Find out how DIY foam concrete lifting works — and why it’s riskier than it looks.
If you’ve seen YouTube videos of DIYers pumping canned spray foam under a sunken sidewalk or garage floor, you might wonder: Can you lift concrete with foam yourself?
Technically, yes — but there are serious risks that make it a bad idea for most homeowners.
Here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve been professionally lifting concrete for over 30 years. While we don’t recommend lifting concrete with foam as a DIY project, we know that it’s possible, and many people would like to know about it.
TL;DR
Yes, you can lift concrete with canned spray foam, but it’s risky, messy, and unlikely to yield a lasting, level result. Professional concrete leveling is safer, more precise, and longer-lasting.
In This Article
How DIY Foam Concrete Lifting Works
DIY foam lifting typically uses canned polyurethane spray foam (the same kind sold for insulating walls or sealing gaps).
The basic idea is:
- Drill holes into the slab.
- Insert the foam nozzle into the drilled holes.
- Inject the foam into the voids beneath.
- Let the foam expand, lifting the slab.
It sounds simple, but in practice, expansion is unpredictable. Professional foam is injected with specialized equipment at the correct density and placement. Canned foam expands unevenly, is much weaker, and isn’t meant for structural loads.
Popular DIY Methods (Real Examples)
These are actual methods people have shared online, and their results:
1. Drill and Fill
In FriendnFamily’s video, they simply drill holes in the concrete, then put the nozzle into the holes and inject the foam under the slab.
- Result: Lifted, but uneven as he raised both the sunken slab and the adjacent “good” slab at the same time.
2. Jack the Slab First
In Jack of All Trades’s video, he first builds a lifting device that he drills into the concrete to serve as leverage and a spot to jack the concrete up.
- Result: Over-lifted because the slab was already jacked level, then foam expansion pushed it too high.
3. Chains and Bottle Jacks
In Everyday Home Repairs’s video, he attaches C-clamps to the walkway slab, then uses bottle jacks and 4x4 posts chained to the C-clamps to lift the slab and inject foam through holes in the slab.
- Result: Best of the three, but skipped a ½-inch drop at a tricky brick step.
Risks of DIY Spray Foam Leveling
Before you buy foam cans and a masonry drill bit, know what can go wrong:
- Cracking slabs – Wrong hole placement, uneven lift, or too much force can break slabs.
- Slabs getting stuck – Professionals cut slab edges as they get stuck on each other; DIYers often skip this, which leads to cracking.
- Weak support – Canned foam isn’t designed for slab loads or vehicle weight.
- Uneven void fill – Foam can form “pancakes” under the slab, leaving unfilled pockets.
- Mess and staining – Foam sticks to concrete permanently and yellows in the sun.
- Safety hazards – Heavy slab movement risks injury; jacks and chains can fail. If attempting, wear PPE and stay aware of where your fingers, toes, and feet are at all times.
- Worsening damage – Failed lifts can make pro repairs harder and more expensive.
- Over-lifting – Once it’s too high, you can’t bring it back down.
Alternatives to DIY Foam Concrete Leveling
If your concrete is settled or uneven, consider:
Professional Concrete Leveling
Having your concrete lifted by professionals is the safest and easiest way to go about raising settled slabs.
- Usually done within a few hours
- Can last for the life of your concrete itself
- Can save up to 70% off the cost of replacement.
Concrete Grinding
- Shaves down high edges for minor trip hazards.
- Fast, cheap, but weakens concrete and is temporary.
Patching
- Adds a thin layer of concrete or compound to low spots.
- Inexpensive but prone to cracking and peeling.
Full Replacement
- Necessary for severely damaged, crumbling slabs.
- More expensive, but allows for design changes.
- Comes with additional risks.
Should You DIY or Call a Pro?
While DIY concrete lifting foam may work out in some cases, it’s not recommended due to the risks involved to both personal safety and the slab.
If you try it:
- Wear gloves, safety goggles, and steel-toe boots.
- Keep fingers and toes clear of moving slabs.
If you want it done right the first time, A-1 Concrete Leveling offers professional concrete lifting services for a safe, precise, and long-lasting lift.
Request a free estimate from your local A-1 Concrete Leveling team!
Still Deciding?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canned spray foam lift concrete?
Yes, it’s possible for canned spray foam to lift concrete slabs. However, it’s not designed for that purpose and comes with many risks, like injury and over-lifting.
Is DIY foam lifting cheaper than hiring a pro?
Yes, DIY foam lifting is cheaper than hiring pros upfront. However, long-term, failed DIY jobs can cost more to fix.
What’s the best alternative to DIY foam lifting?
Professional concrete leveling is safer, stronger, and longer-lasting.
Sarah Etler
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
