Resurfacing vs. Replacing Concrete: How Do I Decide?

Scott Thomas
Sep 5
4 min read

A man in his 30s stands on a cracked concrete driveway in front of a suburban home, arms crossed and chin in hand, visibly considering how to fix the damage. The scene is calm with overcast skies and trimmed green grass surrounding the area. — A concerned homeowner evaluates his cracked driveway, contemplating whether resurfacing or replacement is the right solution.

Concrete Cracks and Stains: What’s the Right Fix for You?

You step outside and notice your once-smooth concrete patio is now cracked, chipped, or stained. Or maybe your driveway is showing signs of wear after years of sun, rain, and heavy use. The big question hits—do you resurface it or rip it out and start over?

If you’re in the San Jose or South Bay area, understanding whether resurfacing or replacing your concrete is the better option could save you thousands. In this guide, we'll break down the differences, costs, and decision-making factors to help you choose what’s best for your property,

Concrete Resurfacing vs. Replacement: A Quick Look

Factor	Resurfacing	Replacement
Cost	Lower (approx. $3–7 per sq ft)	Higher (approx. $8–14 per sq ft)
Time Required	1–3 days	4–7 days
Durability	10–15 years with good maintenance	20–30+ years
Disruption	Minimal	Major demo and reconstruction
Aesthetic Options	Stains, dyes, stamping, polishing	Basic or decorative, but starts blank
Environmental Impact	Reuses existing slab	High due to removal and hauling

What Is Concrete Resurfacing?

A Cost-Effective Way to Restore Concrete Surfaces

Concrete resurfacing is the process of applying a new coating or overlay over your existing concrete slab. It’s ideal for surfaces that are structurally sound but have cosmetic issues like:

Hairline cracks
Surface flaking or spalling
Fading or discoloration

This method is a popular choice for patios, walkways, and driveways that still have good bones but need a fresh look. Options include concrete stains and dyes, textured finishes, and concrete polishing for a sleek appearance.

Ideal Situations for Resurfacing

Choose resurfacing if:

The slab is level and intact
Damage is mostly cosmetic
You want a fast turnaround
You are on a moderate budget

What Is Concrete Replacement?

Full Removal and Rebuilding of the Slab

Concrete replacement involves demolishing the existing slab, removing all debris, grading the site, and pouring brand-new concrete. It's a labor-intensive and time-consuming process but is sometimes necessary.

Common reasons to replace:

Deep cracks or shifting slabs
Foundation movement or sinking
Widespread damage from erosion or tree roots

When Replacement Is Your Only Option

If the slab has major structural issues, resurfacing won’t fix the root of the problem. Replacement is your best bet if:

Cracks are wider than ¼ inch
You feel movement when walking on the surface
There are drainage issues causing water pooling

Many homeowners refer to this detailed guide when weighing repair versus replacement.

How to Decide: A 5-Point Checklist for Bay Area Homeowners

1. Inspect the Foundation

Use a level or contact a professional to check for movement, heaving, or sinkage. A stable slab usually means resurfacing is possible.

2. Examine Surface Damage

Surface-only issues like light cracking, staining, or spalling can be solved with resurfacing. If cracks go deep, replacement is safer.

3. Run the Budget Comparison

Local resurfacing projects in the Bay Area average $3–7 per square foot. Full replacement can reach $14 or more per square foot when factoring in demolition and haul-away fees. For reference, this cost comparison outlines both options.

4. Consider Your Long-Term Plans

Staying in your home long-term? Replacement may make sense. Planning to sell soon? Resurfacing can boost curb appeal affordably.

5. What Look Are You Going For?

Want that high-end custom feel? Resurfacing lets you add artistic finishes like concrete stamping, natural stone textures, and glossy sealers. You can match new surfaces with marble stain removal or tile and grout cleaning services elsewhere on your property.

Local Factors That Affect Your Decision

How Weather Impacts Bay Area Concrete

San Jose’s hot summers and wet winters create expansion and contraction cycles that wear down untreated surfaces. Resurfacing with UV-resistant sealers can add life without replacement.

Permit and Dumping Regulations

Concrete removal in the South Bay often requires permits and specialized disposal. Those costs and delays can add up—resurfacing skips all that red tape. Review local regulations and disposal guidelines before starting any major replacement.

Why Olson Marble & Stone Care Is the Right Call

Scott Thomas and a satisfied homeowner stand proudly on their freshly resurfaced and stamped driveway, celebrating the transformation.

A One-Stop Shop for Your Outdoor Surfaces

Olson Marble & Stone Care isn’t just a concrete company. We specialize in natural stone restoration, tile and grout cleaning, power washing, and more. Our team can prep the area, restore adjacent surfaces, and make your whole patio or driveway look brand new.

Results You Can See

When it comes to Resurfacing vs. Replacing Concrete, Before-and-after results speak for themselves. Whether it's fixing stains with concrete dyes or doing a full slab pour, Olson has helped homeowners across San Jose and beyond revitalize their properties. We even provide insight on projects like natural stone restoration, so the entire space ties together seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to resurface or replace a concrete driveway?

Resurfacing is better for cosmetic fixes, while replacement is needed for structural issues. Resurfacing is faster and cheaper, but it only works if the slab is stable.

How much more expensive is it to replace concrete than resurface?

Replacement typically costs 2 to 3 times more than resurfacing due to demolition and hauling. Expect $8–14 per sq ft for replacement versus $3–7 for resurfacing.

How long does resurfaced concrete last compared to new concrete?

Resurfaced concrete lasts 10–15 years with good care. A new slab can last 20–30 years or more depending on conditions and maintenance.

Can you resurface badly cracked concrete?

No. If cracks are wide or the slab is sinking, resurfacing won’t hold. Replacement is needed in these cases.

What is the difference between patching and resurfacing concrete?

Patching fills individual holes or cracks, while resurfacing covers the entire surface with a new layer. Resurfacing offers a uniform appearance and longer durability.

Conclusion: Let’s Bring Your Concrete Back to Life

Don’t let aging, stained, or cracked concrete bring down your property’s value. Whether you need a quick surface update or a total rebuild, Olson Marble & Stone Care can assess your space and recommend Resurfacing vs. Replacing Concrete.

We serve homeowners and commercial clients across San Jose, Morgan Hill, and the Bay Area with premium restoration solutions for concrete, natural stone, tile, and more.