How much does concrete leveling cost?
How much does concrete leveling cost?
$3 – $12 average cost per square foot
$700 – $5,000 average total cost
Average concrete leveling cost
Concrete leveling costs $3 to $12 per square foot or $700 to $5,000 total on average. However, prices range from $2 to $25 per square foot depending on the location, project size and complexity, and the leveling method used.
Concrete leveling or slab jacking often costs significantly less than replacing the entire slab, making it a cost effective solution for many homeowners.
| Size of repair (square feet) | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $200 – $600* |
| 100 | $300 – $1,200 |
| 200 | $600 – $2,400 |
| 300 | $900 – $3,600 |
| 400 | $1,200 – $4,800 |
| 500 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| 1,000 | $3,000 – $12,000 |
*Most contractors charge a minimum job fee of $300 to $700 or more for concrete leveling.
What is concrete leveling?
Concrete leveling involves lifting and securing sunken or unstable concrete slabs, returning them to their initial level. Rather than tearing out and replacing the concrete—which is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive—leveling restores the surface by filling voids beneath the slab and lifting it hydraulically.
This solution addresses the root cause of settling: typically soil erosion, poor compaction, or moisture issues that create empty spaces under the concrete. Once lifted, the slab is stabilized and safe to use again, extending its life by many years.
Concrete leveling cost by method
The cost to level concrete depends largely on which method you choose. Each technique has different materials, labor requirements, and effectiveness for specific situations.
| Method | Average cost per square foot |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Self-leveling concrete | $2 – $5 | Interior floors; thin overlays |
| Mudjacking | $4 – $9 | Driveways; patios; sidewalks; large slabs |
| Polyjacking / foam jacking | $8 – $25 | All applications; especially heavy structures |
| Stone slurry grout | $6 – $15 | Medium-duty applications; driveways; moderate loads |
Many professionals use the term "slab jacking" interchangeably with concrete leveling in general. However, some pros use it when referring specifically to polyjacking.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking costs $4 to $9 per square foot and involves pumping a cement-based slurry mixture beneath the sunken concrete to lift it back into place. This traditional method has been used for decades and remains popular for its affordability and effectiveness on driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
However, the mixture used for mudjacking is heavy and requires larger injection holes (1 to 2 inches in diameter), which may be more noticeable after repair. Mudjacking works best for moderate lifting needs where the aesthetics are less critical.
Polyjacking / foam leveling
Polyjacking, also called foam jacking, uses expanding polyurethane foam injected through small holes (about 5/8 inch) to lift and level concrete. The foam is lightweight yet incredibly strong, curing in just 15 minutes and allowing immediate use of the repaired area.
While polyjacking costs the most of all leveling methods at $8 to $25 per square foot, many homeowners find it worth the premium. The foam won't wash out and adds minimal weight to existing soil. The smaller injection holes are nearly invisible once patched. It's ideal for areas with poor soil conditions or where quick turnaround is essential.
Stone slurry grout leveling
Stone slurry grout leveling costs $6 to $15 per square foot on average. This method uses a mixture of crushed limestone and grout pumped beneath the slab through 1-inch holes, offering more strength than traditional mudjacking without the higher cost of foam.
This method is particularly effective for medium-duty applications like garage floors and residential driveways where you need more support than standard mudjacking provides but don't require the premium features of polyurethane foam. However, the hoses that pump the slurry typically only reach 200 to 350 feet, so it won't work for every situation.
Self-leveling concrete
Self-leveling concrete is a pourable compound that spreads and levels itself to create a smooth, flat surface. This method is primarily used for resurfacing interior floors rather than lifting settled slabs, making it ideal for preparing floors for new flooring installations or fixing minor surface imperfections.
Self-leveling concrete costs $2 to $5 per square foot and is the most affordable option, making it popular for DIY projects. However, it only works for thin applications (usually under 2 inches) and won't address underlying void issues or lift heavy settled concrete. For outdoor slab lifting or structural repairs, other leveling methods are necessary.
Slab jacking cost by project
Concrete leveling prices vary significantly based on the project size and location. The table below shows what you can expect to pay for common residential projects.
| Project | Mudjacking cost | Polyjacking cost | Stone slurry grout leveling cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steps (40 SF) | $300 – $700 | $320 – $1,000 | $240 – $600 |
| Sidewalk (100 SF) | $400 – $900 | $800 – $2,500 | $600 – $1,500 |
| Patio or porch (150 SF) | $600 – $1,400 | $1,200 – $3,800 | $900 – $2,300 |
| Partial garage floor (125 SF) | $500 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $3,100 | $750 – $1,900 |
| Garage floor (360 SF) | $1,400 – $3,200 | $2,900 – $9,000 | $2,200 – $5,400 |
| Pool deck (400 SF) | $1,600 – $3,600 | $3,200 – $10,000 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| Partial driveway (200 SF) | $800 – $1,800 | $1,600 – $5,000 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Driveway (450 SF) | $1,800 – $4,100 | $3,600 – $11,300 | $2,700 – $6,800 |
| Basement floor (800 SF) | $3,200 – $7,200 | $6,400 – $20,000 | $4,800 – $12,000 |
| Foundation (1,500 SF) | $6,000 – $13,500 | $12,000 – $37,500 | $9,000 – $22,500 |
Concrete leveling cost factors
Besides the leveling method you choose, several factors influence the final cost of raising concrete:
Area size
The size of the concrete slab directly impacts your total cost. Most contractors charge by the square foot, so larger areas like driveways and foundations cost more than smaller projects like steps or sidewalks. However, you'll often get a better per-square-foot rate on larger projects since the contractor can work more efficiently.
Damage severity
Minor settling requires less material and time to correct than severe sinking or multiple problem areas. If your concrete has dropped several inches or has extensive voids beneath it, expect higher costs. Slabs with significant cracking may need additional repair work beyond just leveling, which adds to the total expense.
Accessibility
Contractors charge more when they need to maneuver equipment through tight spaces, over landscaping, or around obstacles. A driveway with clear access typically costs less to level than a backyard patio requiring equipment to navigate through narrow side yards.
Location
Geographic location affects both material and labor costs. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living generally have higher concrete leveling prices. Additionally, local soil conditions and climate can influence which methods work best and how much prep work is needed.
Labor
Labor rates vary by region and contractor experience but typically range from $50 to $150 per hour. Specialized techniques like polyjacking may fetch higher hourly rates due to the expertise required. Most concrete leveling jobs take 2 to 6 hours to complete, though larger or more complex projects may require a full day or multiple visits.
Additional costs
Beyond the basic leveling service, several add-on costs may apply to your project:
| Additional service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete sealing | $1 – $3+ per square foot |
| Concrete cleaning or surface preparation | $200 – $500 |
| Extensive crack repair | $250 – $800+ per crack |
| Joint caulking | $275 – $1,000 |
| Building permits | $50 – $200 |
| Drainage improvements | $500 – $2,000+ |
When to level vs. replace concrete
Concrete leveling makes sense when the slab itself is structurally sound but has simply settled. If your concrete has extensive cracking (wider than 1/4 inch), significant spalling or surface damage, or is severely deteriorated, replacement might be the better long-term investment. A professional can assess whether your concrete is a good candidate for leveling.
Replacing a concrete slab costs $6 to $15 per square foot on average for the materials and labor.
Concrete leveling FAQs
How does concrete leveling work?
The concrete leveling process varies slightly by method but follows the same basic principles:
Technicians drill small holes through the sunken concrete at strategic points, then pump material (cement slurry, polyurethane foam, or stone grout) through these holes into the void spaces beneath. As the material fills the voids, it creates pressure that lifts the concrete back to the desired level. Once the slab is level, the contractor patches the injection holes with concrete.
How long does concrete leveling last?
Professionally leveled concrete lasts 5 to 10 years or more, depending on the method used and underlying soil conditions. Polyjacking often lasts longest since the lightweight foam doesn't add extra pressure to already compromised soil. Mudjacking and stone slurry typically last 5 to 7 years with proper drainage maintenance.
The longevity of your repair depends largely on whether you address the root cause of settlement. If water infiltration or poor drainage caused the original problem, leveling without fixing these issues means the concrete will likely settle again. With proper water management and stable soil conditions, leveled concrete can last as long as the original slab.
How long does self-leveling concrete take to dry?
Self-leveling concrete typically dries enough for foot traffic within 4 to 6 hours. For heavy traffic or vehicle loads, wait at least 24 to 48 hours. Full cure time is 28 days when the material reaches maximum strength.
The exact dry time depends on temperature, humidity, product thickness, and the specific product used. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can you use self-leveling concrete outside?
Yes, but you need the right product formulated for exterior use that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and moisture. Exterior applications work best for resurfacing worn concrete rather than lifting settled slabs. For raising sunken outdoor concrete, professional methods like mudjacking or polyjacking are more effective.
Getting estimates for concrete leveling
Following these guidelines will help you choose a qualified concrete leveling contractor near you:
Look for licensed, insured professionals with specific experience in concrete lifting (not just general concrete work).
Get detailed written estimates from at least three contractors that break down material and labor costs.
Check reviews on HomeGuide and Google and ask for references from recent leveling projects similar to yours.
Ask about warranty coverage on their work.
Questions to ask a concrete contractor
Before hiring a concrete leveling professional, ask these questions to ensure you're making an informed decision:
How long have you specialized in concrete leveling?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Which leveling method do you recommend and why?
Can you provide references and photos from similar projects?
What's included in your warranty?
What's your timeline for completion?
How do you handle unforeseen issues?
Will you provide a detailed written estimate?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.