Get matched with top concrete resurfacing pros in Shingletown, CA

The average cost to replace concrete depends on the amount of material you need. However, you can expect the cost of replacing a concrete driveway to range from $2,000 to $7,000, or about $15 per square foot.

If you want to install or replace a concrete patio, the cost ranges from $800 to $9,000, depending on the size and exact materials. If you only need a slab, concrete slab costs range from $4 to $8 per square foot, or an average of $5,400.

Concrete resurfacing and concrete overlay are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of applying a new, thin layer of pre-blended concrete over an existing slab. This process enhances the durability and appearance of the concrete, giving it a fresh look without the high cost of a full replacement. The new layer is typically between 1/4-inch and 1-inch thick, significantly less than the 4 inches required for a new slab, and can be stamped, colored, or textured for a custom finish.

While the terms are often considered the same, their meaning can sometimes vary by contractor. Some may use "overlay" to describe a thicker application that adds structural integrity, while "resurfacing" might refer to a thinner layer intended for cosmetic upgrades. Other common names for this process include concrete restoration, concrete refinishing, and concrete rejuvenation.

You'll find a slurry of natural and synthetic polymers, rubbers, epoxies, and resins used to bond old concrete to new concrete. The right bonding agent depends on the method of concrete pouring you choose and whether you're adhering concrete over concrete or concrete over sand and gravel. Some concrete resurfacing mixtures contain bonding chemicals as well.

Yes, you can pour new concrete over old concrete, but you need to apply a concrete bonding agent to the existing concrete to ensure the new concrete sticks. Keep in mind that even with a bonding agent, large cracks and other flaws will still come through. If the concrete has heaved, settled, or cracked, pouring new concrete on top won’t address any root structural problems. Removing the existing concrete and rebuilding will be your best solution in that case.