Nationally, the average cost for concrete resurfacing is $3 $10 per square foot, depending on the condition of the original concrete and local labor costs. For smaller projects, some contractors charge a flat fee of at least $500 $1,000. The new concrete must also be sealed, which costs $20 $80 per gallon.
From concrete driveways to walkways to patios, most homes have concrete laid in either the front or back yards. They may have concrete floors in the basement or a concrete garage floor. Over time, concrete can crack, weeds may start to grow, and surfaces may sink. When poured, the concrete may have been beautiful, but over time, it can start to look unsightly. This is a home improvement project that can make a huge difference. Resurfacing concrete involves cleaning and repairing it, then overlaying it with a new surface.
The cost of a concrete resurfacing project depends largely on the state of the concrete and the size of the area that needs to be worked on. A concrete resurfacer will assess the condition of your concrete and check for damage or large cracks. Resurfacing is significantly less expensive than out old concrete and replacing it with new material.
Concrete contractors generally charge $3 $10 per square foot for resurfacing, depending on the condition of the original concrete and local labor costs. For smaller projects, some contractors charge a flat fee of at least $500 $1,000. Nationally, the average cost for resurfacing a 500-square-foot driveway ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The new concrete must also be sealed, which costs $20 $80 per gallon.
The resurfacing process has multiple steps, starting with power-washing the surface, using a pressure washer. Next comes concrete repair, in which cracks and holes are fixed, often with an epoxy mortar. Then the surface is primed and covered with a layer of spray-on polymer concrete, ranging from 1/16 of an inch to 1 inch thick. Optionally, the concrete surface can then be colored and sealed.
Resurfacing can also include adding ornate layers such as flagstone, brick, or stone patterns to the concrete. The surface can be stamped or etched to look like stone, which is a much less expensive option than laying actual stone. Alternatively, homeowners can have small stones embedded in the new surface.
Homeowners looking to improve curb appeal and customize the exterior of their home can consider driveway resurfacing, or adding a stamped concrete pattern to their pool deck. A decorative overlay could be a lovely addition to your front walkway. Talk to a concrete pro to ask about resurfacing products that can help your project stand out.
Of course, decorative concrete overlays cost more than basic poured concrete, ranging from $4 to $12 per square foot for a stamped pattern, for example.
Some concrete specialists, such as Level Best Concrete Solutions in Crown Point, Indiana, specialize in a concrete-leveling process called mudjacking. Polyurethane foam is pumped through a concrete slab that has sunk or shifted to support and lift the slab until its even again. Then, the concrete can be resurfaced to appear like new.
While it may seem appealing to tackle DIY resurfacing, the reality is that this is not an easy job to take on yourself. While you may be able to do some prep or pressure washing to help save costs, the actual repair and resealing is a job for a pro. Many homeowners can tell you that hauling around 40-pound bags of concrete is not a fun weekend project. If you want long-lasting results, and lots of design options with resurfaced concrete, contact a local concrete company for an estimate.