Discover which concrete leveling method comes out on top for lifting and supporting your sunken slabs.
Sinking concrete slabs, pooling water, and trip hazards can feel like a never-ending fight – one where concrete replacement is the only real winner.
But before you throw in the towel (and empty your wallet), you deserve to know more about a cost-effective solution that gives your existing concrete a second chance: concrete leveling.
In this article, we’ll compare two of the top 3 concrete lifting methods, stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking, in a head-to-head matchup to see which one should deliver the knockout punch for your concrete repair needs.
Round 1: Learning the Basics
Stone Slurry Grout Leveling
In the red corner, we have stone slurry grout leveling, a technique that pumps a mix of pulverized limestone and water beneath settled concrete slabs.
This slurry mixture fills voids, lifting the slabs and providing a sturdy base. For added strength, Portland cement can be mixed in.
Mudjacking
And in the blue corner: mudjacking, which uses a different approach. This method pumps a mud-based mixture (usually containing sand, water, and sometimes cement additives) below the slab.
Mudjacking also raises slabs back to their original position, though the consistency and method of injection set it apart from stone slurry grout leveling.
Round 2: Strengths
Stone Slurry Grout Leveling Strengths
Stone slurry grout is durable, offering long-term stability for concrete slabs.
The variable pumping speed and material thickness provide greater control over lifting, making it ideal for delicate areas and filling entire voids.
Made from natural materials, this method is sustainable and safe.
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Locally Sourced Materials
Limestone for stone slurry grout leveling is often locally sourced, which reduces transport costs while supporting local businesses.
Mudjacking Strengths
Mudjacking is generally the more affordable of the two methods, typically around 10% less than stone slurry grout leveling (and 20-50% more affordable than foam alternatives).
Related Resource: The Ultimate Concrete Leveling Cost Guide
When done properly, mudjacking can also provide a durable fix.
Some mudjacking equipment is portable, allowing it to reach areas further from the road or driveway than stone slurry grout leveling trucks and hoses.
Many mudjacking setups utilize repurposed equipment for general concrete pumping, which pumps at higher pressures. While this may reduce fine control and the spread to fill voids fully, it's an advantage when lifting extremely large, heavy slabs.
Round 3: Weaknesses
Stone Slurry Grout Leveling Weaknesses
Stone slurry grout leveling tends to be a little pricier than mudjacking due to its materials and fine-tuned precision.
The hoses that pump the limestone slurry from the mixing truck to the repair site can reach up to 200 to 350 feet, so the truck must be parked within this distance.
Stone slurry grout leveling uses systems specifically designed for lifting concrete, but the reduced pressure that makes them more precise can lead to slower progress through the job when it comes to extremely large and heavy industrial slabs.
Mudjacking Weaknesses
The high pressure in mudjacking can sometimes fail to fill voids completely, weakening the repair.
Related Resource: Why Filling Voids Under Concrete Is So Important
Due to faster injection speed and higher pressure, mudjacking lacks the more finely tuned lift control that stone slurry grout leveling offers.
Mudjacking requires larger holes, which may affect the appearance of your slab. These holes can be the size of a soda can!
Stone Slurry Grout Leveling vs. Mudjacking: Which Concrete Leveling Method is Right for You?
Both stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking pack a big punch when it comes to affordably and conveniently lifting sunken concrete.
If you’re looking for a precision lift with the strength to support heavy loads, stone slurry grout may be the champion you’re looking for. But if budget and reaching far-away areas are the main concerns in your corner, mudjacking could be your winning pick.
Still undecided? With over 30 years of experience, A-1 Concrete Leveling can help you make the best choice for your project. Visit our Concrete Academy for more insights on concrete repair, or request a free estimate with one of our experts today!
Sarah Etler
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
