No need to go digging up the driveway for a fresh new look to your concrete
If your concrete slab has seen better days, demolition isn’t your only option. The price of concrete overlays cost far less than installing a new slab while still delivering that fresh-poured look you’re after. On average, concrete resurfacing costs anywhere from $3 to $9 per square foot, with an average of $6 per square foot overall. Ornate designs and multiple layers of stain can push the project much higher. Whether it’s your driveway, pool deck, patio, or any paved surface, your concrete resurfacing cost can buy a restored look you’re sure to love.
| Low Cost per Sq. Ft. | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. | High Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|
| $3 | $6 | $9 |
How Much Does Concrete Resurfacing Cost per Square Foot?
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.
| Square Footage | 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 Resurfacing Cost Breakdown
Your concrete resurfacing costs will vary based on the size and state of your existing slab. When budgeting for this project, consider prep work as well as pouring new concrete. Optional features including staining, stamping, and sealing will cost more.
Power or Pressure Washing
Power washing is an essential step of concrete resurfacing. The cost to power wash a house is around $300. Pressure washing a driveway goes for around $80 to $200, while a standard power wash is about $130 to $220.
Repairing or Removing Concrete
Concrete usually needs repairs before the resurfacing process can begin. Concrete spalling—the natural breakdown of concrete from everyday wear and tear—needs to be addressed 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 only fixing some cracks in the concrete, your cost might be in the $250 to $800 range. Concrete removal prices could set you back $1,000 or more. And don't forget to consider how to dispose of concrete in your area.
Leveling the Concrete
If the existing concrete is saggy or full of cracks, you’ll need to factor in about $900 to fix it. This is usually done by paying for the cost of mudjacking, which pumps and pours new concrete onto the slab to level it.
Pouring New Concrete
Once your surface is prepped and ready to go, the concrete overlay costs around $1,500 to $5,700, or about $13 per square foot.
Concrete Staining
If you’re moving away from the basic greige, concrete staining goes for around $2 to $4 per square foot. You can even create a work of art with multiple colors and intricate, eye-catching patterns, which could cost upwards of $25 per square foot. You’ll want to finish with a coat of sealant for about $0.13 to $0.20 per square foot.
Sealing Concrete
About a month after resurfacing your concrete slab, consider adding a layer of sealant to protect it from future damage. 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 Type?
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.
Concrete Driveway Resurfacing Cost
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 goes for around $2 to $15 per square foot. Whatever your needs are, a concrete driveway contractor can help achieve the smooth and durable surface you’re after.
Resurface a Concrete Patio Cost
Your standard concrete patio cost or walkway typically goes for about $4 per square foot. A concrete patio contractor can give you the best estimate based on your needs and wants, like a gorgeous stamped concrete patio detail.
Pool Deck Resurfacing Cost
Pool deck resurfacing costs around $2,250 to $3,750 for your basic 750-square-foot deck. Decorative overlays are a fancier option for about $5,250 to $9,000. Stamped concrete is typically between $6,000 and $15,000.
Concrete Sidewalk Resurfacing Cost
Concrete sidewalk resurfacing jobs usually go for about $3 to $7 per square foot. The cost to fix a concrete sidewalk and add decorative overlays could result in higher rates.
Concrete Overlay Cost
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 often necessary to reach your desired look.
Microtopping Overlay Cost
Concrete slabs with minimal damage can handle the subtle addition of microtopping, or skim coat, of concrete. The thin layer—often less than 1/8 of an inch—is quick and easy to apply but offers a sleek sheen and new hue to your concrete. Microtopping costs between $3 and $7 per square foot.
Decorative Concrete Overlay Cost
If you thicken the concrete overlay a bit further, you have more room for creative liberties. The extra work and material cost is between $6 and $10 per square foot. Change the color of your concrete with layers of stains and dyes, add thin lines or borders, and imitate popular paver and stone aesthetics.
Stamped Concrete Overlay Cost
Stamped concrete overlays cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot due to their artistic complexity and additional concrete thickness. This is your opportunity to make your concrete patio look like it's paved with brick, natural stone, or pavers. The additional concrete allows designers to add a deeply imprinted stone or brick pattern that is long-lasting and realistic.
| Type of Overlay | Cost per Square Foot | Overlay Details |
|---|---|---|
| Microtopping | $3 – $7 | Less than 1/8"; simple designs; color options |
| Decorative | $6 – $10 | Thicker than 1/8"; ornate design options; multiple color options |
| Stamped | $5 – $20 | Up to 2" thick; deeper design options; mimic popular stone and pavers |
Cost to Resurface Concrete Yourself
If you’re up for the task, you can DIY your concrete resurfacing for about $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the tools and materials you need. 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 inch, this will cover about 120 square feet.
You’ll also need to rent a power washer for around $70 to $300 per day. This will help you clean off any dirt, debris, or other icky things you don’t want to permanently seal into the surface.
Additionally, you’ll spend around $85 to $100 for basic tools. Your biggest expense is a power drill, which you’ll need for making the concrete. If you’ve already got a drill in your toolbox, you’ll only need to budget around $35 to $50 for a mixing paddle attachment, bucket, finishing trowel, and optional concrete broom.
Tools Required
Power drill: $50
Mixing paddle drill 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 while watching a show on your phone. 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. Finding a local concrete resurfacing pro ensures you get the results you want.
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 serious repairs every 25 to 30. It's best to skip the ongoing repairs and opt for resurfacing when:
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 maintenance yourself. Learn how to clean your concrete surface, whether it's indoors or outdoors. When the time comes to take on the resurfacing process, be sure to:
Speak with at least three concrete resurfacing companies.
Meet with your pro to determine whether repairs or resurfacing is more cost-effective.
Opt for a thin microtopping overlay instead of a thicker, more ornate design.
Avoid busy times of the year for concrete pros, such as the late spring and early summer.
Handle the concrete sealing process yourself.
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Whether you should patch, resurface, or replace your concrete depends on the situation. 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 inch, patches will only serve as a temporary fix. Water will sneak between the old and new materials over time, reopening the holes and leaving you right back where you started. Again, this is where resurfacing would be a superior choice.
It depends if resurfacing concrete is worth it. You can think of concrete resurfacing a bit like spackling and painting a wall. If the damage below the top layer of concrete is too extreme, the concrete resurfacing cost may not be worth it. However, it can also cut long-term costs compared to the cost of concrete porch repairs, for example. Always speak with a licensed concrete specialist to determine if it's the right path for you.
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 fully soften so you don't run the risk of more damage from a sudden cold snap.
