Replacing a concrete patio is more expensive than repairing it, but it will look better and last longer.
Your concrete patio replacement cost depends on the damage level, with repairs averaging $4 per square foot and full replacement around $10 per square foot.
Concrete patio repairs cost $3 to $5 per square foot for resurfacing, while new patio installation ranges from $2 to $15 per square foot depending on finish.
Your patio needs replacement instead of repair when you see structural cracks wider than 1/8 inch, heavy spalling, or sections creating trip hazards from uneven settling.
Hiring a local concrete patio company provides expert diagnosis of soil and drainage issues, ensuring your new patio lasts with proper installation and finishing techniques.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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