Concrete resurfacing cost calculator
Estimate a concrete resurfacing overlay from the area, your per-square-foot rate and an optional coating — the way to refresh a worn but sound slab without tearing it out.
Calculator
Resurfacing 300 sq ft at $4.00/sq ft plus coating is about $1,540.00 — far below tear-out for a sound but worn slab.
Concrete resurfacing applies a thin overlay — a micro-topping, a self-leveling overlay or a stamped/decorative skin — over an existing slab that is structurally sound but stained, worn, pitted or dated. It costs a fraction of tear-out and repour and can transform a tired driveway, patio or garage floor. This calculator sizes the overlay from the area and your rate, adds an optional coating or sealer line, and applies a contingency buffer.
Resurfacing only works over a slab that is solid: the overlay bonds to the existing concrete, so a crumbling or heaving base has to be repaired or replaced first. If the slab is merely sunken, level it with mudjacking or foam before resurfacing.
Formula
Overlay plus coating, buffered by the contingency you choose:
total = ( area × $/sq ft + coating ) × ( 1 + contingency )
The overlay rate is usually well below new flatwork because it is a thin layer, not a full-depth pour. The coating line covers a sealer or color coat if you want one; leave it at zero for a plain overlay. Contingency defaults to 10% (0.10) — raise it for a rough or intricate surface, lower it for a simple one.
Worked example
A 300 sq ft patio resurfaced at $4/sq ft with a $200 sealer and a 10% contingency:
( 300 × $4 + $200 ) × 1.10= ( $1,200 + $200 ) × 1.10= $1,400 × 1.10 = $1,540
For the same 300 sq ft, a full tear-out and repour would cost several times as much — resurfacing is the value play whenever the base slab is sound.
Resurfacing vs replacing
Resurfacing buys you a fresh surface and, with a decorative overlay, a new look, at a fraction of replacement cost — but only when the slab beneath is sound. Use this quick test: if the concrete is stained, worn, lightly pitted or simply dated, resurfacing is a strong candidate. If it is deeply cracked, spalling to the aggregate, heaving or sinking, address that first or replace it.
| Slab condition | Typical path |
|---|---|
| Worn, stained, dated — but solid | Resurface (this tool) |
| A few cracks in a solid slab | Crack repair first |
| Sunken but intact | Level, then resurface |
| Crumbling / heaving / failing | Remove & replace |
Planning a decorative finish on top? A resurfacing overlay is often the base for stamped or colored work, and you will likely want a sealer to protect it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete resurfacing cost?
It is priced per square foot of overlay, well below new flatwork because the layer is thin. This tool computes (area × your $/sq ft + coating) × (1 + contingency), so it stays accurate at whatever rate your contractor quotes.
Can any concrete be resurfaced?
No — the overlay bonds to the slab beneath, so the base must be structurally sound. A worn, stained or dated slab is a good candidate; a crumbling, spalling or heaving one must be repaired or replaced first.
What is the coating line for?
It covers an optional sealer or color/finish coat over the overlay. Leave it at zero for a plain overlay, or enter your quoted amount if you want a sealed or colored finish. Size a sealer with the sealer coverage calculator.
Why include a contingency?
Surface prep on an old slab often reveals extra work — grinding, patching, extra coats. A 10% buffer absorbs that so your budget is realistic. Raise it for a rough or intricate surface; lower it for a simple, clean slab.
Is this a bid?
No. It is a planning estimate from the numbers you enter, not a bid or a contract. Surface condition, overlay type and access change the real price. Get itemized written quotes from licensed, insured contractors before you commit.