Concrete surfaces endure a lot—harsh weather, punishing foot and vehicle traffic, and the inevitable passage of time all take their toll, leaving driveways, patios, pool decks, and sidewalks looking worn and outdated. Many homeowners assume that restoring old concrete is not worth the expense. In reality, it’s more affordable than you might think to breathe new life into tired concrete surfaces and fully restore their functionality and aesthetics.

From simple cleaning and patching to complete resurfacing with a decorative overlay, concrete restoration can be significantly more budget-friendly than full replacement. Here’s an overview of a variety of affordable methods to refresh, repair, and protect your concrete, along with a breakdown of their costs and benefits.

1. POWER WASHING & RESEALING

What’s involved: Deep cleaning with a pressure washer, followed by application of a protective concrete sealer.

Best uses: Exterior concrete surfaces with accumulated dirt, debris, and stubborn oil and grease stains.

Key benefits: A simple cleaning and resealing can make worn and weathered concrete look new again while also protecting it from moisture, stains, and UV damage. If you want to save money by doing the work yourself, here are some tips for pressure washing concrete driveways, patios, and more.

Average cost: $1.50 to $2 per sq. ft., depending on factors such as the extent of cleaning required and the type of sealer used.

Pro Tip: Always Clean Before Resealing

“A surface that is to be sealed must be free of all dirt, dust, and any other contamination that will come between the sealer and the surface. Just spending a little extra time cleaning can make all the difference in how well the sealer adheres.”

— Chris Sullivan, concrete troubleshooting expert

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2. CRACK FILLING

What’s involved: Using a polyurethane or epoxy-based repair material to fill cracks in concrete slabs, which can help prevent water infiltration and potential structural issues.

Best uses: Repairing minor to moderate non-structural cracks in concrete.

Key benefits: Addressing cracks early will help extend the lifespan of your concrete, saving money on future repairs down the road. Some crack fillers can be tinted to match the concrete color, or you can use a concrete stain afterward to help disguise the repair and obtain a uniform appearance.

Average cost: $5 to $15 per linear foot, depending on the severity of the damage and the repair materials and methods used. DIY repair can reduce costs (see How to Fix Cracks in Concrete Slabs).

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3. DECORATIVE CONCRETE STAINING

What’s involved: Applying a water- or acid-based stain to add translucent, long-lasting color to concrete surfaces (see How to Stain Concrete).

Best uses: To revitalize dull, lackluster concrete patios, pool decks, driveways, or walkways.

Key benefits: One of the most affordable and quickest ways to transform exterior concrete and boost a home’s curb appeal. Because stains chemically bond to the concrete, they provide color that lasts for years with minimal maintenance.

Average cost: $2 to $5 per sq. ft. for basic staining. Costs may run higher for more complex projects involving multiple colors (see How Much Does It Cost to Stain Concrete?).

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4. ANTIQUING

What’s involved: Using a specialized antiquing stain to recolor and enhance the depth and texture of concrete, giving it a naturally aged appearance. The process typically involves cleaning the surface, applying the stain, and sealing it for durability.

Best uses: Previously stained or integrally colored concrete, especially stamped or textured surfaces.

Watch John Reynolds from Solomon Colors refurbish an aged stamped concrete driveway using Brickform Antique-It:

Key benefits: By collecting in the low points of textured surfaces, antiquing stains create highlights and shadows that mimic natural weathering effects. They can also help mask stains and minor imperfections on stamped concrete.

Average cost: Similar to that of decorative concrete staining.

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5. PAINTING

What’s involved: Using a brush or roller to apply an acrylic latex porch and floor paint to properly prepared concrete surfaces.

Best uses: Concrete porches, patios, floors, and steps. Not recommended for surfaces exposed to heavy traffic or abrasion.

Key benefits: Concrete paints come in a much broader selection of colors than concrete stains and often include anti-slip additives, making surfaces safer, especially in wet conditions. Because the color is opaque rather than translucent, concrete paints are ideal for hiding minor imperfections.

Average cost: $2 to $5 per sq. ft., depending on factors such as surface preparation requirements, type of paint, and labor costs.

Learn more: Painting Concrete - How to Choose Colors and Apply Paint

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6. CONCRETE RESURFACING

What’s involved: A thin cement- or epoxy-based coating is applied to worn surfaces to completely cover discoloration, stains, and minor blemishes.

Best uses: Ideal for giving worn, lackluster concrete a decorative makeover and returning it to like-new condition. Also a good solution for restoring spalled or pitted concrete.

Key benefits: Gives existing concrete a complete facelift while avoiding the cost and hassle of full slab removal and replacement. If you use a high-quality resurfacing product and have it professionally installed, you can expect it to last 10 years or longer, making it a worthwhile investment.

Average cost: $3 to $7 per sq. ft. for basic projects (see Concrete Overlay Cost)

Learn more: Expert Guide to Concrete Resurfacing

Jeff Hershberger of Deco-Crete Supply demonstrates how to use Deco-Crete’s Revival opaque color coating to cover ugly stains and discoloration on concrete surfaces and give them a fresh, new look:

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7. STAMPED CONCRETE OVERLAY

What’s involved: A cement-based overlay material is spread over the concrete surface and imprinted with stamping mats or texture skins to replicate the look of stone, brick, wood, or other materials (see Stamped Concrete Overlays).

Best uses: Over any existing concrete surface that is in good condition. If the concrete is significantly cracked, pitted or uneven, those issues should be fixed before the overlay is applied.

Key benefits: Gives existing concrete surfaces a high-end stamped finish at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Color washes or stains can be applied to enhance the design and create greater realism.

Average cost: $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design, materials used, and labor costs.

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8. EPOXY GARAGE FLOOR COATINGS

What’s involved: Epoxy garage floor coatings are typically two-part systems consisting of a resin and a hardener that are mixed and applied to clean, properly prepared surfaces to create a tough, impact-resistant finish.

Best uses: Floors in garages, basements, and workshops. Typically not recommended for outdoor use, since some epoxy coatings may fade or discolor under prolonged UV exposure.

Key benefits: Increases resiliency to chemicals, stains, and tire marks while making floors easier to clean and maintain. Available in different colors and finishes, including non-slip textured surfaces. Can last 15 years or longer if properly installed and maintained.

Average cost: $4 to over $10 per sq. ft., depending on design options.

Learn more: Garage Floor Coating Ideas

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you restore old concrete?

The answer often depends on the condition of the existing concrete. Concrete discolored by dirt, stains, and mildew can often be restored by simple power washing and resealing. If the concrete has extensive cracking and spalling, resurfacing is often the best solution.

How do you restore discolored concrete?

Discoloration can happen due to various factors, including weathering, installation mistakes, efflorescence, and material inconsistencies. (Learn more about the common causes of concrete discoloration.) If power washing doesn’t remove the discoloration, consider camouflaging it by applying a coat of stain or paint. Application of a thin concrete overlay is another way to create a fresh, uniform finish.

What are the advantages of restoring old concrete?

Restoring and updating old concrete can significantly extend its lifespan and is more cost-effective and less invasive than full replacement, often reducing expenses by as much as 50% to 70%. A newly restored concrete surface will also enhance your home’s curb appeal, potentially increasing its resale value. Another key benefit: Restoring existing concrete minimizes waste and conserves resources compared to demolition and replacement, making it an eco-friendly choice.

When is it better to replace rather than restore existing concrete?

Not all concrete is a good candidate for restoration. If your slab is structurally compromised, has widespread cracking, or settlement has occurred, replacement may be the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution. To determine the best course of action, consider consulting with a concrete contractor that specializes in restoration services.