How Much Does Concrete Sidewalk Repair Cost In 2024?

Sidewalks are made from a range of materials, typically asphalt, concrete or stone. Concrete, however, is one of the most popular options due to its durability, longevity and versatility to mold into unique spaces. Assuming you need to repair up to 200 square feet of concrete sidewalk, prices for repairs range from $600 to $4,000—or $1,600 on average.

Narrow down the cost of concrete sidewalk repairs more specifically by calculating the total per square foot. Overall, you’ll pay between $3 and $20, or an average of $8 per square foot for sidewalk repairs. The vast range accounts for everything between sealing small cracks to leveling the slab with mudjacking. And if it’s necessary, full sidewalk replacement costs fall within this range as well.

Let’s take a closer look at how the specific sidewalk repair price adds up. Keep in mind that in most cases, the town will require you to hire a concrete company nearby. A certified contractor familiar with local building codes is often best for the job.

Type of Repair

Determining the cost of sidewalk repair based on the issue all comes down to balancing costs. It may not be worth fixing the individual slabs or highly cracked and uneven sidewalk if it costs less to just replace it. The type of repair can help determine where the repair falls within the  typical range—$3 to $20 per square foot—but we’ll break down individual costs in the section below.

Labor

Contractors set a minimum fee for all visits, typically starting around $400. In other words, it’s in your best interest to have them repair multiple areas at once if your sidewalk is damaged in multiple places. Overall, labor will account for nearly two-thirds of the total price. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more for a more complex job when the slab has underlying issues.

Materials

Manufacturers offer a range of versatile concrete repair sealants, fillers and aggregates that can bring a slab back to life. On average, new concrete will cost an average of $6 per square foot. Gallon tubs or small tubes of concrete filler cost anywhere from $5 to $50 for materials alone. Prices for complex jobs rise when you take equipment into account, particularly paddle mixers, concrete saws or concrete forming molds.

The type of issue in your sidewalk speaks to the extent of the repair. Small cracks, for example, are quite standard. Sinking, crumbling and unlevel sidewalk slabs, however, are often signs of an underlying problem such as poor installation or a bad concrete foundation.

Holes or Cracks

While cracks and holes cost professionals between $5 and $11 per square foot to repair, DIY jobs can cost as little as $15 for a bottle of concrete filler. Small holes and cracks that don’t affect the structure of the slab—called “non-working” cracks—are often easy to fix on your own. Concrete-specific epoxies and sealants can close these up while allowing flexibility during the next freeze. Larger cracks and holes, however, may require patching—a job best handled by professionals.

Sinking

Raising a sunken sidewalk slab will cost between $5 and $20 per square foot depending on the necessary repair method. Sidewalk slabs can sink into the ground over time, leading to tripping hazards and welcoming weeds to grow over the area. If they sink far enough, you could end up with a sidewalk that no longer meets local requirements.

Crumbling

Crumbling concrete sidewalks stem from several issues—from poor installation to grass and weeds breaking through the slab. Unless there is severe damage, you’ll pay just $6 to $9 per square foot to repair a crumbling sidewalk. Contractors will use a concrete form to reshape the area.

Leveling

While an unlevel sidewalk slab is very similar to a sinking one—and will cost between $5 and $20 per square foot to repair—you are more likely to be able to use slab jacking for repairs (more on this method in a minute).

In the worst-case scenario, you may also need to hire an arborist to check out impeding tree roots that are pushing up part of the slab over time. While you shouldn’t need to remove the whole tree, digging up the roots can cost between $150 and $500.

There are many ways to approach the range of typical sideway repairs and their costs. Extensive concrete damage may require patching but simple cracks can often seal up with basic caulking.

Patching

If you’re considering DIY concrete patching, you’ll pay just $10 to $30 per container of concrete patching material from your local hardware store. Most of these mixtures are ideal for cracks and holes less than a 1/4 inch. For larger disrepair or for working cracks that have led to significant crumbling, professional patching will range from $5 to $11 per square foot.

Caulking

Crack filler—essentially flexible caulk—applies to a wider range of cracks. You’ll pay between $10 and $20 for a small tube of caulk, and most caulking materials apply to cracks between 1/4 and 1/2 inch—though it’s important to read the specifications, as you may need to fortify the crack with sand or backer rods.

Professional caulking costs between $8 and $11 per square foot.

Resurfacing

The happy medium between concrete repair and replacement costs is the process of resurfacing. When your sidewalk has so many patches that it’s barely recognizable, adding a new bonded layer of concrete returns it to its fresh state. The process costs between $3 and $7 per square foot.

Mudjacking

In the case of a sunken concrete slab, contractors can use the process of slab jacking—also known as mud jacking—to inject concrete filler below the slab and raise it up. If the slab is too deep or if it’s made of other materials, they may need to add a top layer to raise the overall height instead. You’ll pay anywhere from $3 to $20 per square foot for professional slab jacking.

Grinding

While similar to resurfacing, contractors can also grind away the top layer of the concrete and add a new overlay to hide the extensive damage. A professional should complete this task, which costs $6 to $9 per square foot.

Sealing

After you’ve addressed all areas of concern on your concrete, seal it up with a new top coat. Concrete sealants range from $20 to $90 per gallon depending on their ingredients. Some variations protect against mildew as well as wear and tear. The professional process will cost between $8 to $11 per square foot, though you’ll only pay for the sealant, an asphalt brush and paint rollers to do this yourself.

Full Replacement

If repair costs outweigh the cost of replacement, it’s time to consider a whole new slab. First of all, concrete removal prices range from $2 to $6 per square foot. Hiring a professional to pour a new concrete slab ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot. However, keep in mind that concrete disposal and the cost of local permits can raise your bottom line.

The average concrete sidewalk slab ranges between 25 and 64 square feet depending on whether you live in a city or a small suburb. Local laws will almost always dictate the required side of your sidewalk.

If the entire sidewalk outside your home requires repairs, you could be talking anywhere from 125 to around 400 square feet of concrete.

And as we’ve noted, concrete sidewalk repairs cost between $3 and $20 per square foot on average when you hire a professional or an average of $8.

Concrete walkway repair may come with a few unforeseen costs depending on where you live. Be sure to request detailed estimates from contractors before signing.

Permits

You or your contractor must check with your town before making sidewalk repairs. The permit to start work will typically range from $40 to $200, and your contractor may include a small charge in their fee for the work to pull it.

Site Prep

Contractors may charge higher fees for areas with necessary site prep. Removing weeds, assessing local tree roots or cleaning the concrete slab can raise the cost.

Location

As is the case with all construction, where you live can sway your concrete sidewalk repair prices. Living in a city will come with higher permit costs while living in a remote area may raise a contractor’s travel fees.

Saving money on concrete sidewalk repairs is tempting, but it will heavily depend on local laws. If you are allowed and able to make small repairs yourself, this will significantly lower costs overall. In either case, here are some ways to keep your concrete repair costs low.

1. Keep sidewalks clean and clear of debris.
2. Remove snow and ice as soon as possible after a storm.
3. Be wary of rock salt that can damage concrete over time.
4. Request at least three estimates from concrete contractors.
5. Handle all sidewalk prep and clean up after repairs yourself.
6. Consider DIYing small repairs such as cracks and patches.

Since sidewalks land in that fuzzy area between public land with private responsibility, always check in with your town before trying anything on your own. After all, you may not be responsible for it in the first place.

That being said, you could save up to two thirds of the total cost to repair it yourself. Most concrete repair materials cost under $100 including hand tools. However, a professional will know how to create a safe and aesthetically pleasing concrete slab that lasts decades. Make the call between a DIY repair and calling a professional if the concrete slab poses a safety hazard. You’ll save money—and prevent possible trips and falls—if you get the extra opinion of a pro.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, we surveyed two retailers and six local and national cost databases. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.