Comparison · Repairs, care & coastal conditions
Should you resurface or replace your concrete?
By Nathan Carter, owner, Gold Coast Concrete Services. Reviewed October 2026.
Quick answer
Resurfacing suits concrete that is structurally sound but looks tired: stained, faded, patchy or with minor surface cracks. It applies a new decorative coating over the existing slab with less mess and downtime than replacing it. Replace the concrete if it is sinking, lifting, badly broken, draining the wrong way, or needs to change shape or height.
| Condition | Resurface | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Stained or faded | Yes | Not needed |
| Fine surface cracks | Yes, after repair | Not needed |
| Sunken or lifted sections | Fix those sections first | Often |
| Water ponds or runs to the house | No | Yes, to correct falls |
| Badly broken or crumbling | No | Yes |
| Want a new shape or level | No | Yes |
What resurfacing involves
We clean and grind or etch the existing concrete so the coating bonds, repair cracks and chips, then apply a polymer-modified cement coating. It can be sprayed with a texture, laid with stencils for a tile or brick pattern, or finished in a fleck or plain colour, then sealed.
Most residential resurfacing jobs take a few days, and there is no demolition, skip bin or new concrete truck.
When resurfacing works
The slab needs to be stable. If the concrete isn’t moving and drains properly, a resurfacing coating can transform how it looks. It is popular for driveways, patios, pool surrounds and paths that are structurally fine but showing their age.
When to replace
A coating follows the slab beneath it. If the slab is sinking, lifting with tree roots, badly cracked across its thickness, or falls toward the house, those problems will come back through the new surface.
Replacing also makes sense if you want to widen, reshape or change the levels of an area, or if you want a finish such as exposed aggregate that has to be done in fresh concrete.
A mix of both
Many jobs combine the two. We saw-cut out and repour the damaged or sunken sections, then resurface the whole area so it looks uniform.
How long resurfacing lasts
A good resurfacing coating on a sound slab lasts many years. Resealing every two to three years protects the colour and surface, particularly on driveways that see daily car traffic and full sun.
Common questions
Can resurfacing cover cracks?
Cracks are repaired before coating. Active cracks from ground movement may come back through, so we explain which cracks are likely to reappear.
Is resurfacing cheaper than replacing?
Usually, because there is no demolition or new concrete. The condition of the slab affects how much preparation is needed.
Can you resurface a pool surround?
Yes. We use a textured, non-slip finish suited to wet bare feet and seal it with an anti-slip sealer.
How long before I can drive on a resurfaced driveway?
Usually a few days after sealing, depending on the coating and the weather. We give you exact timing at handover.
