How much does it cost to repair a sidewalk?
How much does it cost to repair a sidewalk?
$1 – $3 per square foot (minor sidewalk repairs)
$3 – $8 per square foot (moderate sidewalk repairs)
$10 – $25+ per square foot (complete sidewalk replacement)
Average sidewalk repair costs
Sidewalk repair costs $3 to $8 per square foot for moderate cracks, deterioration, or unlevel sections. The cost to repair a sidewalk is $1 to $3 per square foot for minor surface-level cracks. Sidewalk replacement costs $10 to $25+ per square foot to remove and replace severely damaged sidewalk sections.
| Repair type | Average repair cost per square foot |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs | $1 – $3 | Fix small cracks, chips, or pits less than 2 inches deep using caulking, grinding, or sealing, sometimes as a DIY project. |
| Moderate repairs | $3 – $8 | Fix cracks, uneven sections, or deterioration over 2 inches deep using resurfacing or leveling and mudjacking methods. |
| Major repairs | $10 – $25+ | Remove and replace severely damaged or deteriorated sidewalk sections. |
Cost of sidewalk repair by type
Sidewalk repair costs vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed. Simple sealing or caulking repairs can be a DIY project costing $1 to $3 per square foot. Removing the sidewalk and repouring costs $10 to $25+ per square foot, including professional labor.
| Repair type | Average cost per square foot |
Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete sealing cost | $1 – $3 | Waterproofing, protecting, and enhancing the longevity of concrete repairs |
| Concrete caulking | $1 – $3 | Filling and sealing cracks, gaps, and joints |
| Concrete grinding | $1 – $4 | Temporary repair to address immediate safety concerns |
| Concrete mudjacking cost | $3 – $6 | Lifting and leveling uneven or sunken sidewalk sections |
| Concrete resurfacing cost | $3 – $7 | Smaller defects like cracks, gaps, or pits |
| Concrete removal cost | $3 – $8 | Removing damaged concrete sections |
| Concrete replacement / repour | $10 – $25+* | Repairing a sidewalk with extensive damage |
*Price includes concrete removal but not site prep when needed.
Sidewalk replacement
A new concrete sidewalk costs $7 to $17 per square foot, plus the cost of removing the old sidewalk and any site preparation required. If the sidewalk is severely damaged, a complete replacement is often the best repair option as it provides a permanent fix that will last 25 to 50 years.
Once the concrete sidewalk has fully cured, you should follow up with a concrete seal to prevent the concrete from absorbing stains, oils, or other contaminants which can decrease the lifespan. A sealed sidewalk is also easier to maintain, requiring less frequent cleaning.
Cost to repair a sidewalk by size
Repairing a 200-square-foot sidewalk costs $600 to $1,600 for minor to moderate repairs. A full replacement costs $2,000 to $5,000 for the same size sidewalk. Despite these costs, sidewalk repairs are a necessary expense to keep the area safe and maintain your home’s curb appeal.
| Sidewalk size (square feet) | Average repair cost | Full replacement cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Average repair | $3 – $8 per SF | $10 – $25 per SF |
| 50 | $150 – $400 | $500 – $1,250 |
| 100 | $300 – $800 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 150 | $450 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $3,750 |
| 200 | $600 – $1,600 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 250 | $750 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $6,250 |
| 300 | $900 – $2,400 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| 400 | $1,200 – $3,200 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 500 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $12,500 |
*Prices include removal of old concrete but not additional site prep if needed.
Some homeowners tackle minor or temporary repairs as a DIY project, but more extensive damage that requires a permanent solution is best handled by a professional contractor.
Sidewalk repair cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of sidewalk repair:
Sidewalk size: Contractors quote repair costs on a per-square-foot basis, with smaller repairs costing less per square foot than larger full replacements.
Depth and thickness of concrete: Thicker or deeper concrete sidewalks require more materials and effort to remove and replace, increasing costs. Also, sidewalks with curbs or other features that add depth are more expensive to repair.
Site prep: Grading or preparing the underlying soil or base before pouring new concrete adds to the labor and equipment costs. Excavation to remove old concrete also increases the overall project price.
Repair material: Using higher-quality concrete, sealants, or other specialty repair materials will cost more than basic options.
Labor costs: Wage rates for concrete workers, masons, and other tradespeople can vary significantly by geographic region, with the highest costs in urban areas.
Permits or fees: Some municipalities require permits costing $50 to $100 for sidewalk repair work. The need for traffic control measures or working around existing utilities can also increase costs.
Upgraded designs: Adding stamped concrete costs $8 to $19 per square foot, depending on the pattern, color, and border design.
Sidewalk repair FAQs
Who is responsible for sidewalk repair?
In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalk in front of their property. However, some cities or municipalities may share the cost or handle the repairs themselves. Check with your local government.
Who fixes a broken sidewalk?
A concrete contractor fixes a broken sidewalk, especially one with major damage that requires removing the old concrete and repouring a new sidewalk.
Can I repair my own sidewalk?
A skilled homeowner can often perform minor crack filling and caulking with the right tools and materials. However, hiring a contractor for larger repairs, concrete replacement, or leveling work is best as they have the proper equipment and expertise.
How do you fix a broken sidewalk?
How you fix a broken sidewalk depends on the damage. Small cracks and chips can be patched and sealed. Larger repairs, like uneven slabs, may require complete removal and repouring.
How often should I seal my concrete sidewalk?
Concrete sealers should be reapplied every 2 to 3 years to maintain protection and prevent damage. You should also apply a sealer within the first few months after pouring new concrete.
Getting estimates from sidewalk contractors
Follow these tips to get accurate estimates and find qualified sidewalk contractors near you to fix your sidewalk:
Research common materials used for sidewalk repair in your area and their pros and cons to help you better evaluate estimates.
Look for contractors with positive online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request 3 to 5 in-person estimates to compare pricing and service offerings and identify potential red flags. Ask about the repair process, materials used, and the contractor's experience with similar projects.
Ask for a breakdown of the estimated costs, including labor, materials, equipment rental (if applicable), and any permits required.
Inquire about the estimated project timeline and the warranty offered on the work.
Questions to ask a concrete repair company
How many years of experience do you have specifically in sidewalk repair?
Can you provide examples of similar sidewalk repair projects you've completed?
Are you licensed and insured in my area?
What is your proposed approach to repairing the sidewalk?
What materials do you recommend for the repair, and why?
Will you need to obtain any permits for this project? If so, will you handle that process?
How long do you estimate the project will take to complete?
Will the sidewalk be accessible during construction?
Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs for the project?
What is your payment schedule?
Do you offer a warranty on your work? If so, what does it cover, and for how long?
Can you provide references from past clients?
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.