Concrete leveling lifts a sunken slab back into place by pumping material underneath it, usually for a fraction of the cost of tearing it out. Nationally in 2026, mudjacking runs about $4–$9 per sq ft, polyurethane foam $8–$25 and stone slurry grout $6–$15, and most contractors charge a $300–$700 minimum.
The first thing to decide: is the slab sunk but mostly whole? Then lifting is worth a quote. If it’s broken into pieces, read repair or replace first.
Prefer to talk? Call (864) 432-1750. Serving Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Mauldin, Easley, Taylors, Travelers Rest and the surrounding Upstate.
What leveling costs by job
Prices scale with the area being lifted and the method. These are national 2026 ranges; Upstate quotes vary with access, how far the slab has dropped and what’s under it.
| Job (approx. size) | Mudjacking | Polyurethane foam | Stone slurry grout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steps (40 sq ft) | $300–$700 | $320–$1,000 | $240–$600 |
| Sidewalk section (100 sq ft) | $400–$900 | $800–$2,500 | $600–$1,500 |
| Patio or porch (150 sq ft) | $600–$1,400 | $1,200–$3,800 | $900–$2,300 |
| Partial driveway (200 sq ft) | $800–$1,800 | $1,600–$5,000 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Garage floor (360 sq ft) | $1,400–$3,200 | $2,900–$9,000 | $2,200–$5,400 |
| Full driveway (450 sq ft) | $1,800–$4,100 | $3,600–$11,300 | $2,700–$6,800 |
Source: HomeGuide concrete leveling costs. Small jobs often land on the contractor’s minimum charge rather than the per-foot rate.
Mudjacking, foam or stone slurry?
All three fill the void under the slab and push it up. They differ in weight, hole size, cure time and price.
| Mudjacking | Polyurethane foam (polyjacking) | Stone slurry grout | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What’s pumped in | Cement-based slurry | Expanding two-part foam | Limestone-based slurry |
| Holes drilled | About 1–2 in | About 5/8 in | About 1 in |
| Ready to use | Needs time to set | About 15 minutes | Needs time to set |
| Typical lifespan | 5–7 years with good drainage | Often the longest of the three | 5–7 years with good drainage |
| Cost | Lowest | Highest | In between |
Foam weighs far less than a cement slurry, so it adds little extra load to soft soil. Mudjacking costs least and suits large, simple lifts. Ask each contractor which method they use and why it fits your slab.
Why slabs sink
Concrete rarely sinks on its own; the ground under it moves. HomeGuide lists the usual causes as soil erosion, poor compaction when the base was laid, and moisture that leaves voids under the slab. On Upstate red clay, a downspout emptying beside a walk or driveway is a common culprit. If the water problem isn’t fixed, a lifted slab can settle again.
When lifting won’t work
Lifting raises a slab; it can’t mend one. Get a replacement quote instead when:
- The slab is broken into several loose pieces or crumbling at the surface.
- It has heaved upward, from roots or frost, rather than sunk.
- The concrete is near the end of its life anyway (deep spalling, wide cracks everywhere).
For cracks, resurfacing and surface damage, see concrete repair.
Making the lift last
- Redirect downspouts well away from the slab.
- Regrade soil so water runs away from driveways, walks and patios.
- Seal the joints and any cracks after lifting so water can’t wash out the new base.
How it works with us
- Tell us which slab has sunk and roughly how far. A phone photo helps.
- A local leveling contractor contacts you. Our partner network connects you with a contractor who works in your area and inspects the slab.
- Get a written quote that names the method, the number of holes and the cleanup. There is no cost and no obligation to hire.
Concrete leveling questions
Will my slab crack when it’s lifted?
It can, especially if it already has cracks or is thin. Experienced crews lift slowly and in stages to reduce the risk, and existing cracks may open slightly. Ask how the contractor handles a crack that appears during the lift.
How soon can I drive or walk on it?
Foam-lifted concrete is usable within about 15 minutes. Cement-based mudjacking and stone slurry need longer to set, so ask your contractor for their specific wait time.
Will the drilled holes show?
Yes, as small round patches filled with cement or grout. They’re usually noticeable up close but blend in over time. Foam needs smaller holes than mudjacking.
Can leveling fix a trip hazard on a sidewalk?
Yes, when one section has dropped below the next. If the offset comes from a raised slab, grinding the high edge is usually the fix instead.
How long does lifted concrete last?
HomeGuide puts mudjacking and stone slurry at 5–7 years with proper drainage, with foam often lasting longer. Fixing the water problem that caused the sinking matters as much as the method.
Related services and guides
- Concrete repair and resurfacing
- Repair or replace a concrete driveway?
- Concrete driveways
- Sidewalks, walkways and steps
- How to compare concrete quotes
Get a free leveling quote from a local contractor
Tell us about the job once. Our partner network will connect you with local contractors who work in your part of the Upstate for a free, no-obligation quote, usually within 24 hours.
Request a free quote or call (864) 432-1750.
Sources
- HomeGuide: How much does concrete leveling cost? (2026) — per-sq-ft ranges, job totals, minimum fees, hole sizes, lifespans, foam cure time, causes of settling.
Prices are national 2026 ranges unless labelled local. How we research costs.
Last reviewed: October 2026
