Short answer
A concrete overlay (resurfacing) is a thin layer of polymer-modified cement, usually a quarter inch to half an inch, bonded over an existing slab. It renews the surface: stains, flaking, hairline cracks and an old finish disappear under a new broom, stamped or colored top. It does not fix anything structural. If the slab underneath moves, the overlay cracks with it. Nationally an overlay runs about $3 to $10 per square foot against $5 to $8 for new plain concrete, so it's a surface decision, not a cheap replacement.
| Overlay, installed | $3–$10 per sq ft[1] |
|---|---|
| New plain concrete, for comparison | $5–$8 per sq ft[1] |
| Stamped overlay, decorative finish | $10–$20+ per sq ft (stamped range)[2] |
How an overlay is done
- Assessment. We check that the slab is sound: no rocking panels, no active cracks, no base washout. A slab that fails this check doesn't get an overlay from us.
- Preparation. Pressure washing, then grinding or etching so the surface has a profile the overlay can grip. Cracks and spalls are repaired and joints are honored, not filled.
- Bond coat and overlay. A primer or bond coat, then the polymer-modified mix, troweled or sprayed to the planned thickness.
- Finish. Broom, trowel, knockdown texture, stamped pattern or integral color, chosen at the estimate.
- Cure and seal. The overlay cures, then gets a sealer. Resealing every few years keeps it looking new.
Overlay or something else?
- Surface is ugly, slab is sound: overlay.
- One panel has sunk: lift it, then overlay if the surface also needs help.
- Panels heave or cracks are wide: replacement. Our fix-or-replace guide walks through the signs.
- You want a stamped look on an old patio: stampable overlay, see stamped concrete.
Prices are national ranges from the sources below. Our written estimate covers the preparation, the overlay system and the finish line by line. Start on the repair page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a concrete overlay last?
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On a sound, properly prepared slab, sealed and resealed on schedule, an overlay lasts for many years. On a slab that is still moving, or over a surface that wasn't cleaned and profiled, it delaminates or cracks within a season or two. Preparation is most of the job.
Can you overlay a cracked driveway?
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Hairline cracks that are stable, yes: they are sealed first and the overlay bridges them. Cracks that are wide, offset or growing will telegraph straight through the new surface. Those driveways need the slab fixed or replaced first; see our fix-or-replace guide.
Can an overlay be stamped or colored?
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Yes. Stampable overlays take the same patterns and integral color as a new stamped pour, which is how an old plain patio becomes a flagstone-look patio without tearing it out.
Will an overlay change the height of my driveway?
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By a quarter to half an inch. We feather the edges at the garage, the street and any walkway so there's no lip to trip on or scrape a bumper.
Sources
- [1]ConcreteNetwork.com, How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (updated January 13, 2026)
- [2]ConcreteNetwork.com, Stamped Concrete Cost (reviewed January 26, 2026)
Prices are national ranges published by the sources above, not quotes. Your price depends on size, access, site preparation and local labor rates in Georgia. Our free on-site estimate is the price for your site.
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