Low end
$500
Typical range
$500 - $2,500
High end
$2,500+
Mudjacking Cost by Project Type
Cost varies most based on what you’re lifting and how much has settled. Here are typical price ranges for common projects:
| Project | Typical Size | Mudjacking Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single sunken sidewalk panel | 16-25 sq ft | $150 - $400 |
| Driveway (one section) | 100-200 sq ft | $500 - $1,200 |
| Full driveway (multiple sections) | 400-800 sq ft | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Garage floor (partial settling) | 100-300 sq ft | $400 - $1,200 |
| Front porch or steps | 50-150 sq ft | $300 - $900 |
| Pool deck (sections) | 200-500 sq ft | $700 - $2,000 |
| Patio | 150-400 sq ft | $500 - $1,500 |
Note: Very large settling (more than 4-6 inches of drop) or slabs in poor structural condition may cost more or may not be good mudjacking candidates.
What Drives Mudjacking Cost
1. Area to Be Lifted
More square footage requires more holes, more slurry, and more time. This is the primary cost driver. Contractors typically price projects after assessing how much material they expect to pump.
2. Depth of Settlement
A slab that has settled 1 inch requires much less slurry than one that has dropped 4 inches. Deeper settling means larger void volume to fill before the slab moves.
3. Slab Accessibility
Slabs under decks, against walls, or with planters and landscaping installed adjacent to them are harder to work around. Tight access increases labor time and cost.
4. Number of Locations
Multiple disconnected sunken sections cost more than a single continuous area, because each section requires its own setup and drilling pattern.
5. Local Labor Market
Mudjacking is fairly competitive in most markets - there are often several concrete lifting contractors operating in any metro area. Rates are generally lower in the South and Midwest, higher in the Northeast and West Coast.
Mudjacking vs. Polyjacking: Cost Comparison
| Factor | Mudjacking | Polyjacking (Foam) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement-soil slurry | Two-part polyurethane resin |
| Hole size | 1.5 - 2 inch | 5/8 inch |
| Cure time | 24-48 hours | 15-30 minutes |
| Weight added | Heavy (adds load) | Negligible |
| Cost per project | $500 - $2,500 | $700 - $3,500 |
| Typical cost premium | Baseline | +25-50% |
| Environmental concern | Low | Minimal (foam is inert when cured) |
For a dedicated breakdown of foam pricing, see the polyurethane foam injection cost guide.
When polyjacking is worth the extra cost:
- You need the surface usable same-day
- The slab is already under high load and adding slurry weight is a concern
- Smaller holes are preferred for aesthetic reasons (patios, decorative concrete)
When mudjacking is the better value:
- You can wait 24-48 hours
- Large area with significant void volume (cement slurry fills large voids economically)
- Budget is a primary constraint
What’s Included in a Mudjacking Quote
A complete mudjacking job includes:
- Assessment and hole layout - the contractor marks drill locations
- Drilling - 1.5-2 inch holes at intervals through the slab
- Pumping - slurry is pumped until the slab reaches target grade
- Patching - holes are filled with hydraulic cement and troweled smooth
- Cleanup - excess slurry cleaned from the surface
Ask specifically whether hole patching is included - some contractors charge extra for patching or use inferior filler materials.
When Mudjacking Is NOT the Right Solution
Mudjacking is effective for concrete lifting on stable soil with void formation as the cause. It is not appropriate - and often makes things worse financially - in these situations:
Expansive clay soil: In Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, and much of the Southeast, soil expands and contracts with moisture changes. Mudjacking fills today’s void; the clay creates a new one. Piers are needed.
Active erosion from drainage problems: If water is continually washing soil out from under the slab, the void will reform. Fix the drainage first; then assess if mudjacking is still needed.
Structural foundation settling: If a home’s main floor slab is settling unevenly, causing interior doors to stick, diagonal wall cracks, or sloping floors, this is a structural problem requiring foundation assessment and likely pier installation - not mudjacking. Sorting out concrete leveling vs. foundation repair is the first step, because the two solve very different problems.
Slab in poor condition: A slab that is badly cracked or deteriorated may break during the lifting process. Contractors should assess slab integrity before lifting.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
- Get 3 quotes minimum. Mudjacking contractors can vary by 30-50% for the same project.
- Have the contractor assess in person. Phone quotes without seeing the settling and drilling locations are imprecise.
- Ask what happens if the slab doesn’t lift. A reputable contractor explains their process and limits.
- Confirm hole patching is included. Some quotes exclude patching labor or use inferior materials.
- Ask about their assessment process for the soil type. A contractor who asks about your region’s soil conditions and the history of the settling is doing their job correctly.