How to Raise Cement Walkways

Scrub the surface of your sunken walkway with concrete stain remover and a wire scrub brush. Hose off the solution and continue to scrub until all debris is removed. Abrading the surface will improve the bond with the leveling compound, while preventing trapped debris from weakening the bond.

Repair any surface cracks or pits. Use a putty knife to fill them with a vinyl patching compound.

Build a wood frame around the site. Place 2-by-4 inch wood boards against the sides of the walkway on their sides. Screw the boards together end-to-end with a drill. Continue to stack the boards until you reach the intended new height of the walkway.

Brace the frame by sinking stakes every few feet against the outside of the boards.

Soak the old cement surface with a hose. The extra moisture will prevent an old, dry surface from absorbing the water from the new cement.

Mix patching concrete and water until the mixture is thinner than cement. Spread 1/4-inch layer over the walkway with a stiff brush. Do not wait for the slurry to dry.

Mix patch compound with the suggested dose of water until it is thick like toothpaste.

Pour the patch compound over the sunken surface. Spread it with a gauge rake, and then smooth it out with the trowel or straight edge. Push a stiff-bristled shop broom across the surface to add slight grooves for traction. Wait four days for the concrete to cure before removing the wood frame.