From budget-friendly punches to strength-packed jabs, discover which contender delivers the knockout solution for lifting your sunken slabs.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Concrete Leveling Main Event!
In one corner, the powerhouse contender, stone slurry grout leveling. In the next, the flashy newcomer, polyurethane foam leveling. And finally, the old-school champion, mudjacking.
Each method brings its unique strengths and weaknesses to the ring, but which will come out on top for your sunken concrete needs?
Grab your popcorn (and safety goggles), and let’s dive into the match that will help you decide which concrete leveling method is the undisputed champ for your home or business.
The Tale of the Tape
Here’s a side-by-side look at how each contender measures up:
| Concrete Leveling Method |
Cost |
Strength |
Drill Hole Size | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Slurry Grout | Mid | Highest | 1 inch (quarter) | Immediately for foot traffic, 24 hours for vehicles |
| Polyurethane Foam | Highest | Mid | ⅝ inches (dime) | Minimum of 1 hour |
| Mudjacking | Lowest | Lowest | 2 inches (soda can) | Immediately for foot traffic, 24 hours for vehicles |
Let’s see how these contenders stack up, starting with stone slurry grout concrete leveling.
Stone Slurry Grout Leveling – The Powerhouse Contender
First up, we have stone slurry grout, a no-nonsense fighter known for its strength and durability. Using locally sourced limestone and water, this eco-friendly champion can handle the heaviest jobs with precision.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts- Drill hole size: 1 inch (quarter-sized)
- Cost: Mid-range
- Leveling compound: Pulverized limestone mixed with water
- Wait time: Walk on immediately; wait 24 hours for vehicles
Stone Slurry Grout’s Strengths
- Strongest and most durable of all methods
- Controlled, gradual lifting for complex jobs
- Environmentally friendly, using natural and locally sourced materials
Stone Slurry Grout’s Weaknesses
- Larger drill holes than foam
- More expensive than mudjacking
Best Matchups
Stone slurry grout leveling is perfect for heavy-load areas, large jobs, and when precision lifting is required – think pool decks, porches, and weight-bearing slabs.Stone slurry grout leveling is perfect for heavy-load areas, large jobs, and when precision lifting is required – think pool decks, porches, and weight-bearing slabs.Stone slurry grout leveling is perfect for heavy-load areas, large jobs, and when precision lifting is required – think pool decks, porches, and weight-bearing slabs.
Related Resource: The Pros & Cons of Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Leveling
Which Concrete Leveling Type Is Best for You?
Talk to an expert about which concrete leveling method is right for your unique situation. Request a free onsite inspection and estimate with an A-1 team member near you.
Polyurethane Foam Leveling – The Speedy Challenger
Next in the ring is polyurethane foam leveling, a fast-moving rookie with a high price tag but impressive agility. This method uses a two-part liquid foam that expands beneath the slab, quickly lifting it into position.
Quick Facts
- Drill hole size: ⅝ inch (dime-sized)
- Cost: Highest due to expensive materials
- Leveling compound: Two-part chemical-expanding foam
- Wait time: Fully cured and ready to use in just 1 hour
Polyurethane Foam’s Strengths
- Smallest drill holes – barely noticeable after patching
- Quick cure time for minimal disruption
- Portable equipment eases access to hard-to-reach areas
Polyurethane Foam Leveling Weaknesses
- Less control – foam can expand unpredictably
- High material cost means higher project cost
- May not fill all voids, leading to weaker repairs
Related Resource: The Pros & Cons of Foam Concrete Leveling
Best Matchups
Polyurethane foam shines in decorative areas where aesthetics matter most and time is of the essence.
Polyurethane foam shines in decorative areas where aesthetics matter most and time is of the essence.Which Concrete Leveling Type Is Best for You?
Talk to an expert about which concrete leveling method is right for your unique situation. Request a free onsite inspection and estimate with an A-1 team member near you.
Mudjacking – The Veteran Fighter
Finally, mudjacking, the original concrete leveling method, enters the ring with years of experience. Using a blend of soil, sand, water, and sometimes Portland cement, this old-school champ can deliver a solid performance, but it doesn’t always pack a punch.
Note: A-1 Concrete Leveling provides stone slurry grout leveling services in all locations and foam leveling services in some, but does not provide mudjacking services.
Quick Facts
- Drill hole size: 2 inches (soda can-sized)
- Cost: Lowest of the three contenders
- Leveling compound: A slurry of soil, sand, and water
- Wait time: Walk on immediately; wait 24 hours for vehicles
Mudjacking’s Strengths
- Budget-friendly – generally the lowest-priced option
- Good for hard-to-reach areas, thanks to mobile equipment
- Can be strong and durable, if performed correctly
Mudjacking’s Weaknesses
- Largest drill holes can be harder to hide
- Less control during the process can lead to uneven results
- Not ideal for heavy or high-traffic areas due to inadequate void-filling
Related Resource: The Pros & Cons of Mudjacking
Best Matchups
Mudjacking is a good fit when price is your top concern and the area to be leveled isn’t bearing heavy loads.
The Final Verdict: Which Method Wins?
While a unanimous decision would be great, the truth is the best fighter for your concrete depends on your unique situation. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- On a budget? Mudjacking is your champ.
- Need speed and small holes? Polyurethane foam takes the title.
- Want strength, durability, and a precise lift? Stone slurry grout for the win.
Bonus Round: Tips for Picking a Winner
1. Know Your Options
Research each method and ask plenty of questions during estimates. Some companies may try to sell you the method they offer, even if it’s not the best fit for your project.
2. Trust the Pros
Choose a company with experience, strong reviews, and transparency. We recommend getting multiple estimates from various sources in order to ask targeted questions and understand the cost involved.
3. Maintenance Is Key
Regardless of the method you choose, if it’s not properly maintained after the fact, it will fail. Go the distance by properly maintaining your concrete leveling repair.
Ready to Pick Your Champ?
And the winner is… You, with safe, even concrete!
Whether you’re cheering for the powerhouse, the rookie, or the veteran, A-1 Concrete Leveling has the expertise to help you decide. Request a free cost estimate today, and we’ll help you determine the best contender for your concrete repair needs.
Which Concrete Leveling Type Is Best for You?
Talk to an expert about which concrete leveling method is right for your unique situation. Request a free onsite inspection and estimate with an A-1 team member near you.
