Poly level concrete cost usually runs about $5-$25 per square foot, with many residential jobs totaling $800-$3,000. Price depends on the slab area, how far it has settled, access for the injection equipment, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small step or walkway repair | $300 | $700 | $1,500 | Minimum charges can affect small jobs |
| Driveway or patio leveling | $800 | $2,000 | $4,500 | Varies with square footage and settlement |
| Garage floor or large slab | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000+ | Large voids and multiple panels add expense |
| Typical per-square-foot rate | $5 | $12 | $25 | Scope and market influence the rate |
What homeowners pay to lift a settled concrete slab
Polyurethane foam lifting, also called poly leveling or polyjacking, commonly costs $800-$3,000 for a routine residential project. Small repairs may fall below that range, while extensive driveway, garage, or commercial slab work can exceed $5,000. A typical estimate assumes sound concrete, ordinary access, and injection beneath selected sections rather than replacement of the whole slab.
For a standard residential repair, budgeting about $5-$25 per square foot is a practical starting point. The low end generally reflects straightforward access and limited lifting; the high end can involve deeper settlement, many injection points, or higher regional labor charges. Contractors may price by project rather than strictly by area.
Assumptions: U.S. residential concrete, standard polyurethane foam, normal equipment access; regional quotes vary.
How injection, crew labor, and site charges shape the quote
The quote typically covers foam, drilling and injection, labor, equipment setup, and cleanup. Because contractors often use a minimum mobilization charge, a tiny repair may cost more per square foot than a larger slab. Ask whether crack sealing, concrete patching, taxes, or travel fees are included.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane material | $2-$10 per sq. ft. | Foam type, volume, and number of injection points |
| Labor and injection | $300-$1,200 | Crew size, lifting complexity, and setup time |
| Equipment and mobilization | $150-$600 | Travel, minimum job size, and access |
| Drilling and hole patching | $50-$250 | Number of holes and finish requirements |
| Removal or disposal | $0-$500 | Usually applies only to debris or damaged concrete |
Foam, injection labor, and equipment mobilization account for most ordinary quotes. Component prices are approximate allocations, not guaranteed line items; some companies provide one bundled price.
Why slab size, lift height, and soil voids change pricing
Square footage matters, but it does not tell the whole story. A 200-square-foot panel with a small void may use less foam and labor than a smaller section that has settled several inches over a broad area. Contractors may drill more injection holes where support is uneven or where the slab needs controlled lifting.
A lift of roughly 1 inch is usually less involved than correcting settlement of 3 inches or more. Soil washout, poor drainage, loose fill, and a void extending beyond the visible slab can increase material use. Slabs thicker than about 4 inches, reinforced sections, and tight access may also require different drilling or injection procedures.
Ask the estimator to note the affected square footage, approximate lift, suspected void depth, and whether the crew will stop if the slab cannot be raised safely. A written scope helps explain why two bids for the same visible area differ.
How poly leveling prices differ across U.S. regions
Labor and operating costs make regional quotes uneven. As a broad comparison, prices in high-cost coastal metros can run about 15%-30% above a national-style estimate, while some rural markets may be 10%-20% lower. These differences are not guaranteed: contractor availability, travel distance, and local demand can outweigh the regional average.
Compare bids from contractors who serve the same local market and describe the same repair area. A rural quote may include a substantial travel or minimum charge, while an urban company may have higher hourly overhead but shorter travel. Request the total, per-square-foot basis if offered, and any minimum fee rather than comparing only a headline rate.
How long a residential foam-lifting crew works on site
A small walkway or stoop repair may take about 1-3 hours on site. A driveway or garage project often takes 3-6 hours, including setup, drilling, injection, cleanup, and checking slab elevation. Larger or complicated work may require a full day or a return visit, particularly when several slab sections need careful adjustment.
Labor time rises when access is restricted or settlement requires repeated, gradual lifts. Ask whether the quote includes hole filling and cleanup, and when the slab can carry vehicle or foot traffic. Many polyurethane systems cure quickly, but the contractor’s instructions and the specific product determine the safe return-to-use time.
Three sample quotes for common concrete lifting jobs
The examples below illustrate how area and complexity affect a total. They are planning estimates, not fixed market prices, and assume accessible residential slabs without major concrete replacement.
| Project | Scope and crew time | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Front walkway | 60 sq. ft. at $8-$15 per sq. ft.; 2-3 hours | $480-$900 |
| Two-car driveway section | 300 sq. ft. at $7-$16 per sq. ft.; 4-6 hours | $2,100-$4,800 |
| Garage floor panel | 180 sq. ft. at $10-$22 per sq. ft.; 4-7 hours | $1,800-$3,960 |
Minimum charges and unusual voids can push an estimate outside these examples. A quote should identify the measured area and whether the contractor is pricing only the visibly sunken panels or a wider connected slab.
Poly foam versus mudjacking or replacing the slab
Traditional mudjacking often costs around $3-$12 per square foot and may be less expensive for straightforward lifting, though its heavier slurry can add load to weak soil. Polyurethane lifting commonly costs more per square foot, but uses smaller injection holes and lighter material. Full slab replacement can run roughly $8-$20 or more per square foot, depending on demolition, concrete thickness, reinforcement, and access.
Replacement may be necessary when concrete is badly cracked, crumbling, or structurally unsound. Leveling is generally intended to lift and support usable concrete, not restore broken slabs. Compare bids only after confirming whether each contractor recommends lifting, patching, or replacement for the same condition.
Which scope choices can lower a poly leveling bill
Have the contractor assess connected panels together, but request separate prices for essential lifting and optional cosmetic work. Repairing drainage or downspouts may help address water-related soil washout; it does not replace the lifting work, but can reduce the chance of recurring movement. Clearing stored items and providing equipment access may also prevent avoidable labor or setup charges.
Control cost by limiting the work to panels that need support, while avoiding a low bid that omits necessary void filling. Get at least two written estimates with the same square footage, lift target, hole-patching scope, and warranty terms. Ask whether the price changes if the crew finds a larger void, and require approval before extra work begins.