Search guides

Fix a sidewalk that is uneven

We'll confirm the surface type, assess whether sections are raised or sunken, then grind small high spots or tell you when to call a concrete pro for lifting or replacement.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–90 min (for grinding)
What you'll need
  • Angle grinder with diamond cup wheel, or rented concrete grinder
  • Eye protection, hearing protection, dust mask
  • Straightedge and ruler (for measuring)
  • Broom or vacuum (for cleanup)
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Confirm the surface type and whether sections are raised or sunken, then grind small high spots or call a pro.

  • Inspect the sidewalk. Note whether it is concrete (gray, hard) or pavers (individual stones or bricks). Identify raised sections (high spots) or sunken sections (low spots).
  • Measure the height difference with a straightedge and ruler. A trip hazard is often 1/4 inch or more. High spots under about 1/2 inch are DIY grindable. Sunken slabs need lifting by a pro.
  • Check for tree roots near the sidewalk. If roots are lifting the slab, grinding is temporary—call a concrete pro.
  • Good: Small high spot, no roots, private property—proceed to High spot path.
  • Bad: Sunken slab, tree roots, or over 1/2 inch—call a pro.

High spot — grind down

Goal: Level a raised section by grinding it flush with the surrounding surface.

  • Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask. Use an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel or rent a concrete grinder.
  • Work in passes, grinding down the high spot until it is flush with the surrounding surface. Do not grind too deep—you can expose aggregate.
  • Use a finer grit or hand grinder to smooth the transition and feather the edge. Sweep or vacuum dust.
  • Good: Surface is level and smooth; no trip hazard remains.
  • Bad: Grinding exposed too much aggregate or weakened the slab—call a pro if concerned.

Sunken slab

Goal: Know when lifting is needed—sunken slabs require a pro.

  • Sunken concrete slabs cannot be fixed by grinding. Mudjacking and slab jacking inject material under the slab to raise it. These are professional services.
  • Do not attempt to lift a slab yourself. Call a concrete professional.
  • Good: You have contacted a pro for an estimate.
  • Bad: You tried to lift it yourself—stop and call a pro.

Paver sidewalk

Goal: Reset or relevel pavers when the base has shifted.

  • For a few sunken pavers, remove them, relevel the sand or base, and reset the pavers. Tap them level with a rubber mallet.
  • For many pavers or a failing base, call a hardscape professional.
  • Good: Pavers are level and stable.
  • Bad: Base is compromised or many pavers are affected—call a pro.

When to get help

Call a concrete or hardscape professional if:

  • The slab is sunken and needs lifting (mudjacking or slab jacking).
  • Tree roots are lifting the slab.
  • Multiple slabs are affected.
  • The height difference is over 1/2 inch and grinding would weaken the slab.
  • You are on a public sidewalk and permits are required.
  • The base is failing.

Confirm you have assessed the cause and extent before calling. For related fixes, see Fix a driveway that has cracks or Fix a driveway that has potholes.

Verification

  • The ground area is flush with the surrounding surface—no trip hazard.
  • The transition is smooth with no sharp edges.
  • Sunken slabs have been referred to a concrete pro (or you have an estimate).
  • Pavers (if reset) are level and stable.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Identify raised or sunken sections; note surface type (concrete or pavers).
  2. Measure and rule out roots Measure height difference; check for tree roots—call a pro if roots are lifting.
  3. High spot — grind Grind small high spots (under 1/2 inch) with angle grinder or concrete grinder.
  4. Sunken slab Call a concrete pro for mudjacking or slab jacking.
  5. Call a pro Sunken slab, tree roots, multiple slabs, or public sidewalk—call a concrete or hardscape professional.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Surface type (concrete or pavers)
  • Whether sections are raised or sunken
  • Height difference in inches
  • Signs of tree roots or soil movement
  • Public or private property
  • Steps already tried

Is a section raised (high) or sunken (low)?

Inspect the sidewalk. Raised sections can be ground down. Sunken sections need lifting by a pro.

Inspect the sidewalk. Note the surface type—concrete or pavers. Run your hand or a straightedge across the surface. Raised: section is higher than adjacent—may be grindable. Sunken: section is lower—needs lifting by a pro. Verify you should see which type of unevenness you have.

Raised Sunken

You can change your answer later.

Is the height difference under 1/2 inch and are tree roots not the cause?

Small high spots can be ground. Tree roots lifting the slab will continue to lift—call a pro.

Measure the height difference with a straightedge and ruler. Check for tree roots near the sidewalk—bulging, cracks, or visible roots. Yes (small, no roots): proceed to grind. No (over 1/2 inch or roots): call a concrete pro. Grinding a root-lifted slab is temporary.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Grind the high spot

Use an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel or rent a concrete grinder. Wear safety gear.

Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust mask. Use an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel or a rented concrete grinder. Work in passes until the surface is flush. Smooth and feather the edge. Good: surface level, no trip hazard. Bad: grinding exposed too much aggregate or weakened the slab—call a pro if concerned.

Done

Is the sidewalk concrete or pavers?

Sunken concrete needs mudjacking or slab jacking (pro). Sunken pavers may be reset if the base is intact.

Concrete: sunken slabs need mudjacking or slab jacking—call a concrete pro. Pavers: if only a few pavers and the base is intact, you may remove, relevel the sand, and reset. If the base is failing or many pavers are affected, call a hardscape pro.

Concrete Pavers

You can change your answer later.

Call a concrete pro for lifting

Sunken concrete slabs cannot be fixed by grinding. Call a concrete professional for mudjacking or slab jacking. They inject material under the slab to raise it. Do not attempt to lift a slab yourself.

Done

Reset pavers or call a pro

For a few sunken pavers: remove them, relevel the sand or base, reset the pavers. For many pavers or a failing base, call a hardscape professional.

Done

Call a concrete or hardscape pro

Call a concrete or hardscape professional if: the slab is sunken and needs lifting; tree roots are lifting the slab; multiple slabs are affected; the height difference is over 1/2 inch; you are on a public sidewalk (permits may be required); or the base is failing. Confirm you have assessed the cause and extent before calling.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does a sidewalk become uneven?
Common causes: frost heave (freeze-thaw lifts sections), tree roots pushing up slabs, soil settlement (sinking), or broken edges. Small high spots can be ground down; sunken or lifted slabs often need mudjacking or replacement by a pro.
Can I fix an uneven sidewalk myself?
Yes, for small high spots (under about 1/2 inch). Use an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel or rent a concrete grinder to level the surface. Sunken slabs, large lifts, or tree-root damage need a concrete professional—mudjacking, slab jacking, or replacement.
When should I call a pro for an uneven sidewalk?
Call a concrete professional if: the slab is sunken and needs lifting; tree roots are lifting the slab; multiple slabs are affected; the unevenness is more than 1/2 inch; or you are on a public sidewalk (many municipalities require permits and licensed contractors).

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to