Is Concrete Resurfacing Right For Your Project?

Does that little crack in your driveway seems a whole lot bigger today? Maybe your concrete pool deck doesn’t have the tread it used to. Either way, you’re thinking about hiring a concrete resurfacing expert to refurbish your outdoor spaces.

But is resurfacing your concrete the best repair solution? You’ve heard about other options, like concrete overlay. It’s hard to know the difference, let alone which is right for your project. 

We asked our expert outdoor contractors for their insights on fast, practical concrete repair work. We’ll help demystify the differences between concrete resurfacing and overlay. Then, we’ll break down common outdoor renovation projects and tell you which option is best for the repairs you need. 

• Concrete resurfacing is a practical, efficient option for surface repairs. Minor cracks, damage, imperfections and stains are best solved by resurfacing.
• Concrete overlay is a different repair option from resurfacing. Overlay projects provide thicker slabs for longevity and durability. They provide far more design customization options and add more visual appeal than resurfacing.
• When should you choose resurfacing vs. overlay? Concrete resurfacing is best for cosmetic repairs and shallow cracks. Overlays provide strength, durability, and lasting structural support — great for pool decks, patios and driveways.

What Exactly Is Concrete Resurfacing?

Concrete resurfacing revitalizes and restores existing concrete areas that show signs of surface-level deterioration. These include 5 basic cosmetic issues:

1. Minor cracks
2. Surface imperfections
3. Stains
4. Discoloration
5. General wear and tear

Old concrete isn’t removed during resurfacing projects. Rather, a specially formulated concrete mixture is thinly applied to the existing material. This mixture is known as a resurfacing compound.

Your resurfacing compound layer is generally ¼” to 1” thick. Trowels and sprayers are used to create an even layer. The new surface is finished with textures and colors to match your existing concrete as best as possible, then sealed to enhance its durability.

What Concrete Resurfacing Can (and Can’t) Achieve

Resurfaced concrete is a fast, cost-effective solution to cosmetic damage. It covers and fills unsightly cracks, surface wear and tear, and minor aesthetic issues like staining.

However, it’s not ideal for every concrete repair project — especially those with structural issues and cracks that penetrate deeper into the material.

3 Projects Where Concrete Resurfacing Shines

Concrete resurfacing is a great option for homeowners with these surface-level repair needs:

1. Walkway repair. Minor cracks and discoloration to concrete walkways are easily fixed with shallow resurfacing.
2. Cosmetic driveway repair. If your driveway cracks are less than ½” deep, resurfacing is a smart solution with a reduced budget.
3. Non-structural patio repair. Patios with stains or discoloration from spilled food or drinks are good candidates for resurfacing.

3 Times Resurfacing Falls Short

Resurfacing isn’t effective for complex concrete repair jobs that feature structural damage or highly specific requirements. 

1. Pool deck repair. Resurfacing compounds aren’t laid thickly enough to withstand regular chlorinated water damage. They also don’t provide adequate tread and texture solutions to create a non-slip surface that lasts.
2. Structural patio repair. Deep cracks and shifting concrete slabs aren’t candidates for patio resurfacing. It doesn’t create enough structural stability and support.
3. Major driveway repair. Concrete refinishing doesn’t apply a thick enough layer to address deep cracks or pressure damage.

How Is Concrete Overlay Different From Resurfacing?

So what do you do when your driveway cracks penetrate deep into your concrete, or damage to your concrete patio creates structural issues? 

Concrete overlay is a repair option that offers deeper, more impactful solutions than resurfacing. It also provides aesthetic and design options that resurfaced concrete cannot.

Concrete overlays are much like resurfacing compounds, except their slabs are poured much thicker. Your overlay bonds strongly with existing concrete — certain overlay materials also bond well with pea gravel, pool coping and decorative concrete surfaces.

If your project requires more durable, long-lasting repair solutions, concrete overlaying is a better choice. 

Concrete Resurfacing vs. Overlay: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The concrete repair option you choose depends heavily on your project. 

What outdoor space are you refinishing or renovating? How deep is your repair or structural issue? How long do you expect your repairs to last?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of concrete resurfacing and concrete overlay repairs:

Project Spotlight: Which Concrete Repair Option Excels Where?

It’s simple to say overlays are better for most concrete patio repair projects. But this doesn’t take into account the specifics of your patio renovation needs.

Let’s look at individual project cases for 5 types of outdoor concrete repair jobs, and see where resurfacing and overlay solutions make the most sense.

Patio and Pergola Flooring

Structural integrity is vital to outdoor flooring and concrete decking. If you live in an area with clay-based soil that frequently shifts, concrete overlay is almost always preferable to resurfacing for its stability and strength.

The thickness of overlay slabs also offers greater heat resistance and withstands heavy foot traffic better than thinner, resurfaced layers. The premium design versatility of overlay materials like Carvestone allow you to recreate virtually any color, texture and pattern you choose.

However, if all you need is a simple patch or small crack to be filled, resurfacing is a fine option. You’ll save more in your home remodeling budget.

Choose resurfacing:

• Surface level cracks
• Cosmetic damage (minor stains or discoloration)
• Faded surfaces

Choose overlay:

• Structural issues
• Deep cracks
• Deep aesthetic damage (burns, moisture damage, rot)
• Non-concrete existing base or sub-base

Outdoor Kitchen Flooring

Outdoor kitchen concrete repair almost always calls for overlay solutions. Overlay materials are laid thickly enough to resist heat damage, heavy foot traffic and pressure from outdoor furniture.

Overlay materials like Carvestone also provide great aesthetic enhancement options to make your kitchen durable and beautiful. Seal Carvestone every 2 years for enhanced moisture, stain and discoloration resistance.

Choose resurfacing:

• Minor cosmetic damage and repairs only

Choose overlay:

• Structural issues
• Deep cracks
• Enhanced heat and pressure resistance
• Enhanced stain and discoloration resistance

Pool Decks

Like outdoor kitchen concrete, pool decking should always be handled with concrete overlay repairs. Resurfacing layers aren’t thick enough to provide ample protection against chlorinated water, moisture damage and mildew.

Concrete overlays also offer advanced texturing options to create better slip protection on your pool deck. 

Choose resurfacing:

• Minor surface-level cracks only

Choose overlay:

• Chlorine damage
• All cracks deeper than ¼”
• Moisture damage and mildew
• Structural issues
• Textured, non-slip surface needs

Driveway Renovation

Concrete driveway repair and renovation depends entirely on the depth and scope of your project. 

Are you simply looking to refurbish some cracks and surface fading? Resurfacing is a cost-effective solution for well-constructed driveway spaces that simply need to “hit the refresh button”. 

Worried about more complex structural issues, like deep cracks or poor drainage? Concrete overlays provide the strength and support to combat moisture, weeds, and large pits in your existing driveway.

Choose resurfacing:

• Surface level cracks
• Standard concrete existing surface
• No aesthetic upgrades desired

Choose overlay:

• All cracks deeper than ¼”
• Aesthetic upgrades desired
• Structural issues
• Drainage issues
• Moisture damage and rot
• Weed and undergrowth concerns

Walkway Resurfacing

Concrete walkways are generally comprised of shallower materials. Repair work mainly consists of cosmetic repairs, shallow cracks and faded surfaces.

Resurfacing compounds do a good job of refurbishing your outdoor walkway hardscaping without a large budget. If you’re starting from scratch or dealing with heavy moisture damage, consider overlay repair.

Choose resurfacing:

• All cosmetic repairs
• All cracks up to ½” deep
• Faded surfaces
• Stains or discoloration

Choose overlay:

• New construction
• Deep moisture damage or rot
• Weed and undergrowth concerns

Concrete Resurfacing vs Overlay: What's Best For You?

Let’s review the best general use cases for resurfacing and overlay for most outdoor concrete repair projects.

Select concrete resurfacing when you need minor, surface-level repairs. These include cosmetic stains and discoloration, shallow cracks and low-grade wear and tear.

Select concrete overlay when structural support or deep repair is needed. It’s ideal for renovation projects, pool deck refinishing, long-term driveway refinishing, and strengthening your concrete patio flooring. 

Overlays also provide greater design flexibility, plus the ability to hide existing cracks in your substrate.

Need More Guidance? Talk to Our Concrete Installation Experts

Choosing the right concrete repair solution for your outdoor space isn’t always easy. This guide is the start of your journey — trust our expert outdoor contractors with the rest.

We’ve walked the second mile with over 20,000 Texas homeowners, creating the outdoor living areas of their dreams. We’ll help support your space with premium concrete and hardscaping solutions that provide strength, durability and long-lasting beauty.

Reach out with all your questions. Our experts will deliver the right answers for you.