How much does it cost to level concrete?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Concrete patios, sidewalks, pool decks, foundations, and other areas often develop voids beneath the surface, causing the concrete to sag or dip. Left unfixed, cracks and splitting of the concrete can occur. To fix such imperfections, you'll need to either replace or level the concrete using one of two methods, mud or foam jacking or self-leveling. Mudjacking is a more extensive process of correction than self-leveling.

The national cost to mudjack a 100 sq. ft. concrete patio ranges from $500 to $1,700, with the average being around $1,500. At the low end of the spectrum, you will pay around $180 for concrete leveling 100 sq. ft. using self-leveling compound. At the high end, you may pay up to $2,500 for concrete leveling 100 sq. ft. using polyurethane.

Cost of Concrete Leveling

Cost of Concrete Leveling by Method

The cost to level concrete ranges from $1.80 to $25 per sq. ft. for a concrete slab. The cost variance depends on the method used, with the primary methods being either mudjacking (using mud or foam) or self-leveling. Not every concrete slab can be leveled or lifted. Mudjacking or foam jacking should only be used on slabs that are three to six inches thick. You cannot use mudjacking (or foam jacking) when the soil beneath a structure may expand, as this may cause additional lifting.

Concrete Self-Leveling

The cost of concrete self-leveling averages around $1.80 to $5 per sq. ft. Self-leveling compounds are a liquid-like material that is spread across the surface of the concrete in much the same way that concrete is laid and leveled. The self-leveling formula hardens to create a level surface. The process is usually only used indoors for small depressions. Self-leveling compounds make the most sense for concrete floors, which will be finished to hide the hardened self-leveling formula.

Concrete Mudjacking

The process of mudjacking, also called slab jacking, averages around $3 to $25 per sq. ft. The cost will depend on whether soil is used to fill the void beneath the concrete slab or a foam filler is injected beneath the slab to create a firm surface. The foam filler costs more than soil, driving the price higher (a process called foam jacking). A liquid foam (polyurethane) material is injected under the slab. As the foam cures, it expands and fills the void. Once cured, the foam never loses density and has optimum compression strength. Mudjacking or foam filling makes the most sense for concrete slabs that are four inches or greater in thickness and have no damage other than settling or sloping. Foam jacking is great for load-bearing concrete.

Self-leveling Concrete Price

The cost of self-leveling concrete is around $1.80 to $5 for materials and labor. The compound comes as a bag of dry powder that you mix with water. The self-leveling concrete cost is about $35 per 50 lb. bag, depending on the brand. Self-leveling concrete coverage per bag is determined by cubic feet. Usually, 50 pounds covers 0.45 cubic feet. A self-leveling polymer-compound is mixed with water. Then it is spread across the surface of the concrete or pumped into the concrete. This method should only be used to fill small hills or valleys in the concrete. It is never a good option for an entire slab that has sunk or is in danger of cracking. Self-leveling is a great option to fill a dip in a concrete floor that you later plan to cover with flooring to hide the hardened leveler. Below is a table outlining the various self-leveling formulas you can use to fill in dips and cracks in concrete to create a level surface.

Self-leveling Concrete Patch

Self-leveling concrete patch is a vinyl formula suitable for very small areas of concrete that have slightly dipped, cracked, or chipped. The price of the formula averages $10 for a 20 lb. patch of pre-mixed solution. This solution cannot be applied in a thick layer. It should only be spread at a depth of 0.5 inches or less to avoid cracking. It is not suitable for a dip crack.

Self-leveling Concrete Filler

A self-leveling concrete filler is not suitable for filling in severe dips in the concrete. The adhesive formula comes in a tube that averages $10 for a tube that is 9 ounces. It is used to fill in cracks and create a level, smooth surface, not for dips. You can use it to fill in the cracks in a driveway, foundation, sidewalk, patio, or concrete steps. The filler expands to fill in the crack and create a smooth surface. However, it is not suitable for severe dips. It is more of a caulk used to fill in holes.

Self-leveling Concrete Overlay

A self-leveling overlay is a cement base-based compound sold in 50 lb. bags for an average cost of $35. The compound is mixed with water to form a thick cement formula similar to epoxy in composition. You spread the solution over the existing concrete to create a new, durable, hard, and flat surface. This method of leveling is suitable for a small area, but it can crack, especially if settling continues to occur.

Self-leveling Foam

Self-leveling foam refers to a self-leveling polymer compound that averages $35 per bag. The compound comes as a powder. You mix it with water and spread it across the surface of the concrete to fill in the dip and create a flat surface. The self-leveling foam dries to create a level surface but does not fix the problem under the concrete that is causing the dip. If settlement continues to occur, the concrete and self-leveling foam can again form a dip.

Mudjacking Cost

The cost of mudjacking, also referred to as slab jacking or foam jacking, is $5 to $25 per sq. ft. depending on what filler is used. The process is an excellent option if the concrete has started to sink. It involves using a grout like material that is a mixture of pond sand and cement to fill the space below the concrete. In some situations, soil or foam is used. Holes are drilled into the surface of the concrete, and the substance is pumped into the void below the concrete. As the space is filled, the concrete lifts. Once the dip has lifted, the holes are filled with new concrete. In some cases, a jack is also used to lift the concrete slab slightly to pump the solution beneath the concrete's surface.

Sandjacking

The average cost of slab jacking is $3 to $7 per sq. ft. The price usually depends on the composition of the slurry used. The slurry is a combination of sand, such as dry limestone mixed with water. Sandjacking is considered less invasive than standard mudjacking. Holes are drilled in the concrete slab, and the slurry is pumped in under the sides of the concrete slab after the concrete slab has undergone jacking to lift it. Usually, sandjacking is used in areas where the dirt or soil remains wet.

Concrete Slab Jacking

The cost of slab jacking ranges from $3 to $17 per sq. ft. for concrete jacking cost. The costs depend on several factors such as the size of the slab, whether it is a load-bearing concrete slab, and if the load is dynamic or static. In some areas, mudjacking is referred to as slabjacking. The term is used interchangeably to refer to raising the concrete slab to insert filler underneath. Slabjacking is used to lift driveways, sidewalks, and foundations. The process involves using a jack to lift the concrete so a filler can be inserted underneath the concrete slab.

Foundation Jacking

Foundation jacking refers to mudjacking a foundation which can run from $5 to $8 per sq. ft. depending on if you use mudjacking or foam jacking to lift the concrete. Foam jacking is the preferred method for foundation jacking because of the density of the compound and the stability that it offers to a load-bearing concrete surface. You can easily correct uneven concrete and add much-needed structural support.

Poly Leveling

If you attempt to raise or level a slab on top of an unstable fill, you may need polyurethane jacking rather than traditional mudjacking. Polyurethane is lightweight enough to work on unstable fill but is not as strong as traditional grout, making it unsuitable for most applications. Poly leveling per sq. ft. costs around $20 to $25 per sq. ft.

Concrete Leveling Cost by Location

Concrete leveling is carried out anywhere there is concrete that has formed a dip. Typically, the cost to level a concrete floor or for outdoor concrete leveling averages from $1.80 to $25 per sq. ft. depending on the method you use. A concrete floor, patio, sidewalk, driveway, garage, or more sections might require leveling. If you plan on laying flooring in the home and the concrete slab is not level, you will need to level the surface before laying tile, hardwood, or laminate. Outdoor concrete leveling requires the same methods as indoor.

Leveling Concrete Floor for Laminate

Spreading laminate requires a smooth surface, or you will notice every imperfection. The cost to level a 200 sq. ft. concrete floor for laminate average from $360 to $5,000 and depends on the degree of unevenness. If the floor has a severe dip, you'll want to lift the concrete using mudjacking for foam jacking to create a smooth surface. However, if the imperfection is minor, a self-leveler might work.

Leveling Concrete Floor for Tile

Tile requires a very level surface to look good and prevent cracking. You'll need to level the concrete subfloor using either a self-leveler or mud or foam jacking, depending on the severity of the uneven surface. The average cost to level 200 sq. ft of concrete floor for tile ranges from $360 to $5,000, depending on the method you use. If it is a small uneven area, a self-leveler is ideal.

Level Concrete Floor for Hardwood

If you want to level a 200 sq. ft concrete floor, it averages from $360 to $5,000, depending on the method you use. Hardwood is more forgiving than other flooring methods when it comes to how level the floor is before laying the wood pieces. You can easily use a self leveler for minor uneven areas because the self-leveler is hidden beneath the hardwood flooring.

Concrete Patio Leveling

The cost to level a 200 sq. ft. concrete patio averages $360 to $5,000. Concrete patio leveling costs vary depending on the severity of the sagging and your plans for the surface of the patio. If you plan to lay tile on the patio or apply some other flooring, a self-leveler is ideal. If you want to leave the concrete free of any flooring, a self-leveler might not be ideal for filling in the areas of unevenness.

Level a Concrete Subfloor

The cost to level a 600 sq. ft concrete subfloor is $1,080 to $15,000, depending on the method you use. If there is a slight dip in the concrete, you can use a self-leveler to fill in the dip. However, if there is a severe dip, you'll need to use either mudjacking or foam jacking to level the floor so you can apply flooring on the subfloor’s surface. Foam jacking is the most costly of options, but it also creates a dense filler that is favored if the dip is near a load-bearing wall.

Level Concrete Basement Floor

The price to level 600 sq. ft. can range from $1,080 to $15,000. If your basement has an uneven surface, you’ll need to figure out a way to level the concrete. The method that you use will depend on if you plan to lay flooring. Typically, a self-leveler is used if you plan on laying flooring across the basement floor’s surface. However, if you do not want to lay flooring, you can use mudjacking or some other mudjacking or foam method. If the area that is dipping is near a foundation or supportive wall, you’ll want to use foam jacking to offer greater density and security.

Driveway Leveling

The cost to level a 600 sq. ft. driveway ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the method used and the severity of the situation. You will not use a self-leveler on a driveway. The thin leveling surface that forms from the formula will easily crack or chip away under the constant use and weight of a vehicle driving across its surface. Instead, you’ll need to use mud-jacking or foam jacking to level the driveway.

Cost of Concrete Leveling by Product Brand

The cost of concrete leveling products can range from $10 to $50, depending on the product brand, size, and formula. Some products are sold as a dry mix that you add water to create a slurry. Other products are sold in a pre-mixed formula within a tub. You can purchase concrete leveling products in a tube that you use to inject directly into a crack or hole within the concrete. Below is a table that outlines the cost of concrete leveling by the product brand.

Param 5500

Param 5500, made by Duraamen, acts as a self-leveling and self-curing leveler. A 50 lb. bag averages $1 to $5 per sq. ft. It is made from a calcium aluminate cement-based overlay that quick sets to provide resurfacing and create a smooth, level surface. It is applied at a thickness of ¼ to 1 ½ inches. But, you can add aggregate to the solution to create a thickness of up to 5 inches. It bonds well with concrete to create an acceptable surface for ceramic tile.

Ardex Self-leveling Concrete

The price of Ardex Self-Leveling Concrete averages $2 to $3 per sq. ft. The Portland-based, cement-based, self-leveling formula is high strength and fast-setting. It forms a non-shrink underlayment. It works well to rapidly level floors and provides a strong, durable floor covering. You simply mix the powder-like formula with water and pour, pump, or spread the formula on the area that is not level.

Gypcrete

Gypcrete is a brand name owned by Maxxon Corporation. The gypcrete price per sq. ft. ranges from $2 to $6. In most cases, the cost of gypcrete per square foot is considered very reasonable. This product is universally used by construction contractors and architects around the world. The brand is very popular for use in condominiums, hotels, large businesses, and apartment complexes because it provides sound reduction, radiant heating, floor leveling, and fire resistance.

RapidSet Concrete Leveler

RapidSet Concrete Leveler acts as a self-leveling underlayment. The cost of RapidSet Concrete Leveler averages $2 to $6 per sq. ft. It is favored due to its long life. It provides chip resistance so you can drive nails directly through the cement flooring into not only the concrete but also into the concrete leveler to produce even greater stability and help to hold the leveling in place after it sets. It works well for both indoor and outdoor use.

Quikrete

Quikrete is a classic. It comes in a large 80 lb. bag for about $8. You simply mix it with water to form a slurry. You can spread it across the surface to act as a self-leveler or inject it under the concrete slab to fill in the void and create a level surface. In some situations, the concrete slab is jacked up, and the Quikrete slurry is pumped under the slab’s surface. It is typically used for driveways, patios, and other outdoor projects.

Cost to Level Concrete

Most companies will charge $1.80 to $25 per sq. ft. to level concrete, including all materials and labor. The cost to level 100 sq. ft of concrete ranges from $500 to $1,700, with the mid-range being $1,500. It typically takes only one to two hours to level concrete regardless of the method used. The typical labor cost runs around $350. The labor fee includes mixing and pouring the compound. It also includes any drilling or patching of the holes that might be required after mudjacking.

Mudjacking Pros and Cons

Mudjacking has many pros, such as it is an affordable way to fix sagging concrete. It is typically fast and effective and costs a fraction of what it would cost to pour new concrete. Also, it preserves your landscape because you don’t have to have the old concrete removed, which can cause a mess. However, the main con against mudjacking is that it does not fix the problem that caused the sagging concrete. If you fix the concrete using mudjacking, the soil settlement issue can again occur, which causes additional sagging and cracking in the repaired area.

Concrete Leveling vs Replacement

If you have a sunken slab of concrete, it can be tempting to replace it. But if the material is only sunken and is not significantly damaged in any way, concrete leveling can be significantly less expensive than removing and replacing the slab. In most cases, a new slab will cost between 50% and 70% more than the leveling. It is not uncommon for a 400 sq. ft concrete slab to cost $2,000 or more, plus the cost of demolition, making the total closer to $3,000.

However, if the slab is severely cracked, has missing sections, or has other significant damage, then leveling may not be possible. In this case, you will need a new slab. Keep in mind that a sunken slab can crack if not addressed, so by avoiding leveling, you may end up requiring a replacement down the road.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Concrete Core Drilling

The cost of concrete core drilling averages $11 per sq. ft. This calculates to an average price of around $1,100 for a job that is 100 sq. ft. Concrete core drilling is used to raise concrete in areas that are hard to reach. Holes or channels are drilled into the concrete. Next, a self-leveler or foam is pumped through the holes into the void beneath the uneven concrete. As the leveler expands, the concrete forms a level surface.

Grind Concrete Floor

Concrete grinding per square foot averages $3 to $12 if the concrete is polished. Concrete grinding prices vary depending on the location and complexity of the project. The process of concrete grinding refers to using an abrasive tool to grind down the surface of the concrete. Polished concrete prices are usually higher because they require many grinding levels to reach the area beneath the concrete to effectively fill the void.

Concrete Polishing

After repairing an unlevel surface on a polished concrete floor, you will need to repolish the concrete for a price that ranges from $3 to $15 per sq. ft. The concrete floor polishing hides where any holes have been drilled to create a level concrete floor. The surface of the concrete is recreated across the drilled holes to make the entire area match.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Mudjacking and surface leveling of concrete do not come with warranties. Concrete may still settle or slope again even after the process is complete.
• Mudjacking is not a DIY project. However, the self-leveling of floors is an acceptable DIY project. Look for liquid compounds, which require no mixing, at around $50 per container. To cover 100 sq. ft., you will likely need three containers at about $150.
• Avoid mudjacking if you attempt to raise a foundation on unstable soil or if the slab in question is greater than six inches in thickness. In these cases, you may need to replace the concrete. If your concrete is cracked or broken, mudjacking or foam jacking will not be a suitable option. In this instance, you will need to replace the slab.
• If the area you are leveling is far from the pump--over 200 to 250 feet away, or if the area is difficult to access, you will have a higher cost. This is due to the additional time and equipment necessary to transport the leveling material to the job.