Highlights
It typically costs $125 to $375 to replace a standard 5-by-5-foot sidewalk slab.
New sidewalk slabs usually cost $5 to $15 per square foot.
Removing an existing 5-by-5-foot slab ranges from $50 to $150.
Several factors affect the cost to replace a sidewalk slab, including type and size.
Sidewalks endure a lot of wear and tear, but even sidewalks that don't see much traffic won't last forever. Minor sidewalk damage can often be repaired by filling in small cracks or gaps, but if you have major damage to one or several of your slabs, then it's a good idea to replace them to prevent trips and falls. It typically costs $125 to $375 to replace a basic 5-by-5-foot sidewalk slab, but the cost can vary quite a bit based on factors like the slab's size and type.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sidewalk Slab by Type?
There are a few main types of sidewalk slabs. The type you choose affects the overall cost to replace it.
Standard Sidewalk Slab
A basic concrete sidewalk slab without any decorative elements or staining usually costs $5 to $15 per square foot to replace. Most city sidewalks are 25 to 36 square feet, but some higher-traffic areas require larger sidewalk slabs of at least 64 square feet.
Decorative Stamped Sidewalk Slab
Stamped concrete sidewalk slabs, also called imprinted or textured concrete slabs, are designed to look like other materials, such as stone, brick, tile, and wood. They're typically decorative and can be used to enhance the aesthetic of your driveway, patio, deck, or exterior walkway. Stamped concrete slabs can cost anywhere from $8 to $28 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design.
Stained Concrete Installation
If you want to add some color to your sidewalk slab, then you can stain it to take on a different hue. Staining concrete typically costs between $7 and $15 per square foot. Simple stain jobs range from $2 to $4 per square foot, and more high-end designs cost around $12 to $25 per square foot.
What Factors Affect the Cost to Replace Sidewalk Slabs?
Replacing a sidewalk slab typically involves removing the remainder of the existing slab then laying new concrete on top. It might also require adding a base layer of aggregate to level the slab with the rest of the sidewalk.
Removing an Existing Slab
Contractors typically charge around $75 per hour. If you want your contractor to remove what's left of your existing sidewalk slab before replacing it, you'll likely need to pay more since this removal adds another half hour to 1 hour to the project total.
Adding a Base Layer
Sometimes, a base layer of aggregate is needed beneath a concrete slab replacement to level it with the rest of your sidewalk. Since adding a base layer requires more materials and time, it will increase the overall cost to replace your slab.
Replacing a Decorative Slab
Decorative slabs, like stained and textured concrete slabs, cost more than basic slabs. For instance, a highly complex imprinted slab can cost around $28 per square foot, while a basic concrete slab might only cost $5 per square foot.
DIY Sidewalk Slab Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
Sidewalk slab replacement is an involved process that typically requires expensive equipment and contracting expertise, especially if your slab needs to be leveled or aligned with the rest of your sidewalk. You may want to consider hiring a local concrete contractor to replace your sidewalk slab rather than taking on the project yourself since an improperly installed slab can lead to costly issues down the road, and be a larger up-front cost to acquire materials and equipment.
However, if you're an experienced DIYer and you want to replace a sidewalk slab yourself, you'll typically need:
Sledgehammer: $25–$60
Jackhammer: $150–$500
Circular saw: $50–$150
Two-by-four pieces of wood: $5–$10
Rented concrete mixer: $100 per day
Ready-mix concrete: $10–$25
FAQs About Trim Installation
What is sidewalk concrete made out of it?
Concrete sidewalk slabs typically feature a ready-mix combination of cement and aggregates, like gravel, stone, and sand. When water is blended into the concrete mix, the concrete can take on any shape before it dries.
How much concrete do I need for a sidewalk slab?
Sidewalk slabs usually have a depth of 4 inches. 1.25 cubic yards of concrete are needed to fill 100-square-foot forms, so if you're working with a 25-square-foot slab, you'll need about 0.3 cubic yards of concrete (or about 1 cubic foot).
When should I replace my sidewalk slab?
Minor cracks and gaps in a sidewalk slab don't typically require replacement unless you want to do so for cosmetic reasons. You can often fix concrete slabs with minor damage by simply filling in the cracks and gaps. However, if the slab features major cracks, gaps, or other damage, then you may want to replace it to prevent fall-related injuries.
Do I need to seal my sidewalk slab?
Using a concrete or paver sealer can help prolong the lifespan of your sidewalk and prevent damage. The cost to seal concrete typically falls around $1.50 per square foot if you hire a contractor. If you decide to seal it yourself, then you'll typically pay around $0.10 to $0.75 per square foot.
