How To Improve An Uneven Concrete Patio

Many home patios are made from concrete, which is a durable material used in both commercial and residential applications. Sloping concrete slabs are the result of improper pouring of the patio at the time of installation, excessive wear and tear due to extreme weather conditions and shifting of the underlying soil. With proper preparation and the use of concrete leveling compound, you can restore the concrete patio back to a level slope.

Step 1

Wash dirt and loose debris off the concrete patio with a pressure washer.

Step 2

Put on a face mask and eye goggles. Starting in a corner of the patio, glide a floor grinder over the surface to create an abrasive surface suitable for the bonding material. Slide the floor grinder from side to side to ensure you cover the entire patio.

Step 3

Sweep away all loose debris and sanding particles with a push broom.

Step 4

Spread an even coat of bonding adhesive over the surface of the concrete patio with a long paint roller. The bonding adhesive allows the new leveling compound to bond to the existing concrete on the patio.

Step 5

Create walls around the sloping end of the concrete patio by nailing 2-inch-by-6-inch boards together. This wooden wall, or frame, will keep the leveling compound from overflowing the sides of the patio. Keep the wooden boards in place by inserting stakes behind them.

Step 6

Spray the inside of the wooden boards with vegetable oil spray for easy removal.

Step 7

Mix the leveling compound with water in a large bucket as recommended by the manufacturer with a mixing hook attached to a power drill. The consistency should resemble thick pancake batter.

Step 8

Empty the contents of the large bucket onto the concrete patio, starting at both corners of the sloping end. Allow the leveling compound to flow and level itself for one to three minutes, or until it stops. Use the flat side of a metal trowel to feather the edges of the leveling compound flush with the rest of the patio. Feather the edges by blending the edges of the leveling compound flush and even with the surrounding concrete to create a uniform surface.

Step 9

Roughen the surface of the leveling compound to match the surrounding patio by raking the push broom lightly over the concrete. Skip this step if the old patio surface is smooth. Allow the leveling compound to dry overnight, and then remove all of the wooden boards.