ArcaMax

For safe footing, a concrete walkway should be smooth and level. A hole or crack in concrete makes it a likely place where you or a passerby can trip or fall. Don’t ignore the damage that will only become worse; repairing it sooner rather than later is a good idea. If it’s ignored, the surface will continue to deteriorate. You can hire a handyman to make the repair, but even a wannabe or fledgling do-it-yourselfer can fix the damage using specialty products designed for the job.

A handyman will charge $167, which includes labor and material, to fix small holes and a good-sized crack in concrete. You can buy the materials — pourable crack filler, backer rod and concrete patching material — for $80 and do it yourself and save 52%.

Your time is well spent preparing the surface by first removing any loose material from the damaged areas and rinsing the surface with water thoroughly. The spray of a pressure washer will give you the best results. When dry, use a crack filler caulk to fill the holes, applying it in a continuous bead. For larger cracks, use a cold chisel to widen the opening more and give the patching material more surface to bond to. If it’s deeper than 1/2 inch, use backer rods to fill the depression. Then apply self-leveling concrete patching material, like Quikrete, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Pay attention to the directions for protecting yourself with safety gear as you make the repair.

Pro Cost: $167 — DIY Cost: $80 — Pro time: 4.0
DIY Time: 6.5 — DIY Savings: $87 — Percent Saved: 52%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.