Concrete Resurfacing Cost

Typical costs:

• Expect to pay a resurfacing contractor $3-$10 a square foot depending on the condition of the existing concrete, the resurfacing system used and local rates. Small residential projects tend to cost more per square foot and may be subject to a minimum charge of $500-$1,000 or more. Resurfacing an average 500-square-foot concrete driveway typically costs $2,000-$5,000.
• For do-it-yourselfers, resurfacing products in buckets or bags can be purchased at home improvement or hardware stories. Total DIY costs can be $2-$5 or more a square foot, depending on the materials used. The resurfacing process doesn't require much skill, but it must be done relatively quickly (the material is typically malleable for about 20-30 minutes). ThisOldHouse.com estimates it took two people five hours and six bags ($150-$180) of material to resurface a 9'x27' driveway and a 3'x18' walkway (about 300 square feet). Renting a pressure washer to clean the existing concrete before resurfacing can add $40-$75 to the total DIY costs. Other tools needed might include an electric drill with mixing paddle; a caulking gun; a trowel, squeegee or push broom; and possibly a pump sprayer (for a texture coat in some systems).

• To be resurfaced, the concrete slab must be level, with only surface cracks. If the concrete is sunken because of shifting soil or extreme weight on the surface, uneven because of freezing conditions and ground swell, or has large cracks that go through the entire layer of concrete, resurfacing will not fix the problem and replacement may be the only option. Too much moisture in the concrete can also make resurfacing unsuccessful. ConcreteNetwork.com describes what makes an acceptable surface^[1] .
• The concrete must first be cleaned (typically with a pressure washer) to remove all dirt, oil or grease, and any loose pieces of concrete. Next, all cracks, holes and other surface imperfections should be patched, so they won't show through the new surface. The concrete should them be roughed, so it will create a good bond with the resurfacing material; resurfacing contractors typically use a grinder or shotlbaster to mechanically abrade the concrete. The resurfacing system should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually with a trowel or a long-handled squeegee, push broom or masonry brush. ConcreteNetwork.com provides photo illustrations of the steps needed to resurface a concrete driveway^[2] , and a video demonstrating the application of a resurfacing material called a skimcoat overlay^[3] .

• Resurfaced concrete should be preserved with a high-quality sealer ($20-$80 a gallon), which makes the surface easier to clean and prevents stains while protecting color and improving resistance to moisture and abrasion. Interior resurfaced concrete floors may only require wet mopping or dry dust mopping, but outdoor surfaces may need to be re-sealed annually, depending on traffic and weather exposure.

• ConcreteNetwork.com describes the types of concrete overlays^[4] , provides a chart comparing different types^[5] of concrete overlay systems and lists the factors to consider^[6] when choosing a resurfacing system.
• Get recommendations for concrete resurfacing contractors from family, friends, or the staff at local home improvement or hardware stores. Or search for local contractors through ConcreteNetwork.com^[7] .
• Ask for examples (photos or addresses) of previous concrete resurfacing projects. Request and call references from previous customers; check that the company is properly insured, bonded and licensed^[8] . Check for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau^[9] .

1.  www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/concrete_resurfacing/what_is_an_acceptable_surfac...
2.  www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/concrete_resurfacing/step_by_step.htm
3.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO09piKqdo0
4.  www.concretenetwork.com/overlays-resurfacing-buyers-guide/
5.  www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-repair/overlay-systems.html
6.  www.concretenetwork.com/overlays-resurfacing-buyers-guide/choosing.html
7.  www.concretenetwork.com/contractors/GarageFloorCoatings-/
8.  www.contractors-license.org/
9.  www.bbb.org/en/us/search

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Storm Shelter Cost?		How Much Does Heating Oil Cost?		How Much Does Painting a House Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Repair leaks before the rain starts pouring. Fall begins Monday, September 23. How about backpacking? Sweating college admissions? SAT test prep can reduce some of the stress of the big test. Don't leave the dancing with the stars. Take a lesson. September is Chicken Month. Have you considered raising a unique pet?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost