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How To Fix Uneven Concrete Slabs: 5 Proven Options

June 19th, 2025 | 3 min. read

By Josh Blackburn

Settling concrete around your home or business? You're not alone, and you're not out of options.

From driveways and sidewalks to pool decks and patios, uneven concrete isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a safety risk and a liability concern. The good news? You don’t always need to replace the slab. Here are five effective solutions to help restore a safe, level surface.

TL;DR: Your Concrete Repair Options

Request a FREE Estimate from A-1 Today

 

Man pumping stone slurry grout leveling compound under sunken concrete wakway

1. Lift the Settled Slabs Back Up

Concrete leveling, also known as slabjacking, mudjacking, and concrete lifting, raises your existing concrete by injecting a special compound beneath it. At A-1, we use a low-pressure, stone slurry mix that offers precise control and reliable results. This compound fills any voids under the slab, then gently lifts it back into place, hardens, and becomes a durable new base for the slab to rest on.

In general, the concrete leveling process works by drilling small, strategically placed holes through the uneven concrete slabs and pumping a compound beneath the surface.

Pros:

  • Fast (usually done in under a day)

  • Long-lasting (often outlives the original slab)

  • Cost-effective (saves up to 70% vs. replacement)

Cons:
  • Not suitable for slabs with extensive cracks or crumbling

  • May not fully correct slabs with extreme heaving from roots or frost

Best For:

  • Trip hazards

  • Uneven sidewalks or driveways

  • Slabs affected by tree roots

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Concrete Leveling Costs in 2025

 

 

Sidewalk_Grinding-3

 

2. Grind Down the Uneven Areas

Grinding concrete removes height differences between slabs, typically using a diamond grinder. It's fast and affordable—but comes with tradeoffs.

Pros:
  • Quick to perform

  • Affordable

  • Good for small height differences

Cons:
  • Exposes porous concrete

  • Weakens slab integrity

  • Creates cosmetic inconsistencies

  • Typically a one-time solution

Best For:
  • Temporary fixes

  • Slabs with extreme root lifting where leveling isn’t viable

Pro Tip: In contrast to other repair methods, grinding can typically only be done once.

Read More: When Is Concrete Grinding the Right Solution?

3. Add New Concrete or Patch Compounds

Patch kits or added layers can temporarily mask dips and gaps, but they’re not permanent solutions.

Application:
  • Hardware-store patch kits for small cracks

  • Hand-mixed concrete to build gradual ramps between slabs

Pros:
  • Inexpensive

  • Quick DIY fix for small issues

  • Minimal tools required

Cons:
  • Prone to chipping and cracking

  • Doesn’t address underlying causes like voids or settling

  • Temporary lifespan

Best For:
  • Quick cosmetic fixes

  • Filling small gaps until full repair can be scheduled

 

Spreading self-leveling concrete compound over uneven concrete

4. Self-Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete compounds are ideal for interior concrete floors to prepare for flooring like vinyl, tile, or hardwood.

Pros:
  • Creates smooth finish for flooring installation

  • DIY-friendly for interior projects

Cons:
  • Not suitable for outdoor use

  • Breaks down when applied too thick

  • Can crack and fail under exterior conditions

Never Use On:
  • Exterior slabs

  • Heavily sunken or structurally compromised concrete

Why?

Outdoor exposure and slab movement cause the material to crack, flake, or fail.

Related Resource: Common Problems With Using Self-Leveling Concrete

Newly poured concrete driveway slab that doesn't match existing slabs

5. Replace the Uneven Slabs

Replacement involves demolishing and pouring new concrete. While it offers a clean slate, it’s the most expensive and time-consuming option.

Pros:
  • Offers a full reset

  • Can address deep structural issues

Cons:
  • 30-day cure time

  • Hard to color-match

  • Risk of resettling

  • Disruption to surrounding landscaping

  • Higher costs

Best For:
  • Slabs beyond repair

  • Extensive structural damage

Example:

In Columbus, Ohio, a property manager replaced a parking pad section but faced mismatched slabs and tenant complaints—making them wish they’d tried leveling first.


Related Resource: How New Concrete Is Poured

So, What’s the Best Concrete Repair Option?

It depends. If you need a quick fix and aren't necessarily concerned with longevity, grinding, patching, or self-leveling may work. If you value cost savings, speed, and long-term reliability, concrete leveling is often the smart choice. If your slab is crumbling or severely broken, replacement may be necessary.

The most important step? Get a professional opinion.

Get Your FREE Estimate from A-1 Today

Your local A-1 team will assess your situation, walk you through your options, and give you a quote, without pressure or hype. Request a free on-site estimate.

Still Deciding?

Explore these helpful reads:

FAQs

What’s the cheapest way to fix uneven concrete?

Grinding is cheapest upfront, but leveling offers better long-term value.

Can I fix uneven concrete myself?

Small patches can be DIY-friendly, but leveling or major grinding should be handled by pros.

How long does concrete leveling last?

It often lasts as long as the original slab itself. However, that timeline can shift depending on factors such as soil erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and more. Preventative maintenance methods like concrete cleaning & sealing or redirecting downspouts away from concrete can help.

Is concrete leveling safe for patios and driveways?

Yes! It’s ideal for both residential and commercial use.

Will new concrete match old concrete?

Not perfectly. Color and texture often differ, making patchwork visible. Though you may find a pro that can make it look good!

Concrete Leveling

Lift Your Settled Concrete Slabs

Eliminate trip hazards and enjoy safe, beautiful concrete by lifting it back into place from the bottom up.

Learn More

Josh Blackburn

Before joining A-1 in 2023, Josh worked as a Promotions Producer at Fox 9 in Minneapolis and was a Broadcast Journalist in the United States Air Force for 7 years. His job is to produce video content that connects A-1 customers to the answers they need to make informed decisions about their concrete care. He and his wife have two beautiful twin girls. When not creating videos or changing diapers, he loves to play video games or take walks with his family.