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How much does concrete resurfacing cost?

September 6, 2023
How much does concrete resurfacing cost

On average, concrete resurfacing costs $6 per square foot, but it can go up or down depending on factors like surface condition, labor, and overlay. For stamped and decorative overlay, the cost can go as high as $20 per square foot.

In this article, we’ll provide a more thorough explanation of these factors and costs to help you get a better estimate of the total cost of resurfacing your concrete floors.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Concrete Resurfacing

Size

Size
Size (in square feet)Cost
100$300 – $900
300$900 – $2,700
500$1,500 – $4,500
700$2,100 – $6,300
900$2,700 – $8,100
1000$3,000 – $9,000

The size of the area to be resurfaced has a big impact on the cost of concrete resurfacing. Larger areas will require more materials and labor, which will impact the total cost. 

That said, some concrete contractors may impose minimum costs to cover the fixed costs involved in setup and preparation. Thus, smaller areas may sometimes have a higher cost per square foot.

Concrete resurfacing typically costs $3 to $9 per square foot, but it can get more expensive depending on the designs, the type of material used, labor, and more.

Surface Condition

Surface Condition
DamageCost
Cracks$250 to $800
Spalling$300 to $3,500

The state of the surface determines the amount of preparation and repair work required before the resurfacing material can be applied.

If the existing concrete surface has cracks, spalling, or other forms of damage, they have to be repaired first before the contractor starts resurfacing. Cracks, especially large or deep ones, need to be filled and repaired first.

This will require more labor and materials, which can increase the overall cost of the project.

Repairing spalling can usually cost around $300 and $3,500, while cracks can be fixed for $250 to $800.

If the existing concrete has moisture-related problems, such as water seepage, the contractor will have to address them first. The additional treatments or barriers the surface needs will inevitably increase the cost.

Site Preparation

Site Preparation
Site PreparationCost
Power washing$130 to $220
Pressure washing$80 to $200
Mudjacking$3 to $6 per square foot
Foam leveling$5 to $25 per square foot

The extent of surface preparation required can impact the total cost of concrete resurfacing. If the existing concrete needs extensive cleaning or leveling, it can increase labor and material expenses.

Cleaning

Cleaning

Resurfacing materials need a clean and debris-free surface to adhere properly. Any dirt, dust, grease, or oil on the surface can create a barrier preventing the new material from bonding effectively to the existing concrete.

Clean concrete also usually has a smoother finish and a more even color distribution after resurfacing, compared to ones that weren’t properly cleaned.

Before resurfacing, homeowners and contractors typically have the concrete power washed or pressure washed to ensure it’s squeaky clean. Power washing and pressure washing typically cost $130 to $220 and $80 to $200, respectively.

Leveling

Leveling

Leveling is the process of flattening and evening out a surface to free it from dips, high spots, and uneven areas. This helps ensure that the resurfacing material is applied consistently across the entire area to get a smoother finish.

This also helps the resurfaced concrete last longer. When the surface is uneven, high spots might experience more stress, leading to cracking over time.

Leveling the ground also makes it safer for people to walk and drive.

Mudjacking or concrete leveling can cost you around $3 to $6 per square foot, while foam leveling $5 to $25 per square foot.

Area to Be Resurfaced

Area to Be Resurfaced
AreaCost per square foot
Driveway$3 to $15
Patio$3 to $20
Pool Deck$3 to $20
Garage$3 to $15

Driveway

Driveway

Driveways often experience heavy vehicular traffic, so they typically wear off faster compared to other areas in the house. They’re also exposed to environmental elements like snow, rain, and heat, making them more vulnerable to damage.

Hence, they usually require more repair work and preparation, increasing the total cost. Contractors also tend to use thicker layers to accommodate the heavy weight of cars.

Standard concrete resurfacing on a driveway usually costs $3 to $9 per square foot, but it can go as high as $15, depending on its current condition. A standard 20 feet wide by 20 feet long two-car driveway can cost anywhere between $1,200 and $3,600.

Patio

Patio

Patios experience lighter foot traffic compared to indoor floors, but since they’re exposed to weather and temperature fluctuations, they need to use more durable materials.

Moreover, patios are often decorative to improve the house’s overall aesthetic, causing the cost to increase.

Concrete resurfacing patios generally cost $3 to $7 per square foot. But if you chose a more decorative and complex resurfacing, expect to pay up to $20 per square foot.

Pool Deck

Pool Deck

Pool decks are often subject to weather, moisture, and foot traffic, so they may be more complicated to resurface. Contractors have to ensure that the concrete can withstand these conditions for extended periods and doesn’t crack easily.

Decorative elements like customized colors, patterns, and textures for the pool deck will also require more work and, thus, higher cost. 

The cost of standard pool deck concrete resurfacing usually ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot. This is for the basic finish with no decorative element, so expect to pay up to $20 if you want a more customized deck.

Garage

Garage

Garage floors also experience heavy vehicular traffic, though not as heavy as driveways. They also bear the weight of cars for extended hours, making them more susceptible to damage.

You can expect to pay around $3 to $7 per square foot for resurfacing garage floors, depending on the design and the amount of surface preparation needed.

Interior Floor

Interior Floor

Interior floors are typically larger than other surfaces in the home. They also experience the most foot traffic, which can wear off the concrete faster than usual.

In addition, interior floors are often the most decorative floors in the home. They have a significant impact on the home’s overall aesthetic, so homeowners pay extra attention to their designs.

Basic interior floor resurfacing can cost you anywhere between $3 and $8. But if you want complex designs, the range is usually around $5 to $15 per square foot.

Concrete Sealing

Concrete Sealing

Applying sealant on the resurfaced concrete can help the concrete last longer by protecting it from various types of damage. It also helps preserve the resurfaced concrete’s appearance.

Moreover, a sealed surface is usually easier to clean and maintain. The smooth, sealed finish prevents dirt and grime from attaching to the surface, making routine cleaning more effective.

Hiring a professional to apply the sealant can cost you around $1 to $2.40 per square foot, but you can also do it yourself for about $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot.

Labor Cost

Labor Cost

Concrete resurfacing can be a challenging project, and you’ll need help from a professional concrete contractor to have a smooth result. Thus, the overall cost will significantly increase depending on the amount of labor needed.

Most contractors generally charge per hour, so the more hours they’ll work, the higher the cost. 

Concrete Overlay

Concrete Overlay
OverlayCost per square foot
Stamped Concrete$7 to $20
Decorative$6 to $10

A concrete overlay is a layer of specialized concrete used during concrete resurfacing to improve the appearance and durability of the current concrete surface. It’s usually a decorative material that transforms worn surfaces into fresh ones.

Stamped Concrete Overlay

Stamped Concrete Overlay

Stamped concrete overlays mimic the appearance of natural elements like brick, cobblestone, wood, and slates. Contractors use a specialized tool to stamp the surface with textures and patterns to get the design they want.

These are typically the go-to choices for pool decks.

Stamped concrete usually costs $7 to $15 per square foot. However, more complicated designs can cost as high as $20.

Decorative Concrete Overlay

Decorative Concrete Overlay

Decorative concrete overlay generally costs about $6 to $10 per square foot, which is quite cheaper compared to stamped overlay. This is because decorative is usually thinner and less complex to apply compared to stamped overlay.

Applying decorative overlay allows you to achieve various colors, patterns, textures, and designs.

Signs It’s Time for Concrete Resurfacing

Cracks

Cracks

If you’ve noticed that your concrete surface already has cracks, especially multiple large and deep ones, then it’s a sign that you need to resurface it already.

Not only are cracks unsightly, but they also compromise the structural integrity of your concrete and may lead to accidents. Resurfacing can help cover these cracks and prevent bigger problems in the future.

Spalling

Spalling

When you see some flaking or chipping on the concrete floor, that means it’s already spalling and needs restoring.

Spalling is often caused by frequent weather changes, water damage, and the natural passage of time.

Stains and Discoloration

Stains and Discoloration

Floors are often exposed to UV rays, rain, snow, chemicals, oil, grease, and more. Hence, they will naturally get stained and suffer from discoloration over time.

Once you notice stubborn stains, discoloration, and fading color, it’s time to contact your contractor for concrete resurfacing. 

Uneven Surface

Uneven Surface

Uneven surfaces pose safety hazards, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. Hence, it’s important to resurface the concrete once it’s showing unevenness.

Resurfacing can help level out the surface and correct slopes. This can also help prevent water from pooling in one area.

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