How to Level Uneven Concrete (DIY Options)
Uneven concrete creates trip hazards, drainage problems, and that frustrating rocking furniture situation. The fix depends on what's causing the unevenness: minor surface irregularities call for self-leveling compound, while sunken slabs need lifting or replacement.
Before choosing a method, diagnose why your concrete is uneven. If soil washout or settling caused the problem, surface treatments won't help—the concrete will continue sinking. Address the cause, then fix the symptom.
Assess the Problem First
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Best Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wavy surface, no sinking | Poor finishing | Self-leveling compound |
| One section lower than another | Settling/soil compaction | Mudjacking or foam lifting |
| Slab tilting toward house | Erosion/drainage | Professional assessment |
| Cracks with height difference | Structural movement | Professional assessment |
| Minor dips (<1/4") | Normal wear | Resurfacer or live with it |
To understand settling causes in depth, see why concrete settles.
Method 1: Self-Leveling Compound (DIY)
Self-leveling compound is a cement-based product that flows across surfaces and levels itself. It's the go-to solution for indoor floors with minor unevenness.
When to Use
- Indoor concrete floors only
- Variations up to 1 inch (some products handle up to 1.5")
- Surface irregularities, not structural settling
- Preparing floors for tile, laminate, or other finishes
When NOT to Use
- Outdoor concrete (not weather-resistant)
- Slabs that are actively settling
- Variations over 1.5 inches
- Areas with moisture problems
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Self-leveling compound | $30-50 per 50-lb bag |
| Coverage | ~50 sqft at 1/8" thickness |
| Cost per sqft | $0.60-1.00 (materials only) |
DIY Process
- Clean thoroughly—remove all dirt, oil, paint, loose material
- Prime the surface with bonding primer (critical for adhesion)
- Seal cracks and edges with foam backer rod or caulk
- Mix compound per instructions (consistency matters)
- Pour and spread working in sections
- Let it self-level (don't overwork it)
- Allow to cure (24-48 hours before foot traffic)
Difficulty: Moderate. Timing is important—compound sets quickly.
Method 2: Concrete Resurfacer (DIY)
Resurfacer is thinner than self-leveling compound and designed for worn or slightly uneven outdoor surfaces.
When to Use
- Outdoor concrete with minor surface damage
- Slight unevenness (under 1/4")
- Worn, pitted, or spalled surfaces
- Cosmetic improvement
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete resurfacer | $25-40 per 40-lb bag |
| Coverage | ~35 sqft |
| Cost per sqft | $0.70-1.15 (materials only) |
Limitations
Resurfacer doesn't fix settling or major unevenness—it's a surface treatment, not a leveling solution.
Method 3: Mudjacking (Professional)
Mudjacking (also called slabjacking) lifts sunken concrete by pumping a cement slurry underneath the slab.
How It Works
- Drill 1-2 inch holes through the slab
- Pump cement/sand/water mixture underneath
- Slurry fills voids and lifts the slab
- Patch the holes
- Ready for use within 24-48 hours
When to Use
- Sunken driveways, patios, sidewalks, garage floors
- Settling of 1-4 inches
- Slab is structurally sound (no major cracks)
- Budget is a concern vs. foam lifting
Cost
| Factor | Cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $3-6 |
| Minimum charge | $500-800 typically |
| 100 sqft slab | $300-600 |
| 400 sqft driveway | $1,200-2,400 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 50-70% cheaper than replacement
- Quick (same-day completion)
- Proven technology (decades of use)
Cons:
- Heavy material can cause re-settling
- Holes are visible (though patched)
- Typically lasts 5-10 years
Method 4: Polyurethane Foam Lifting (Professional)
Foam lifting uses expanding polyurethane foam instead of cement slurry.
How It Works
- Drill small holes (dime-sized)
- Inject expanding polyurethane foam
- Foam expands, filling voids and lifting slab
- Sets in minutes
- Ready for use almost immediately
When to Use
- Same applications as mudjacking
- When weight is a concern (foam is much lighter)
- Faster timeline needed
- Willing to pay premium for better results
Cost
| Factor | Cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $5-15 |
| Minimum charge | $800-1,200 typically |
| 100 sqft slab | $500-1,500 |
| 400 sqft driveway | $2,000-6,000 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight (won't cause additional settling)
- Smaller holes, less visible
- Waterproof (won't wash out)
- Longer lasting than mudjacking
Cons:
- More expensive
- Material can't be adjusted after setting
- Requires specialized equipment
Method 5: Replacement
Sometimes leveling isn't practical. Consider replacement when:
- Settling exceeds 2-3 inches
- Multiple large cracks present
- Slab is badly deteriorated
- Leveling costs approach 60%+ of replacement
- Underlying soil problems can't be addressed
Cost
| Project | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $8-15 |
| 100 sqft slab | $800-1,500 |
| 400 sqft driveway | $3,200-6,000 |
For full replacement guidance, see how to pour concrete.
Cost Comparison Summary
| Method | Cost/Sqft | DIY? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-leveling compound | $0.60-1.00 | Yes | Indoor, minor unevenness |
| Resurfacer | $0.70-1.15 | Yes | Outdoor surface issues |
| Mudjacking | $3-6 | No | Budget-friendly lifting |
| Foam lifting | $5-15 | No | Long-term lifting solution |
| Replacement | $8-15 | Possible | Severe damage/settling |
Key Takeaways
- Diagnose the cause before choosing a fix—settling needs different solutions than surface unevenness
- Self-leveling compound works for indoor floors with minor variations
- Mudjacking ($3-6/sqft) is the budget-friendly professional option
- Foam lifting ($5-15/sqft) offers better long-term results
- Replace when damage is extensive or leveling costs approach replacement costs
Use our concrete calculator if replacement is your best option. For more on settling causes, see our complete concrete guide.