Concrete Lifting Methods Compared

Concrete Lifting Methods: A Side-by-Side Guide

Concrete lifting raises a sunken slab back to grade by pumping material underneath. The three main methods use different materials, cost different amounts, and suit different situations. This guide breaks them down so you can have an informed conversation with contractors and pick the approach that fits your project.

All three methods follow the same basic principle: drill holes in the slab, pump material into the void underneath, and let the expanding material push the concrete back to level. The key differences are in what goes under the slab.

Method 1: Mudjacking

Mudjacking is the oldest and most widely available concrete lifting method. Contractors pump a cement-based slurry (a mixture of water, soil, sand, and Portland cement) through 1- to 2-inch holes drilled in the slab. The slurry fills the void and lifts the concrete back to grade.

How It Works

A crew drills holes every 3 to 5 feet across the settled area. They connect a hose to a hydraulic pump and inject the slurry through each hole while monitoring the lift with a level. Once the slab reaches the target elevation, the holes are patched with fresh cement.

Cost

Mudjacking costs $3 to $6 per square foot, or $500 to $1,500 for a typical residential project. It is the most affordable concrete lifting method, costing 30 to 50% less than foam lifting for the same job.

Pros

• Lowest cost per square foot
• Widely available and well-understood technique
• Uses natural, environmentally benign materials
• Works well for large, flat slabs

Cons

• 24 to 48 hour cure time before heavy use
• Slurry weighs 100+ pounds per cubic foot (can stress weak soil)
• Not waterproof; slurry can erode in wet conditions over time
• Larger drill holes (1 to 2 inches) are more visible
• Typical lifespan of 5 to 10 years

Best For

Driveways, garage floors, and large sidewalk runs on stable, well-drained soil where budget is the top priority.

Method 2: Foam Lifting (Polyjacking)

Foam lifting (also called polyjacking, polyurethane foam injection, or foam leveling) injects a two-part polyurethane resin through smaller 5/8-inch holes. The resin expands into closed-cell foam that fills voids and lifts the slab.

How It Works

The crew drills 5/8-inch holes and fits injection ports into each one. They use a specialized gun to inject the two-part resin, which begins expanding within seconds. The foam reaches 90% of its final strength in about 15 minutes. The crew patches the small holes, and the slab is ready for traffic.

Cost

Foam lifting costs $5 to $10 per square foot, or $800 to $2,500 for a typical residential project. The higher cost reflects the more expensive materials and specialized equipment.

Pros

• 15-minute cure time (slab is usable almost immediately)
• Lightweight (2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot) - safe for weak soils
• Waterproof closed-cell foam does not erode or wash out
• Smaller drill holes (5/8 inch) are nearly invisible
• Excellent precision (can lift in 1/8-inch increments)
• Typical lifespan of 10 to 15+ years

Cons

• Costs 30 to 50% more than mudjacking
• Less widely available (fewer contractors offer it)
• Uses synthetic chemical materials
• Material cannot be removed once cured

Best For

Pool decks, patios, precision work near door thresholds, areas with moisture problems, properties with soft or compressible soil, and any project where fast cure time matters.

Method 3: Slab Jacking

Slab jacking is a general term that encompasses both mudjacking and foam-based lifting. Some contractors use "slab jacking" to describe their services regardless of which material they inject. In practice, if a contractor says they do slab jacking, ask whether they use cement slurry (mudjacking) or polyurethane foam (polyjacking), because the cost, performance, and suitability differ.

When You See "Slab Jacking"

Many contractors market their services under different names depending on their region and customer base. The terms concrete jacking, concrete raising, and slab jacking all describe the same family of techniques. The important thing is not the name but the method and material being used.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Method Is Right for You?

Start by answering these questions:

1. What is your budget?

If cost is the deciding factor and your soil drains well, mudjacking delivers reliable results at the lowest price. A project that costs $1,000 with mudjacking might run $1,500 to $2,000 with foam.

2. Is moisture a concern?

If the slab sits in a low spot, near downspouts, or in an area with a high water table, foam lifting is the safer choice. Cement slurry can erode in wet conditions over time, while closed-cell foam is impervious to water.

3. How soon do you need the slab back?

Foam lifting wins on cure time by a wide margin. If the slab is a busy walkway, a commercial entrance, or a driveway you need to use daily, the 15-minute cure time may be worth the price premium.

4. What is the soil like?

Soft, sandy, or poorly compacted soil performs better under the lightweight foam (2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot) than under heavy mudjacking slurry (100+ pounds per cubic foot). If the soil is already struggling to support the slab, adding more weight may lead to re-settlement.

5. How much precision do you need?

Foam can be injected in small, controlled amounts, allowing the crew to raise a slab in 1/8-inch increments. This matters near door thresholds, garage entries, and pool coping where tight tolerances count.

Talk to a Contractor Who Offers Both

A company experienced in both mudjacking and foam lifting can recommend the best method for your specific situation without bias. Contractors who only offer one method will naturally recommend that method for every job. Getting quotes from a mixed-method provider gives you the most objective advice.

Cost Considerations Beyond the Initial Price

The upfront price is important, but consider the total cost of ownership:

• Foam lasts longer. If a mudjacking repair fails after 7 years and needs to be redone, the total cost may exceed a one-time foam repair that lasts 15 years.
• Mudjacking is cheaper to redo. If you are planning to sell the property in a few years, the lower upfront cost of mudjacking may be more practical.
• Downtime has a cost. For commercial properties, the 24 to 48 hours of downtime with mudjacking can mean lost revenue. A 15-minute cure with foam pays for itself in some business situations.

See our concrete leveling cost guide for a full pricing breakdown by project type and method.

Next Steps

Ready to compare concrete lifting contractors near you? Browse the contractor directory to find providers who offer mudjacking, foam lifting, or both. For help evaluating contractors, see our guide on how to choose a concrete leveling contractor.