How Much Does It Cost to Resurface a Concrete Driveway, Pool Deck, or Sidewalk?

The average cost to resurface concrete typically falls between $3 and $5 per square foot. Concrete with a decorative overlay usually ranges from $7 to $12 per square foot, while stamped concrete costs $8 to $28 per square foot. 

Resurfacing breathes new life into concrete and saves money versus installing a new slab. From basic stains to decorative overlays and stamping, there are tons of options to fit a wide range of budgets.

Concrete Resurfacing Costs

Cost of Concrete Resurfacing per Square Foot

The cost per square foot varies based on the type of resurfacing you want, the condition of the existing surface, and the size of the project. Plan to budget more if you have several cracks to fill or need mudjacking to make the slab level. Smaller projects may be more expensive if you’re hiring a local concrete company, as some have a flat fee or minimum charge.

Cost of Concrete Resurfacing by Project Type

The cost of concrete resurfacing varies per project. Here are the average costs for these common project types.

Concrete Driveway Resurfacing Cost

The price of driveway resurfacing ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot. The median cost to resurface a standard 38-by-16-foot driveway is about $2,500.

Resurfacing a driveway is more budget-friendly than having a whole new one poured. Installing a new concrete driveway costs homeowners anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000. To compare, repairing a concrete driveway usually costs between $300 and $3,500.

Concrete Patio Resurfacing Cost

The median cost of resurfacing a concrete patio is around $4 per square foot. It generally costs less than installing a new concrete patio, which typically goes for between $1,500 to $3,700.

This resurfacing process extends the concrete's lifespan and gives it a fresh, new look. As a bonus, prospective homebuyers usually note the value of clean and crack-free surfaces. A pristine patio can have an ROI of about 80% when the time comes to sell.

Cost to Resurface a Pool Deck

A basic resurfacing job of a 750-square-foot pool deck ranges in price from $2,300 to $3,800. A decorative overlay would be about $5,300 to $9,000, while stamped concrete may range from $6,000 to $15,000. These styles have a return on investment of about 70%.

Residents of especially hot and sunny climates may want to budget an extra $4 per square foot or so to add a cool deck coating, a special topping that lowers the surface temperature of the concrete.

Cost to Resurface a Sidewalk

Resurfacing a concrete sidewalk costs around $4 per square foot. The total depends on the size of the area as well as its condition.

Concrete Overlay vs. Concrete Resurfacing

Decorative concrete overlays cost anywhere from $7 to $28 per square foot, which is significantly higher than basic resurfacing at $3 to $5 per square foot. 

The broad range of concrete overlay styles and colors is a key benefit—they’re also long-lasting and not susceptible to moisture damage. However, they can be hard on the feet and quite cool to the touch since they lack heat conductivity. 

They also amplify sounds, which might not be the best fit for those with noise concerns. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether overlays are the best fit for your project.

Concrete Overlay Costs

Concrete overlay is a type of resurfacing that involves applying a colored, cement-based substance to an existing surface. This spruces up the concrete and hides minor damage and discoloration in the process. The thickness of the overlay depends on the depth of the imprint and the desired level of texture.

Cost of Stamped Concrete Overlays

The cost of installing stamped concrete ranges from $8 to $28 per square foot. A standard 38-by-16-foot driveway ranges from about $4,900 to $12,200. The total depends on the stamped design's complexity as well as the square footage.

For this process, the installer uses a stamp or embossing tool to create a pattern or ornamental design. An especially skilled professional can even mimic the appearance of wood, stone, brick, or slate.

Cost of Decorative Concrete Resurfacing

The cost of decorative concrete resurfacing ranges from $7 to $12 per square foot. A standard 38-by-16-foot driveway with a decorative overlay ranges from $4,300 to $7,300. Less ornate overlays (unstamped types) involve polymer-based spreads accented with stains or dyes. These are flexible and thinner than projects involving stamps, but texture is addable.

Concrete Repair vs. Concrete Overlay

Basic concrete repairs cost around $8.50 per square foot. In most cases, it will cost less than concrete overlays, which go for $8 to $28 per square foot. 

Cost Breakdown of Concrete Resurfacing

Depending on the state of the concrete surface, there may be additional expenses to plan for. Here is a breakdown of potential extra costs and what could make up your overall budget.

Power Washing

The average charge for pressure or power washing an exterior surface, the first step in the resurfacing process, is $300. Pressure washing a driveway prices between $100 and $200 while power washing is about $130 to $220. Pressure washing uses high velocity to get dirt, dust, and grime while power washing uses hot water to get rid of stains and other tougher spots.

Concrete Repair and Removal Costs

Repairing concrete usually costs between $300 and $3,500. Fixing cracks ranges from $250 to $800. If the cracks are wider than 1/8 of an inch, consider budgeting to hire a structural engineer for around $500. Cracks wider than 1/8 of an inch could point to problems in the foundation's integrity.

A structural engineer assesses the foundation to determine its soundness and stability. They can explain which cracks are ignorable, which are easy to fix with synthetic or rubberized fillers, and which will require hiring a contractor to make the repairs. Do this before pouring new product.

Removing concrete typically goes for an average of about $1,100, but costlier jobs may reach $3,000 or more. This involves the use of a pry bar and sledgehammer to smash the concrete into smaller pieces. Pros might also use an electric jackhammer and special saw to get the job done.

Concrete Leveling Costs

Most homeowners pay an average price of $950 to cover the cost of leveling or mudjacking concrete slabs. This step isn’t necessary if the concrete is in good condition. The process involves pumping or pouring concrete under an existing slab that is sagging or cracked, which flattens and levels the slab.

New Concrete Costs

The cost of concrete delivery typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,700. The median cost of pouring new concrete is $13 per square foot.

After the surface is clean (and repaired if needed), the concrete mixing truck prepares a fresh batch of material in the necessary amount. Once it’s ready, the mixing truck must deliver and pour the product within 90 minutes or 300 rotations.

Sealing or Stamping Concrete Costs

Adding color to the concrete mixture is an option, or you can add a stamped design after the troweling if you’re looking for a more ornate surface. Finish this off with a coat of sealant—prices for the different types are listed below.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Concrete Resurfacing

DIY resurfacing ranges from about $2 to $5 per square foot. Factors include the amount of material necessary for the job and whether you plan on renting or purchasing the tools and equipment you need.

While the DIY approach offers attractive cost savings, concrete resurfacing requires precision in setting up the site, as well as in preparing and applying the mixture. Making the form of the site too big, a common DIY mistake, can lead to the final product cracking and slumping. 

Another common mistake is failure to properly mix the concrete, which causes it to crack and leads to more expenses down the road. Hiring a local concrete contractor guarantees the job gets done right—and beautifully—the first time around. 

Concrete Resurfacing FAQs

Should I repair, replace, or resurface my concrete driveway, patio, or pool deck?

Deciding whether you should repair, resurface, or replace your concrete surface depends on its condition and what you want it to look like. If the cracks are minimal and easily filled, then it’s worth it to make the repairs. 

If you’re looking to resurface it and give it a fresh look, take care of the repairs first. However, if the surface is old and crumbling, or if it has large, hazardous cracks, it’s best to replace it.

What is the difference between resurfacing and refinishing concrete?

There are a few differences between resurfacing and refinishing. Deciding which is for you depends on the condition of the surface and the look you’re going for.

For example, a damaged surface would be a candidate for resurfacing, but not refinishing. Resurfacing is also suitable for installing decorative overlays or stamped designs. A solid surface that's in good condition is ready for resurfacing or refinishing, but if you want something smooth and glossy, go with the latter. 

Below is a breakdown of which option works in these situations.