How much does it cost to repair a sidewalk?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Whether it be a quiet residential street or a busy city center, sidewalks provide a safe space for people to walk, run, scooter, or bike alongside a road. Sidewalk repair ensures that they are safe and smooth, keeping hazards and accidents to a minimum. Bumps and cracks in the pavement are not only unsightly but also dangerous. Repairing them is essential and must be completed sooner rather than later. Often, homeowners are surprised to learn that the one in front of their house is their responsibility to fix. This task is best left to the experts, as this type of repair requires removing the damaged concrete, pouring new concrete, and using heavy-duty saws and other equipment.

The national average price to fix a sidewalk ranges from $1,750 to $2,500. Most homeowners pay around $2,000 to fix a 250 sq.ft. sidewalk. You can expect to pay as little as $800 for caulking 100 sq.ft. of are if the cracking is minimal. However, your costs could be as high as $5,000 for leveling, sealing, and resurfacing 300 sq.ft.

Average Cost of Sidewalk Repair

Cost to Repair Sidewalk per Square Foot

Professional work is often priced per square foot and can be priced between $1.80 to $25 per sq.ft., although it may be slightly higher or lower depending on your location and the nature of the repairs. Of course, minor work on a small crack in just one section are less expensive than a comprehensive replacement of the entire walkway. Here are the most common sizes and costs.

Average Cost of Sidewalk Repair by Material

Sidewalks can be made out of different materials. The price to fix them ranges from $5 per sq.ft. to $17 per sq.ft. Keep in mind that most neighborhoods have a set standard for the material to maintain a clean, cohesive look in front of every house. Homeowners and local associations want the materials to match. That can affect the price if the materials are more expensive. Here are the average costs to fix different materials including labor.

Asphalt Sidewalk Repair

Asphalt prices are between $5 and $8 per sq.ft. to fix depending on job-specific factors, so expect to pay up to $1,500 to fix 250 sq.ft. of asphalt. Asphalt walkways are one of the more affordable options available today. This material is commonly used for driveways. An asphalt walkway project to fix a cracked or uneven surface requires an asphalt additive and salt materials and equipment such as hammers, chisels, and paddle mixers. Note that simple asphalt patch jobs are much less involved.

Cement Sidewalk Repair

You may pay between $7 and $10 for cement walkway work. Contractors need cement patching and painting materials to enhance cracked or bumped surfaces, so expect to pay up to $2,000 to fix 250 sq.ft. of cement. Cement is the key ingredient in concrete production, but it can also be used on its own for walkways. The cement job pricing and project requirements are similar to that of asphalt, although cement may be slightly more expensive.

Concrete Sidewalk Repair

The average price for concrete repair is $8 to $11 per sq.ft. depending on the type of fix in question. Professionals charge about $2,250 to fix 250 sq.ft. of concrete, although the price may be higher depending on the extent of the damage. Concrete is arguably the most common material used today. The mix of cement, gravel, sand, and water makes a highly durable surface. Even so, concrete wears down over time. A project requires drilling and leveling equipment and high-quality concrete and materials for sealing or caulking.

Brick Sidewalk Repair

Sidewalk repair costs run between $11 and $14 per sq.ft. to fix a brick one depending on the type of brick. If you have 250 sq.ft. to be repaired, plan on paying up to $3,000 to fix it. The price may increase if you are completely replacing the brickwork. Brick walkways are beautiful but also more expensive. Contractors need new bricks on top of all the usual equipment to fix broken brick paths. Sometimes they may be able to replace just a few bricks in one section.

Stone Sidewalk Repair

The price to fix a stone walkway runs between $14 and $17 per sq.ft. To fix 250 sq.ft. of stone sidewalk, you need to budget up to $3,750. Much like brick, stone walkways are not as popular as concrete, but make for a lovely addition, especially for walkways on more spacious properties. Cracks or gaps in the stone are possible, particularly with older stone walkways. Contractors can fix these with mortar and replacement stone.

Sidewalk Repair Cost by Problem

Another way to look at the price is by the type of work needed, ranging from $3 to $25 per sq.ft. Some projects only require minimal repatching or material replacement. In that case, the price would be lower than if the entire top surface is cracked and needs to be replaced. Sunken walkways are the most expensive to fix, but many factors affect a project’s price, including stamping and staining, although these only apply to concrete and cement. Here are the prices for some of the most common repairs, including labor and materials.

Sunken Sidewalk

Expect to pay between $3 and $25 per sq.ft. to raise a sunken cement or concrete (this task is not typically performed for other materials). On average, crumbling walkway work is $10 per sq.ft., so you would to have about $2,500 to cover the price of repairing 250 sq.ft. A sunken walkway is also risky and needs to be fixed. Eroded soil beneath the surface is usually the cause of this problem and is common in areas with high moisture and humidity. To fix this problem, contractors use a mixture of sand and cement to coat the surface and increase the surface height. They raise the affected portion with polyurethane foam or mudjacking to bring the entire slab up.

Crumbling Sidewalk

It is priced between $6 and $9 per sq.ft. to fix crumbling depending on design and coloring needs. On average, crumbling sidewalk repair is $7 per sq.ft., so you need to have about $1,750 to cover the price of repairing 250 sq.ft. Typically, this work can only be done with cement or concrete. An expert will clean any debris, fill the gaps, and reconnect each piece with a bonding agent and anchoring cement. It’s best if you catch this problem quickly, before the crumbling spreads and creates a network of cracks that’s time-consuming and expensive to fix. If your contractor discovers underground roots or serious erosion beneath the sidewalk, your cost may increase.

Uneven Sidewalk Repair

You will pay between $7 and $10 per sq.ft. to fix an uneven surface. If you have a 250 sq.ft. section of walkway that is uneven, prepare to pay around $2,000 to complete the project. Remember that tree roots are the main cause of uneven walkways because they grow beneath the surface and push the sidewalk up. If tree roots are the offenders, you may need to pay more for professional tree root removal on top of the repair costs. This could add at least an extra $150 to $300. An uneven walkway is a tripping hazard and can lead to serious accidents if left unaddressed. To level uneven walkways, a contractor uses a straight board and new materials to raise the surface and restore a smooth, even walking path. In some cases, the contractor may need to address underlying problems if the walkway is sinking, rather than uneven due to wear or poor initial installation.

Repair Cracked Sidewalk

You will pay between $8 and $11 per linear foot for walkway crack repairs, but this only applies to concrete and cement. However, this will depend on the severity of the cracks. The average price for repairing a cracked sidewalk is about $9 per sq.ft. for a total of $2,250 for a 250 sq.ft. project. Walkway cracks may be caused by movement under the ground, expansion in the heat, and poor construction. To fix a cracked walkway, contractors chisel the crack and remove debris before filling with a patching mix or caulk and fixing pop-outs. They also apply bonding and anchoring agents to prevent further cracking and establish a stylish surface. You can also save some money by fixing the cracks within a reasonable time rather than letting them grow and get worse.

Sidewalk Repair Cost by Solution

Several walkway solutions may be considered depending on your situation. The price varies from $1.80 per sq.ft to $25 per sq.ft. The primary factor is complexity. If your walkway just has minor damage, you can get away with some light resurfacing or caulking. However, if the whole sidewalk looks worse for the wear, something major like mudjacking may be required. Here are the average prices for materials and labor. Some contractors charge additional fees if extra labor or further fixes are required.

Sidewalk Leveling

You should expect to pay between $1.80 and $5 per sq.ft. for walkway leveling. Raising a concrete walkway is more expensive than patching or caulking because it requires more labor and equipment. Leveling, or slabjacking, involves using a pry bar to lift the slab for a more level look. Lifting the material like this requires prep time and clean-up to ensure everything is back in place.

Mudjacking Sidewalk

The prices of mudjacking range between $3 and $25 per sq.ft. Contractors recommend mudjacking for seriously sunken concrete. They use a hydraulic pump to drill a mix of topsoil, water, and adhesive materials into the slab to raise it. They drill and patch the holes and clean up the surface for a tidy finish. Note that there are many other forms of jacking, including polyjacking and sandjacking. Your contractor may recommend one of these instead of mudjacking, depending on the situation with your walkway.

Sidewalk Resurfacing

Prices for resurfacing range between $4 and $7 per sq.ft. Plain concrete is cheaper. You can expect your costs to increase if you require staining or stamping. After years of regular use and exposure to the elements, walkways lose a bit of their shine and smoothness. That is why resurfacing is important to produce an appealing and uniform walkway. The resurfacing process takes about a day and uses strong bonding materials to add a protective layer over the sidewalk.

Sidewalk Patching

On average, the price of patching runs between $5 and $11 per sq.ft. for professional patching and sealing. Patching concrete is a trusted solution for fixing cracks and gaps in the surface. This is the preferred option if the damage is just in one portion of the walkway. However, it’s important to remember that stabilizing the walkway is key to preventing future damage. Patching involves a concrete mix that’s poured into the gaps to bring the walkway together again.

Sidewalk Grinding

It is priced between $6 and $9 per sq.ft. for walkway grinding. Grinding is the best solution for rough, eroded walkways. Contractors use a special grinding machine to grind off the top layer of material, and it is then replaced with aggregate. You may also need to pay extra for sealing after the grinding if that is not included in the contractor’s quoted price.

Sidewalk Caulking

Expect to pay between $8 and $11 per linear foot for a professional caulking job. Caulking joints is another option for resolving cracks and broken sections. Caulk is a joint sealing material that fills in the gaps between sections and promotes a tough, sturdy surface. You can save money by investing in caulking as soon as you notice cracks before the issue takes over the entire walkway.

Sidewalk Sealing

It will be priced between $8 and $11 per sq.ft. for professional walkway sealing. A professional company uses a premium-grade sealant to seal walkway cracks, as well as special equipment to clean the concrete before sealing. Many homeowners prefer sealing concrete walkway to fix small cracks and bumps and prevent further issues down the road. Sealed walkways protect against wear and staining as well as road salt and deicing solutions. Contractors use sealing to prolong the lifespan of a surface and maintain a safe surface for pedestrians.

Average Labor Cost to Repair Sidewalk

Of the average $2,000 to fix 250 sq.ft., approximately 80 to 85% is labor. The remaining 15 to 20% is for materials. Some contractors charge by the hour rather than by the square foot, ranging from $50 to $100 per hour. The price usually varies based on your location. Professional service is essential for fixing a walkway, due to the complexity of these issues and the impact your surface has on the rest of your property and its surroundings. Extra fees may be charged for materials and labor-intensive projects. Some contractors may charge a minimum fee for certain projects, even if your walkway is smaller in square footage.

Contractors identify the problem, whether it is just general wear and tear or something more serious like massive erosion or deep tree roots. Typically, the process starts with a consultation to evaluate the walkway and provide suggestions on the correct fix. They also provide you with estimated costs and timeframes so you can plan accordingly for the project. Simple caulking or patching may take an hour or two. Mudjacking and leveling may require a full day of work, depending on the walkway’s damage and the ground it covers.

Contractors must consider many different factors when bidding on a project. The type of repair will be one of the most significant, as caulking cracks will take much less time and are priced less than mudjacking even a small section of material. The size of the section to be repaired or replaced is another consideration. Soil erosion, tree root growth, and other landscape-related problems must be considered, as must the age of the surface itself. Drainage problems that might require heavy equipment to correct and extreme temperatures that might cause the concrete to warp and crack are also considered.

Sidewalk Replacement Costs

The average price to replace sidewalks is about $3,200 for 250 sq.ft. of concrete, although every project may vary slightly depending on the size and materials. While prices may vary slightly in different states, generally, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for professional replacement services. Contractors can help you choose between repairing or replacing a section. The main difference between these two processes is that repairing maintains the present structure and improves the sidewalk by using current materials. Yet, replacement involves taking out the entire thing and installing a new one.

Fixes are preferred for minor issues and problems that can be easily fixed. If a contractor deems your situation beyond fixing, or if it’s been repaired several times before and the problem persists, then replacement is your best bet. As with most home projects, walkway replacement takes more time than general fixes because of dismantling and removing the existing walkway before adding the new materials. Most replacement projects take at least a day. However, very large jobs may take multiple days to complete.

Sidewalk Inspection

Professionals conduct inspections to understand the sidewalk’s current condition and identify any underlying problems that need to be addressed. An inspection is a normal first step before any repairs, as contractors take a close look and pay attention to cracks, holes, gaps, and uneven surfaces. This inspection should take no longer than 30 minutes. Most contractors do not charge, especially if the initial inspection leads to additional work. It depends on each contractor, so make sure you check.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Refinish Sidewalk

You can expect to pay between $60 and $100 for a single refinishing service. For an extra sleek and stylish look, you may choose to refinish your walkway. A thorough coating of strong finishing material protects the walkway surface and extends the walkway’s lifespan. Refinishing is usually applied directly over the existing surface. It can also be used to give concrete the look of another material, such as natural stone, or add patterns and/or colors.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. Many cities offer permits, which homeowners apply for before bringing in a contractor. The rules vary by city, but some local governments handle walkway repairs on city streets depending on the home’s location. If the damage was caused by construction or the repairs are part of a citywide improvement project, you can expect the city to pick up the tab. When in doubt, contact the city to get information specific to your area and keep in mind some cities have processing fees between $40 and $200 for these permits.
• Licenses. Speaking of permits, it’s also important to only work with licensed contractors for walkway repairs. Most cities have a specific license for contractors qualified to work on public sidewalks, so double-check the requirements in your area. Do your research to find a reputable contractor you can trust with your home.
• DIY. Some homeowners attempt to do walkway caulking or sealing by themselves. They purchase the materials at a local hardware store and apply the solutions to the damaged walkway. While these projects may be a short-term fix, you need a professional on the property to ensure the walkway is protected and set up to last for a long time. Especially with more extensive work like leveling and mudjacking, an expert contractor is your best resource.
• Home value. Repairing sidewalks can increase your home value and boost first impressions too. If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, then you will want to make sure the walkways are looking good because it’s something prospective buyers pay attention to when they first walk up to your house. A freshly manicured yard and clean, safe sidewalk have a positive impact on your home’s curb appeal.
• Maintenance. It's important to prioritize routine maintenance and clean walkways at least twice a year. You can keep them in even better condition by committing to quarterly, monthly, or bi-weekly cleaning. Some homeowners choose to sweep their sidewalks, while others scrub with a special high-strength driveway cleaner or invest in professional pressure cleaning. Regular maintenance allows you to notice damage and urgent issues or damage.