Uneven concrete is more than an eyesore. It creates trip hazards, causes drainage problems, and can lower your home’s curb appeal. When a driveway, sidewalk, or patio starts to sink, most homeowners worry the fix will be expensive.
The good news is that the cost of concrete lifting is usually far lower than full replacement. At Helicon, homeowners often learn they can restore safety and function without tearing out existing slabs or disrupting their property.
This guide explains what drives concrete lifting cost, typical price ranges, and when lifting makes sense. You’ll learn how methods compare, what affects pricing, and how to budget with confidence before scheduling repairs.
Concrete Lifting Cost: What Drives The Price?
Concrete lifting typically costs between $1,500 and $12,000 for most residential projects. Your final price depends on how much concrete needs lifting, the method your contractor uses, and how badly your slabs have settled.
Average Price Range
Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $12,000 on concrete lifting projects. A single driveway section or sidewalk repair usually sits on the lower end of this range. Smaller jobs like lifting a few sunken patio slabs might cost you around $1,500 to $3,000.
Medium-sized projects, such as a standard driveway, typically run $3,000 to $6,000. Larger areas like entire garage floors or multiple driveway sections can reach $6,000 to $12,000. The type of lifting method you pick will affect your total cost, too.
Polyurethane foam injection generally costs more upfront than traditional mudjacking. On the other hand, foam often needs less material and gets the job done faster, which can balance out the price difference. Understanding what affects the cost helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
Factors That Influence Pricing
The size of your project is the biggest cost factor. Larger areas need more material and labor, which increases your total expense. How deeply your concrete has sunk matters a lot.
Slabs that have settled several inches require more lifting material than those that only dropped slightly. Your soil condition also plays a role since unstable ground might need extra stabilization. Access to your concrete affects pricing, too.
Easy-to-reach areas like driveways cost less than tight spaces where equipment can’t fit easily. The number of injection points needed for proper stabilization will add to your labor costs. Any cosmetic work after lifting adds to your bill. Filling cracks or matching existing concrete finishes requires extra materials and time.
Cost Per Square Foot
Concrete lifting typically costs $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on your specific situation. The method you choose makes a big difference in this rate.
Mudjacking usually runs $5 to $15 per square foot. This traditional method uses a cement-based mixture to raise your concrete.
Polyurethane foam injection costs $10 to $25 per square foot. This modern technique uses lightweight expanding foam that cures quickly.
Your per-square-foot rate drops with larger projects since contractors can work more efficiently. Small repairs under 100 square feet often hit the higher end of pricing ranges.
Comparing Concrete Lifting to Alternatives
Concrete lifting typically costs 50-70% less than full replacement and offers faster completion times. The choice between mudjacking and foam injection affects both price and performance.
Cost Differences With Replacement
Concrete lifting costs between $5 and $15 per square foot. Full replacement runs $8 to $20+ per square foot for the same area. You’ll save 30-50% by choosing lifting over replacement.
For a 200 square foot driveway section, lifting might cost $1,000 to $3,000, while replacement could reach $4,000 or more. Replacement requires more labor and materials. Contractors break up the old concrete, haul it away, prep the base, pour new concrete, and then you wait several days for curing.
Lifting usually takes just a few hours, and you can use the surface almost immediately.
Cost breakdown comparison:
| Service | Price Per Sq Ft | 200 Sq Ft Total | Cure Time |
| Lifting | $5–$15 | $1,000–$3,000 | Same day |
| Replacement | $8–$20+ | $1,600–$4,000+ | 3–7 days |
Mudjacking Versus Polyurethane Foam Lifting
Mudjacking injects a cement-based slurry under your concrete. It costs $3 to $6 per square foot. Polyurethane foam lifting runs $5 to $15 per square foot but comes with different benefits.
Foam weighs much less than the mud mixture, which puts less stress on the soil beneath your slab. The lighter weight means your concrete stays level longer.
Mudjacking requires larger injection holes—about 2 inches in diameter. Foam only needs holes about the size of a penny. Foam also cures in 15 minutes while mud takes 24-48 hours to set. Plus, foam resists water and won’t wash away over time.
The cement slurry used in mudjacking can erode if water flows through the soil underneath. Foam-lifted concrete usually lasts longer without needing extra work.
When Repairs Are More Economical Than Replacement
Lifting works best when your concrete is still structurally sound. Cracks smaller than 2 inches wide and slabs without severe damage are good candidates for lifting. Replacement makes more sense if your concrete has deep cracks, crumbling edges, or widespread surface damage.
Lifting just can’t fix those structural problems. The age of your concrete matters too. Slabs under 15-20 years old with minor settling usually benefit from lifting. Older concrete with multiple issues might need replacement to avoid future headaches.
Lifting makes sense when:
- Your slabs have settled unevenly
- The concrete surface is intact
- You need quick access to the area
- Budget is a primary concern
Replacement becomes necessary when the concrete itself has failed, not just the soil beneath it.
Regional And Project Variations
Concrete lifting costs change based on where you live and what type of property needs work. Labor rates and material expenses shift across different regions, while residential jobs typically cost less than commercial ones.
How Location Affects Cost
Your geographic location plays a major role in what you’ll pay for concrete lifting. Urban areas with higher costs of living usually have more expensive labor rates than rural communities. A project in New York City or San Francisco might cost 20-30% more than the same work in a smaller Midwestern town.
Regional differences in material availability also impact your final price. Areas far from foam or grout suppliers may include extra delivery fees. Climate matters too, since regions with severe ground movement from freeze-thaw cycles or soil expansion often need more extensive stabilization work.
Local competition affects pricing as well. Markets with several concrete lifting companies tend to offer more competitive rates than areas with just one or two providers. Your state’s licensing requirements and insurance costs can also push prices up or down.
Residential Versus Commercial Project Pricing
Residential concrete lifting jobs generally cost between $1,500 and $8,000 for typical driveways, patios, and sidewalks. These projects are usually smaller and easier to access, which keeps costs down. Your home’s walkway might need just a few injection points to level properly.
Commercial projects run significantly higher, often starting at $5,000 and reaching $20,000 or more. Warehouses, parking lots, and loading docks require specialized equipment and larger crews. These sites need more material because the slabs are thicker and cover greater square footage.
Commercial work also involves stricter safety standards and often requires permits. Projects at businesses may need after-hours scheduling to avoid disrupting operations, which can add labor premiums to your quote.
Additional Expenses To Consider
Concrete lifting projects involve more than just the base service fee. You’ll likely encounter charges for site preparation, travel fees from contractors, and potential repairs that go beyond the standard lifting work.
Site Preparation And Cleanup
Your contractor needs clear access to work areas before lifting can begin. This might mean removing landscaping, plants, or obstacles blocking the concrete slabs. If you have overgrown bushes or decorative stones around your sunken patio, these need to be moved first.
Debris removal after the job adds to your total cost. The lifting process can create small amounts of concrete dust and residue. Some contractors include basic cleanup in their quote, while others charge separately for it.
Soil stabilization work sometimes becomes necessary before lifting begins. If the ground beneath your concrete is unstable or eroding, workers need to address this issue first. Otherwise, your newly lifted concrete could sink again within months.
This preparation work typically costs between $200 and $800, depending on the severity of soil problems.
Travel Or Minimum Service Fees
Many concrete lifting companies charge travel fees if you live outside their standard service area. These fees typically range from $50 to $200 based on distance. Rural properties often face higher travel charges than suburban locations.
Minimum service fees apply when your project is too small to meet the company’s baseline charge. Even if you only need to lift a small 3-foot section of sidewalk, you might still pay a minimum fee of $400 to $600. This covers the cost of bringing equipment and a crew to your property.
Repairs Beyond Lifting
Existing cracks in your concrete may need fixing before or after the lifting process. Small crack repairs cost between $100 and $300 per crack. Larger structural cracks require more extensive work and can add $500 or more to your project.
Joint sealing protects your freshly lifted concrete from water infiltration. This preventive measure costs around $3 to $8 per linear foot. Sealing joints helps prevent future settling and extends the life of your repair.
Surface damage from years of wear might require patching or resurfacing. If your driveway has crumbling edges or deep pitting, you’ll need these fixed separately from the lifting work. Patching costs vary from $150 to $400 per damaged section.
Tips For Saving Money On Concrete Lifting
Getting the best price on concrete lifting requires knowing how to request detailed estimates and timing your repairs strategically. You can reduce costs by up to 30% when you bundle projects together.
How To Get Accurate Quotes
Request quotes from at least three different contractors in your area. This gives you a clear picture of local pricing and helps you spot any unusually high or low estimates. Ask each contractor to visit your property for an in-person inspection.
Phone estimates often miss important details that affect the final cost. During the visit, point out all the areas that need work so nothing gets overlooked. Make sure each quote breaks down the costs by materials, labor, and equipment separately.
This helps you compare quotes fairly and understand where your money’s going. Ask about the specific lifting method they plan to use, whether it’s mudjacking or polyurethane foam injection. Get everything in writing before work starts.
The quote should include the total square footage being lifted, the depth of the voids being filled, and any guarantees or warranties. Written quotes protect you from surprise charges later.
Bundling Multiple Repairs
Schedule all your concrete lifting work at the same time instead of spreading it across months or years. Contractors often reduce their per-square-foot rate when you give them more work in a single visit. Combine different concrete repairs like driveways, sidewalks, and patio slabs into one project.
The contractor only needs to mobilize their equipment once, which cuts down on setup costs and travel fees. Talk to your neighbors about sharing a contractor. Some companies offer group discounts when they can work on multiple properties in the same area during one trip.
You split the mobilization costs, and both save money. Address small problems before they get worse. A minor slab that needs 1-2 inches of lifting costs much less than waiting until it sinks 4-5 inches and creates drainage issues.
Making A Confident Decision About Concrete Lifting
Sunken concrete can create safety risks, drainage issues, and daily frustration around your home. Understanding concrete lifting cost helps you weigh your options and avoid paying for more work than you actually need.
When pricing is clear, it’s easier to choose the right repair method and plan your budget. With the right approach, concrete lifting can restore stability and appearance without the disruption of full replacement. Helicon helps homeowners understand their options so repairs feel manageable, not overwhelming.
If uneven concrete is causing problems around your property, now is a good time to act. Schedule a professional evaluation, get clear pricing, and take the first step toward safer, level surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete lifting usually cost?
Concrete lifting cost typically ranges from $3 to $25 per square foot. The final price depends on the lifting method, slab size, and how much the concrete has settled. Most homeowners spend between $750 and $6,000 for common residential repairs.
What factors have the biggest impact on concrete lifting cost?
Project size, settlement depth, and soil conditions play the biggest roles in pricing. Hard-to-reach areas and unstable soil can increase labor and material needs. The lifting method you choose also affects total cost.
Is concrete lifting cheaper than replacing concrete?
Yes, concrete lifting usually costs 30–70% less than full replacement. Lifting avoids demolition, hauling, and long cure times, which keeps costs lower. It also allows most surfaces to be used the same day.
What is the cost difference between mudjacking and foam lifting?
Mudjacking is typically the more affordable option, averaging $3 to $6 per square foot. Polyurethane foam lifting costs more, usually $5 to $25 per square foot, but cures faster and adds less weight to the soil.
How long does lifted concrete last?
When soil conditions are addressed properly, lifted concrete can remain stable for many years. Foam lifting often lasts longer because it resists moisture and erosion. Longevity depends on drainage, soil stability, and ongoing maintenance.
Are there extra costs beyond the base lifting price?
Yes, additional costs may include crack repairs, joint sealing, soil stabilization, or travel fees. Small projects may also be subject to minimum service charges. A detailed quote helps avoid surprise expenses.
Can homeowners’ insurance cover concrete lifting?
Most insurance policies do not cover concrete lifting because settling is considered routine maintenance. Coverage may apply only if the damage resulted from a sudden, covered event like a burst pipe or fallen tree.
How can I lower my concrete lifting cost?
Bundling multiple repairs into one project can reduce per-square-foot pricing. Getting multiple in-person quotes and addressing issues early also helps keep costs down. Small lifts are always cheaper than waiting for severe settlement.
When is concrete lifting not a good option?
Concrete lifting is not recommended when slabs have severe cracking, crumbling edges, or major structural damage. In those cases, replacement is usually the safer and longer-lasting solution.
