CAN YOU LEVEL CONCRETE YOURSELF? WHEN TO CALL A PRO

If you’ve noticed sunken concrete around your Waco home, you’re probably wondering whether you can fix it yourself or need to call in professionals. With “do it yourself concrete lifting foam” kits now available online and self-leveling concrete compounds at every hardware store, DIY concrete leveling seems more accessible than ever.

But can you really level concrete yourself? The honest answer is: it depends. Some concrete leveling projects are genuinely DIY-friendly, while others require professional equipment, expertise, and safety protocols. This guide will help you determine which category your project falls into and make the best decision for your Central Texas property.

Understanding Your DIY Concrete Leveling Options

Before deciding whether to tackle concrete leveling yourself, let’s examine what DIY methods are actually available.

Self-Leveling Concrete Compounds

Self-leveling concrete is a polymer-modified cement compound designed to flow and settle into a smooth, level surface. It’s primarily used for:

• Indoor floor preparation before installing tile, hardwood, or vinyl
• Smoothing minor surface irregularities in garage floors
• Leveling small sections of basement concrete
• Creating level surfaces for cabinets or appliances

How it works: You mix the compound with water, pour it onto the surface, and it flows to create a level plane up to about 1 inch thick. Gravity does most of the work.

Limitations: Self-leveling compounds don’t actually lift or raise sunken concrete. They can only fill low spots and create smooth surfaces. They’re not suitable for outdoor driveways, patios, or sidewalks exposed to freeze-thaw cycles.

DIY Concrete Lifting Foam Kits

These are scaled-down versions of professional polyurethane foam injection systems. They typically include:

• Two-part polyurethane foam components
• Basic mixing equipment
• Injection nozzles
• Instructions

How it works: You drill holes in the sunken concrete, insert the nozzle, and inject expanding foam underneath. The foam expands and hardens, theoretically lifting the slab.

Reality check: While these kits exist, they come with significant challenges that we’ll discuss in detail below.

When DIY Concrete Leveling Might Work

Let’s be honest about scenarios where a homeowner could reasonably tackle concrete work themselves.

Small Indoor Settling Issues

If you have a small section of basement floor or garage floor that’s settled slightly (less than 1 inch), self-leveling compound can be an effective DIY solution. The area should be:

• Indoors or in a covered area
• Less than 50 square feet
• Not subject to heavy vehicle traffic
• Not near the foundation perimeter

Why it works: The controlled environment, small scale, and low stakes make this manageable. If it doesn’t work perfectly, the consequences are minimal and fixable.

Surface Repair and Cosmetic Fixes

For hairline cracks or minor surface imperfections that don’t involve actual settlement, DIY concrete repair compounds work well. These aren’t true leveling projects but rather surface repairs.

Very Small Outdoor Sections

A single small stepping stone or small decorative concrete pad that’s settled might be manageable for an experienced DIYer comfortable with home improvement projects.

Caveat: Even small outdoor projects come with challenges. You need to understand why the concrete settled in the first place, or your repair won’t last.

When You Absolutely Need a Professional

Here’s where we need to be direct: most outdoor concrete leveling projects require professional service, especially in Central Texas where our soil conditions create unique challenges.

Driveways

Driveway leveling is not a DIY project. Here’s why:

Load-bearing requirements: Driveways must support thousands of pounds. Improper leveling can lead to catastrophic failure when your vehicle drives over it.

Expansion and contraction: The polyurethane foam used professionally is specifically formulated to expand and contract with temperature changes. DIY foam kits often use inferior formulations that crack or fail.

Void filling: Professionals use specialized equipment to locate and properly fill voids under concrete. Guessing where to inject foam leads to incomplete repairs and recurring settlement.

Safety: Drilling and injecting foam into driveway concrete requires understanding underground utilities, proper personal protective equipment, and chemical handling knowledge.

Sidewalks and Trip Hazards

Sunken sidewalks create liability issues. If someone trips and gets injured on your property, you could be held responsible. Professional leveling ensures:

• The repair meets local code requirements
• The work is properly documented
• The leveling is precise (within 1/8 inch is standard)
• The repair will last and protect you from liability

Foundation-Adjacent Concrete

Any concrete near your foundation requires professional assessment. Settling concrete near foundations often indicates:

• Soil erosion that could affect foundation stability
• Poor drainage causing water to flow toward your foundation
• Foundation movement itself

In Waco and Central Texas, our expansive clay soils make this especially critical. What looks like a simple concrete leveling project might actually be a symptom of foundation issues requiring immediate professional attention.

Patios and Pool Decks

These high-visibility, high-use areas demand professional results for several reasons:

Drainage: Proper patio and pool deck leveling requires precise slope calculations to ensure water drains away from your home. DIY efforts often create new drainage problems.

Aesthetics: These are prominent features of your property. Uneven or obviously patched concrete significantly impacts curb appeal and property value.

Pool safety: Concrete around pools must meet specific safety standards. This isn’t an area for experimentation.

Significant Settlement (2+ Inches)

If your concrete has sunk 2 inches or more, professional evaluation is essential. This level of settlement indicates serious underlying issues:

• Substantial soil erosion
• Broken pipes causing washout
• Compaction problems
• Structural concerns

Attempting DIY repair on severely settled concrete is like putting a bandaid on a wound that needs stitches.

The Real Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

Let’s talk numbers honestly, because cost is often the driving factor behind considering DIY.

DIY Concrete Leveling Costs

Self-leveling compound:

• Material cost: $30-50 per 50-pound bag
• Coverage: Approximately 40-50 square feet at 1/4 inch thickness
• Additional supplies (primer, tools): $50-100
• Total for small project (100 sq ft): $150-250

DIY foam lifting kits:

• Basic kits: $300-600
• Professional-grade DIY kits: $800-1,500
• Additional drilling equipment (if needed): $50-200
• Total investment: $350-1,700

Hidden costs:

• Your time (typically 4-8 hours including prep and cleanup)
• Potential redo if it doesn’t work (materials + time again)
• Risk of making the problem worse

Professional Concrete Leveling Costs in Central Texas

Polyurethane foam injection (professional):

• Average cost: $5-15 per square foot
• Typical driveway (400 sq ft): $2,000-6,000
• Includes warranty, proper equipment, expertise

Mudjacking (professional):

• Average cost: $3-8 per square foot
• Typical driveway: $1,200-3,200
• Heavier, older method but proven effective

Value considerations:

• Professional work typically carries 2-5 year warranties
• Proper diagnosis of underlying issues
• Long-lasting results (10-15+ years when done correctly)
• No risk to your property or safety
• Completed in hours, not days

The Math on DIY Foam Kits

Here’s the reality: if you buy a $1,200 DIY foam kit to save money on a $2,500 professional job, you’re only “saving” $1,300. But:

• You assume all the risk
• You get no warranty
• You may not fix the underlying problem
• You could make it worse, requiring professional repair anyway
• Your time has value

For many Waco homeowners, the $1,300 savings isn’t worth the risk on a major home asset.

Safety Considerations for DIY Concrete Work

Safety is where DIY concrete leveling gets seriously concerning.

Chemical Exposure

Polyurethane foam kits involve two-part chemical reactions:

• Isocyanates can cause respiratory sensitization
• Skin contact can lead to serious dermatitis
• Improper mixing can create toxic fumes
• Professional equipment includes proper ventilation and PPE

Physical Hazards

• Heavy lifting: Concrete repair involves heavy bags, equipment, and tools
• Drilling hazards: Concrete drilling creates silica dust (serious lung hazard)
• Underground utilities: Drilling without proper locating can hit electrical, gas, or water lines
• Equipment injury: Concrete mixing and drilling equipment can cause serious injuries

Structural Risks

The biggest safety risk is creating a structural hazard:

• Under-filled voids can lead to sudden collapse under load
• Over-injection can crack or heave concrete, creating new trip hazards
• Improper drainage can direct water toward your foundation

Professional concrete leveling companies in Waco carry liability insurance for a reason. These risks are real.

How to Decide: DIY or Professional?

Use this decision framework to determine the right approach for your situation.

Choose DIY if:

• The project is indoors
• The area is less than 50 square feet
• You’re using self-leveling compound (not foam injection)
• The settlement is less than 1 inch
• It’s purely cosmetic (not load-bearing)
• You have experience with concrete projects
• You understand why the settling occurred

Call a professional if:

• The concrete is outdoors
• You’re dealing with a driveway, sidewalk, or patio
• Settlement is near your foundation
• The slab has sunk more than 1 inch
• You see cracks wider than 1/4 inch
• You don’t know why the concrete settled
• The area involves drainage or structural concerns
• You want the job done right the first time

When in doubt: Get a free estimate from a professional. Most concrete leveling companies, including those serving the Waco area, offer free assessments. A professional can:

• Identify the cause of settlement
• Explain whether DIY is viable for your specific situation
• Provide a no-pressure quote
• Give you information to make an informed decision

The Central Texas Factor

If you’re in Waco or the surrounding Central Texas area, you’re dealing with specific soil conditions that make concrete leveling more challenging:

Expansive clay soils: Our soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating constant pressure on concrete slabs. This makes proper void filling and stabilization critical.

Extreme weather cycles: From 100+ degree summers to occasional hard freezes, our concrete experiences significant temperature swings that affect repair longevity.

Drainage challenges: Many Waco properties have drainage issues due to our clay soil and terrain. Proper concrete leveling must address these drainage patterns.

These factors don’t make DIY impossible, but they do increase the stakes. What might be a simple DIY project in other regions becomes more complex in Central Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spray foam insulation to lift concrete?

No. Spray foam insulation is not designed for structural load-bearing applications. It lacks the density, compression strength, and stability needed for concrete lifting. Specialized polyurethane foam for concrete leveling has completely different properties and formulation. Using the wrong foam type will fail quickly and could create safety hazards.

How long does DIY self-leveling concrete last?

When properly applied indoors, self-leveling compound can last indefinitely as a surface layer. However, it doesn’t address underlying settlement issues. If the concrete beneath continues to settle, the self-leveling layer will crack and fail. Outdoor applications typically fail within 1-3 years due to weather exposure, which is why manufacturers don’t recommend it for exterior use.

Is DIY concrete lifting foam the same as professional polyurethane foam?

No. Professional polyurethane foam used by concrete leveling companies is specifically engineered for structural applications with precise expansion rates, compression strength, and environmental resistance. DIY kits typically use lower-grade formulations with less predictable expansion, potentially weaker compression strength, and shorter lifespan. The application equipment is also significantly different in precision and control.

Can I level my driveway in sections over time to spread out the cost?

This approach works better with professional service than DIY. Concrete leveling doesn’t have to happen all at once. However, sectional leveling requires understanding how different areas interact. A professional can create a phased plan that addresses the most critical areas first while ensuring each phase doesn’t create new problems. DIY sectional work often leads to inconsistent results and new trip hazards between sections.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with DIY concrete leveling?

Not addressing the cause of the settlement. Concrete doesn’t sink randomly. There’s always a reason—erosion, poor compaction, water intrusion, plumbing leaks, or other issues. DIY repairs that only treat the symptom (the sunken concrete) without fixing the cause will fail. The concrete will settle again, and you’ll have wasted time and money. Professional assessment identifies root causes, which is often worth the cost alone.

Making Your Decision

Deciding whether to level concrete yourself comes down to honest assessment of three factors:

1. Project scope and location: Small, indoor, cosmetic projects are DIY-appropriate. Outdoor, structural, or large-scale projects require professionals.

2. Risk tolerance: Are you comfortable assuming the safety, liability, and financial risks if the DIY repair fails or causes damage?

3. Value of your time and peace of mind: Sometimes paying for professional expertise is the smart financial decision, even if DIY is technically possible.

For Waco-area homeowners, the good news is that professional concrete leveling is more affordable than many expect, especially compared to concrete replacement. A free estimate gives you actual numbers to compare against DIY costs and helps you make an informed decision.

Get Expert Advice Before You Decide

Whether you’re leaning toward DIY or professional service, start with expert assessment. Waco Concrete Leveling offers free, no-pressure estimates throughout Central Texas. We’ll:

• Inspect your concrete and explain what’s happening
• Identify the underlying cause of settlement
• Provide honest advice about whether DIY might work for your situation
• Give you a detailed quote if you decide professional service makes sense

Sometimes DIY is the right answer. Other times, professional service saves you time, money, and headaches. Either way, you deserve accurate information to make the best decision for your property.

Contact Waco Concrete Leveling today for your free estimate. We serve Waco and all of Central Texas with professional polyurethane foam leveling, mudjacking, and comprehensive concrete repair services. Let us help you determine the right solution for your concrete leveling needs.