Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement: Which Saves You More in South Florida?

How Concrete Leveling Works

Concrete leveling (also called slab jacking or foam lifting) raises sunken concrete back to its original position without removing the existing slab. There are two main methods used in South Florida:

Mudjacking — Pumps a cement-and-sand slurry under the slab through small drilled holes. Cost: $3–$6/sq ft. Adds weight, which can cause re-settling on Florida’s sandy soil
Polyurethane foam lifting — Injects expanding foam under the slab. Cost: $5–$8/sq ft. Lightweight (won’t overload sandy soil), waterproof, cures in 15 minutes
Both methods use small holes (5/8” to 1”) drilled through the slab, which are patched after lifting
Most leveling jobs are completed in 2–4 hours and you can walk or drive on the surface the same day

Concrete leveling process showing foam injection equipment

When Leveling Is the Right Choice

Leveling makes sense when the concrete itself is in good condition but the ground underneath has shifted. Here are the ideal scenarios for leveling in Palm Beach County:

Slab has settled 1/2 inch to 4 inches
The concrete surface is structurally sound with minimal cracking
The slab is less than 20 years old
Trip hazards at joints or between slab sections
Pool deck or patio sections have become uneven
Garage floor is sloping toward the house (drainage issue)

When Replacement Is the Better Option

Leveling can’t fix every situation. Replacement is the smarter investment when:

The slab has settled more than 4 inches — Too much movement to lift reliably
Widespread cracking covers more than 30% of the surface
The concrete is severely deteriorated (spalling, crumbling, rebar exposure)
The slab is over 25 years old and has other issues beyond settling
You want to change the size, shape, or finish (leveling only restores position, not appearance)
Previous leveling attempts have failed (the sub-base may need full replacement)

New concrete driveway replacement installation in progress

Cost Comparison: Leveling vs. Replacement

For a typical 600 sq ft concrete driveway in Palm Beach County, here’s the cost breakdown. Foam leveling runs $3,000–$4,800 with same-day use. Full replacement including demolition, haul-away, sub-base prep, and new pour runs $5,400–$7,200 with a 5–7 day timeline (including cure time). That’s a 40–60% savings with leveling, plus significantly less disruption. However, if the concrete needs replacement within 5 years anyway, paying for leveling now just delays the inevitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does concrete leveling cost in Florida?

Concrete leveling in South Florida costs $3–$8 per sq ft depending on the method. Mudjacking is $3–$6/sq ft, polyurethane foam lifting is $5–$8/sq ft. A typical driveway leveling job runs $1,500–$4,800. Minimum service fees of $500–$1,000 are common.

Does concrete leveling last in Florida’s sandy soil?

Polyurethane foam lifting holds up well in Florida because the foam is lightweight and waterproof—it won’t wash out or add excessive weight to sandy soil. Mudjacking is heavier and may re-settle faster on sandy sub-bases. Foam lifting typically lasts 8–10+ years.

Can you level a concrete pool deck?

Yes, pool decks are one of the most common leveling projects. Settled pool deck sections create trip hazards and drainage problems. Foam lifting is preferred around pools because it’s waterproof and doesn’t add weight near the pool shell.

How long does concrete leveling take?

Most concrete leveling jobs are completed in 2–4 hours. Foam lifting cures in about 15 minutes—you can walk on the surface immediately and drive on it within a few hours. This is dramatically faster than a full replacement, which takes 3–5 working days plus cure time.