A raised or sunken sidewalk isn’t just an eyesore… it’s a safety hazard and, in many areas, a homeowner’s legal responsibility to repair. Regardless of the cause (which we explore below), ignoring it can lead to injuries, liability, and more expensive repairs later.
The good news? You have options. After 30+ years repairing sidewalks at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve ranked the four most common fixes based on cost, durability, and best-use scenarios.
TL;DR
An uneven sidewalk can be repaired in four main ways: concrete leveling, grinding, patching, or full replacement. If you want the longest-lasting fix, concrete leveling addresses the root cause by filling the void beneath the slab. If you need something cheap and fast, grinding or patching can be done quickly (and even DIY), but they’re temporary. Full replacement is the best choice for slabs that are too damaged to save, and it can also address voids beneath the slab with proper preparation.
Quick Look:
- Best Overall: Concrete Leveling — Longest-lasting fix; addresses cause.
- Best Budget: Grinding — Quick, cheap, temporary.
- Best DIY: Patching — Easy afternoon safety improvement.
- Best for Severe Damage: Full Replacement — When nothing else will work.
In This Article
Why It Matters to Fix an Uneven Sidewalk
Concrete is solid, but it’s not unmoving. It expands and contracts naturally throughout the year. Most often, uneven slabs aren’t caused by the concrete itself but by what’s happening underneath – soil erosion from water runoff being the top culprit.
Unless that and/or other causes are addressed, even a brand-new slab can sink again or create more than just “inconvenience”:
- Safety risk: Raised edges are a trip hazard for pedestrians.
- Legal liability: In many cities, homeowners must maintain public-facing sidewalks.
- Ongoing damage: Gaps let water seep underneath, eroding soil and worsening settlement.
- Seasonal stress: Freeze-thaw cycles expand cracks and shift slabs even further out of place.
For Example: A one-inch lip may seem harmless now, but each winter thaw can push it higher until the slab becomes both a safety hazard and a costly repair job.
Prevention Steps:
After you’ve repaired your sidewalk, or if it’s still in good shape, you can help keep it level longer by:
- Redirecting downspouts and fixing gutter issues.
- Sealing joints with flexible concrete caulk to block water intrusion.
- Addressing soil erosion, runoff, and root growth early.
Think of it like car maintenance – a little prevention now avoids a big bill later.
Best Overall: Concrete Leveling
Why it wins: Concrete leveling doesn’t just “hide” the problem, it lifts the slab and fills the void beneath for longer-lasting support – a cost-effective option that sits comfortably between the other methods listed in this article.
How it Works
- Small holes are drilled in the slab.
- A leveling compound is pumped underneath.
- Pressure lifts the slab into place, filling gaps and stabilizing it.
Types of Leveling
- Stone Slurry Grout: An eco-friendly, locally sourced limestone-and-water mix. A-1’s flagship method for more precise, adaptable lifts.
- Polyjacking: Typically two-part polyurethane foam that chemically reacts and expands under the slab with fast cure times.
- Mudjacking: Mud slurry; less precise than other methods.
Related Resource: Types of Concrete Leveling Compared Side-by-Side
Pros:
- Addresses the root cause.
- Long-lasting support.
- Often same-day use.
Cons:
- Typically a professional-only process.
- Drill holes are patched for protection and matching, but can still be visible.
Pro Tip: Think of it like fixing a wobbly table — you don’t just sand the high leg, you add support under the low one so it stays steady.
Best Budget: Grinding
Why it wins: For minor unevenness under 1.5 inches, grinding is fast, inexpensive, and eliminates trip hazards right away.
How it Works
A grinder shaves down the high side to match the low side.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Quick turnaround.
- Possible DIY with rental tools.
Cons:
- Weakens slab by removing material.
- Exposes absorbent pores to weather and damage.
- Patchy appearance.
For Example: A Louisville, Kentucky neighborhood ground down about a quarter mile of uneven sidewalk for a quick, short-term fix that removed trip hazards and bought more time to fund a long-term solution.
Best DIY: Patching with Extra Concrete
Why it wins: Patching is ideal for small trip hazards without having to hire a pro.
How it Works
A patching compound or small pour is applied to the lower slab to match the neighboring slab’s height.
Pros:
- Low material cost.
- No special equipment necessary.
- Same-day completion.
Cons:
- Often a temporary solution due to poor bonding with old concrete.
- Color mismatch is common.
Best for Severe Damage: Full Replacement
Why it wins: When slabs are too far gone (extremely cracked, spalling, crumbling, etc.), replacement is the ideal option to start fresh.
How it Works
- Old slab is demolished and removed.
- Soil is compacted, drainage is added, and rebar is used for support.
- New slab is poured, leveled, and finished.
Pros:
- Brand new, uniform surface.
- Can redesign slope, add ramps, explore new textures.
Cons:
- Most expensive and invasive.
- Longest downtime.
Related Resource: The Risks Associated With Pouring New Concrete
For Example: A Fort Wayne, Indiana homeowner replaced a root-lifted sidewalk with a new ramped section for accessibility, resolving safety issues and improving curb appeal.
How to Fix Your Uneven Sidewalk
Every sidewalk is different — the right fix for your neighbor might not be the right fix for you. Factors like soil conditions, drainage, root growth, and climate all play a role in whether leveling, grinding, patching, or replacement will last.
It’s worth requesting your free onsite estimate with A-1 Concrete Leveling. Not just for peace of mind, but to help identify the cause, walk you through your options, and give you a clear plan to make your sidewalk safe, even, and built to last.
Request Your Free Estimate Today
Still Deciding?
- Stone Slurry Grout vs. Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking
- Concrete Grinding vs. Replacement vs. Leveling
- How Much Does Concrete Leveling Cost in 2025?
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to fix an uneven sidewalk?
Grinding it down is typically the least expensive way to fix an uneven sidewalk, but the exposed concrete left behind may speed up how quickly the concrete breaks down.
What’s the longest-lasting fix for an uneven sidewalk?
With proper preventative maintenance, concrete leveling fills and stabilizes the void under the slab and can last the life of the concrete itself.
Can I DIY concrete leveling?
DIY concrete leveling is possible, but not recommended. Aside from safety concerns, the process often requires specialized pumps, materials and trained technicians.
How long before I can walk on my sidewalk after repair?
If grinding concrete: immediately. Patching Concrete: after it cures. Concrete Leveling: often the same day. Tear out and replacement: several days or weeks to properly cure.
