patio vs. Cost to Replace a Concrete Patio
The average cost to repair a concrete patio is $4 per square foot, and most projects fall between $3 and $5 per square foot for concrete resurfacing. The cost to install a new concrete patio is $10 per square foot on average, and prices range from $2 per square foot for an exposed aggregate or painted surface to as much as $15 per square foot for stamped concrete.
Some concrete patio installers may offer a warranty when you have your patio installed, which could be a way to save on repairs if you’re still within your warranty period. However, repairs won’t be covered by homeowner’s insurance or a home warranty, so you’ll likely be on the hook for the repair or replacement costs.
When to Repair a Concrete Patio
There are a few key things to look for to decide if repairing your concrete patio is the better option when it comes to cost and the expected longevity of the repair.
Visual Wear Only
Concrete is extremely durable, so there’s a good chance the surface just needs a refresh to make it look as good as new. If the surface is badly faded from sun exposure, or it’s discolored or stained from exposure to rain and snow or mold, a deep cleaning or resurfacing will solve your problem more quickly and affordably than a full repair.
Minor Surface Cracks
All concrete cracks over time, but you should look at the width of the crack to determine if a repair or replacement would be better. If you just have hairline cracks that are less than 1/8-inch across, you can seal them yourself for a quick cosmetic repair and prevent water from getting underneath the patio and causing additional damage.
It’s Relatively New
Concrete patios last an average of 30 years, so if yours is less than 15 years old, a repair should be a viable option. The structural integrity of the concrete at or before this age is normally still solid, so you’re unlikely to see problems continuing or worsening after the repair.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Repair a Concrete Patio
Most homeowners can DIY minor crack repairs using a concrete crack filler or carry out a deep cleaning with a power washer. If you need something like concrete leveling due to an uneven surface, call in a professional who repairs concrete. You’ll need highly specialized tools and experience to ensure you don’t make the underlying problem worse.
When to Replace a Concrete Patio
There are a few things to look out for that can suggest that a full replacement would be a better option for your damaged patio.
The Surface Is Badly Damaged
If your concrete patio suffers from heavy spalling and crumbling, that’s a good indication that the concrete has lost some of its structural integrity, which means any damages are only going to continue to get worse. You could resurface the concrete, but the issue will still return in time, so a full replacement is going to provide the best value for your money.
You See Structural Cracks
Structural cracks in your concrete patio are also signs that it’s time for a full replacement. Any crack that widens to more than 1/8-inch is likely structural in nature. Similarly, cracks that span the entire length of your concrete patio indicate structural issues and suggest that a full repair would be a better option.
There Are Trip Hazards Forming
Cracks that result in one side of the concrete rising above the other and creating a trip hazard indicate major soil movement below the concrete, so a repair likely won’t be a permanent solution. You can have a pro perform mudjacking or sandjacking to lift the sunken concrete back into place, but it’s a better idea to remove the concrete, address the drainage or soil issue, and install a new patio.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Replace a Concrete Patio
Replacing a concrete patio is a labor-intensive job that requires specialized equipment for mixing and pouring concrete, experience to prevent soil and drainage problems down the road, and a high level of skill to get a clean finish. While you could save up to 70% of the cost by DIYing, it’s a better idea to hire a concrete patio company near you to get the job done properly. You’ll get a nicer-looking patio that will last longer and provide more value by going with a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can pour concrete over an existing concrete patio to resurface it. This is a common repair method called resurfacing. For the best results, the old concrete should be clean and free from debris, and the new slab should be at least three to four inches thick and contain reinforcements, like fiberglass fibers or wire mesh, to avoid cracking.
The repair method for a damaged concrete patio depends on the type of damage. For surface cracks, a concrete crack filler is a quick and simple fix. For larger cracks or uneven slabs, you may need to hire a professional to pump a cementitious material under the sunken portion to lift it back into place. For heavy spalling and other surface damage, resurfacing may be the best and most affordable option. This includes pouring a new layer of concrete over the old layer.
A concrete patio costs between $1 and $15 per square foot, depending on the desired finish, with an average of $10 per square foot. A 20x20 concrete patio will cost an average of $4,000 to install, and prices can range from $400 for stenciled concrete up to $6,000 for stamped concrete.
