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Concrete surfaces crack by nature, and concrete patches are a great restorative solution for safety and aesthetics. While specially designed joints placed in concrete help promote controlled cracking, cracks that happen elsewhere in walkways, driveways, patios, or walls require repair so the surrounding concrete doesn’t begin to fall apart, too.
Still, you can’t use any ol’ compound to fix holes or cracks in concrete—you need the right material for the job. A concrete patching compound contains cement, polymers, and other additives to fill cracks and form strong bonds with concrete surfaces.
For our money, the top concrete patch and repair product is the Red Devil Premixed Concrete Patch, for its ease of use, fast results, and paintability. It also won the title “Best for Large Cracks” in our tested concrete crack filler guide. For certain cases, however, another product might be a better fit, which is why we detail seven of the best concrete patches so you can choose which is right for you.
- BEST OVERALL: Red Devil Premixed Concrete Patch
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Damtite Waterproofing SuperPatch Concrete Repair
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Quikrete Concrete Repair
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR FLOORS: Henry 345 Premixed Patch n’ Level Floor Patch
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR WALLS: Rust-Oleum Concrete Patch & Repair
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ACRYLIC: Sika Sikacryl Ready-Mix Concrete Patch
↓ Jump to Review - BEST VINYL: Damtite BondsOn Vinyl Concrete Patch
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
While the best concrete patches should be hard, shopping for them doesn’t have to be. Since it’s not always easy to prevent cracks in concrete, choosing the right product to repair damaged concrete is key. The following list includes some of the top products on the market and has options suitable for nearly every application.
Best Overall
Red Devil Premixed Concrete Patch
Product Specs
- Volume: 1 quart
- Curing time: At least 24 hours
- Mixing method: Premixed
What We Like
- Ready-mixed tub from a reputable brand
- Was easy to apply in our tests
- Simple clean-up with soap and water
What We Don’t Like
- Color may not match all concrete
A heavy-duty product like Red Devil’s premixed concrete patch is the best concrete filler for large cracks and breaks. The 1-quart tub of patch is ready to go as soon as the lid is off, and it won’t shrink or crack as it dries. The patch dries to a light concrete color, and the waterproof bond keeps the repair in place.
Red Devil is easy to apply, suitable for repairing concrete, masonry, brick, or block, and works both indoors and outdoors. For smaller or larger repairs, 5.5-ounce tubes and 1-gallon tubs are also available.
What our tester says: In best concrete crack fillers, Mark Wolfe, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, says, “We noted in the instructions that this Red Devil product is not compatible with heavy traffic (such as automobiles), so we tested it on a patio slab with a cracked and disfigured corner. We applied the product in two ¼-inch layers, allowing it to cure for 24 hours between applications. The end result looked good and gave a pretty good texture and color that loosely matched the color of the concrete surrounding it.”
Get the Red Devil concrete patch at Amazon, Walmart, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Runner-up
Damtite Waterproofing SuperPatch Concrete Repair
Product Specs
- Volume: 7 pounds (6 pounds powder, 1 pint liquid)
- Curing time: 48 hours
- Mixing method: Requires mixing
What We Like
- Provides a waterproof finish
- Ideal for patching concrete driveways, sidewalks, and walls
- Easy to make as much or as little as you need
What We Don’t Like
- Must be mixed by the user
Deep depressions in concrete surfaces require a product that will fill the void, and Damtite’s SuperPatch is just that product. DIYers can apply this patch formula in layers up to an inch thick at a time to a total thickness of 3 inches. With a few layers and a little patience, large cracks and holes in concrete slabs and sidewalks practically disappear.
This 7-pound pail includes 6 pounds of dry powder and 1 pint of bonding liquid, enough to resurfacing up to 3 square feet of concrete in layers up to ¼-inch thick. Since it requires mixing, however, we only made as much as we needed for testing and stored the rest for another time. When properly mixed, the compound is easy to smooth over cracks in concrete driveways, sidewalks, and all types of masonry walls for a waterproof, shrink-proof fix.
What our tester says: Product Reviews writer Mark Wolfe details his experience with this product in our tested guide. “We used Damtite Waterproofing SuperPatch on a cracked and spalled basement entry slab and on a cinder-block retaining wall. The wet mix adhered well on vertical surfaces and was easy to shape. It began to set in about 15 minutes, so we had to work quickly to achieve a smooth surface.”
Get the Damtite SuperPatch concrete patch at The Home Depot or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Quikrete Concrete Repair
Product Specs
- Volume: 5.5 ounces
- Curing time: 24 hours
- Mixing method: Ready mix
What We Like
- Very simple to use
- Great for small cracks and chips
- Dries quickly and fully cures in just a day
What We Don’t Like
- Unsuitable for larger cracks
Quikrete’s Concrete Repair in a 5.5-ounce tube is ideal for minor cracks and chips that don’t demand a large tub of product. The premixed acrylic formula is colored to blend well with existing concrete, and it also includes sand for a better texture match.
Quikrete’s quick-drying patch forms a flexible bond, so the crack is unlikely to reappear, even with future weather fluctuations. The premixed formula is also easy to use: Simply remove the cap, cut the end of the nozzle to the desired size, squeeze it onto the damaged area, and smooth it. Though it’s thick enough for vertical use on walls, this formula isn’t paintable, so it may not be ideal for maintaining a seamless look in an indoor space.
Get the Quikrete concrete repair at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart.
Best for Floors
Henry 345 Premixed Patch n' Level Floor Patch
Product Specs
- Volume: 1 gallon
- Curing time: Unspecified
- Mixing method: Premixed
What We Like
- Suitable for leveling concrete floors
- Premixed container
- Dries within 3 hours
What We Don’t Like
- May have extended curing time
To patch concrete floors, you need a workable mix like Henry’s premixed floor patch that’s specifically designed for smoothing and leveling. This premixed compound works in basements, commercial settings, or on other damaged concrete floors both indoors and out. It’s also the winner of our Best Premixed award in our guide to the best concrete resurfacers.
Since the product doesn’t require any mixing, it’s ready to go right out of the tub. A 1-gallon tub of Henry 345 covers up to 5 square feet of concrete or wood subfloor with a ⅛-inch layer. You can use it to fill cracks and reconstruct missing chunks via thicker applications. While the manufacturer clearly states this patch will dry in 2 to 3 hours, it does not state the full cure time.
Get the Henry concrete patch at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Walls
Rust-Oleum Concrete Patch & Repair
Product Specs
- Volume: 24 ounces (16 ounces base, 8 ounces activator)
- Curing time: 8 hours
- Mixing method: Requires mixing
What We Like
- Fast curing time
- Creates a watertight seal stronger than concrete
- Won’t shrink or crack
What We Don’t Like
- Requires manual mixing
Concrete patching on a vertical surface requires a specific type of product, and this industrial-strength two-part epoxy is an excellent option for such jobs. Once mixed, it stays in place on indoor or outdoor concrete surfaces and in cracks up to ½-inch deep—a necessity for vertical repairs. The resulting durable and waterproof patch will not shrink or crack.
To be effective, however, you must combine the included tubs of resin and hardener in a precise 2:1 ratio. This requires measuring and mixing, but you can make as little or as much as you need and save the rest for later. The patch itself dries harder than concrete and is ready for paint within 8 hours of application.
What our tester says: As our pick for Best Multipurpose concrete crack filler, tester and writer Mark Wolfe says, “This option is easy to mix, has no solvents, and emits almost no odor. We pressed the epoxy into small and midsize cracks in our basement wall and at the edge of the floor, then smoothed the surfaces with a putty knife. This epoxy was a bit more expensive than the one we applied with a caulk gun, but it contained three times as much product and was resealable.”
Get the Rust-Oleum wall surface repair at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Acrylic
Sika Sikacryl Ready-Mix Concrete Patch
Product Specs
- Volume: 1 quart
- Curing time: 24 hours
- Mixing method: Ready mix
What We Like
- Budget-friendly mixture
- Works on both vertical and horizontal surfaces
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
What We Don’t Like
- Reports of patch melting if rained on before fully set
Sika’s Sikacryl Ready-Mix Concrete Patch keeps things simple. This 1-quart bucket of premixed concrete patch doesn’t require blending or mixing, so DIYers can get right to work without any messy prep. The VOC-compliant textured formula blends well with other concrete surfaces, either vertical or horizontal, indoors or out.
This patch from Sika takes up to 24 hours to cure, but once it does, it forms a tough, durable finish that will not shrink or crack. Some users point out that the patch won’t harden if it gets rained on before fully set, so be sure to check the forecast before use. If you’ve got a larger area to resurface or fill, this budget-friendly mixture also comes in a 1-gallon tub.
Get the Sika concrete patch at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Vinyl
Damtite BondsOn Vinyl Concrete Patch
Product Specs
- Volume: 12 pounds
- Curing time: Up to 72 hours
- Mixing method: Requires mixing
What We Like
- Ideal for thin cracks or resurfacing
- Durable vinyl-based formula
- Stronger than cement
What We Don’t Like
- May require sealing after 30 days
Repairing large concrete surfaces is easy with Damtite’s BondsOn concrete patch—simply add water, mix, and apply. The vinyl-based formula can be applied in layers as thin as 1/16 inch or as thick as 1/2 inch to form a concrete patch stronger than the concrete underneath. It’s substantial enough for vertical surfaces as well as horizontal ones, and since it’s waterproof, it can be used both indoors and out.
Users will want to note this concrete patch has a relatively long curing time of up to 72 hours. Damtite also recommends you seal your work after 30 days with Damtite’s Clearshield water repellent sealer. In addition to using it for floors, walls, driveways, or walkways, BondsOn is great for setting tile, slate, or stone.
Get the Damtite BondsOn concrete patch at Amazon or The Home Depot (25 pounds).
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Concrete Patches
When gathering our recommendations for concrete patch products, we looked at popular brands known for using quality materials that create reliable concrete patches for cracks as well as resurfacing projects. We made sure to include both ready-mixed solutions and powders users can mix to their specifications. We also considered drying and curing times and made sure to provide a range of size options to accommodate all types of repairs.
What to Consider When Choosing a Concrete Patch
The best concrete patch for cracked concrete can take a deteriorated, unsafe surface and make it smooth and even again. Especially if the area is relatively small, a patch can be more economical compared to the cost of concrete resurfacing. But, before fixing concrete that’s worn or cracked, there are a few aspects to consider to choose the right product. The following sections outline the top factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best concrete patch.
Type
Unlike concrete mix, which is a blend of portland cement, gravel, and sand, concrete patch contains polymers and additives to make a stickier and more flexible product. Concrete patches come in the form of acrylic, vinyl, or an epoxy base. You can also use a straight mixture of concrete to fix worn concrete or fill cracks and holes, but it might not adhere as well to the damaged surface as would a patch.
- Vinyl and latex concrete patches: Both products bond well and create a waterproof barrier that keeps water to prevent additional cracking. However, for thinner layers, the flexibility of a latex patch may provide an advantage over an acrylic-based patch.
- Epoxy patches: Epoxies consist of two parts, the resin (in this case, the cement-like mix) and a hardener. Epoxy patches dry quickly and form a durable, waterproof patch.
Mixing Method
When you purchase a concrete patch, you’ll have a choice between a premixed compound (or “ready mix,” depending on the manufacturer) and a dry mix. These designations refer to whether the DIYer has to add water before using the product.
Premixed products are all about ease of use. They come in tubs of compound or squeeze tubes. They’re ready to go as soon as you take off the lid, but you can’t adjust their thickness.
Dry mixes require you to mix powder with water or a bonding liquid, which takes more time and can create a mess. But these mixes allow you to dial in the perfect thickness for your project by adding more liquid or powder to suit your needs.
Suitability and Durability
Some concrete patch compounds are meant for smaller cracks and thinner layers, while others work better for large areas or bigger chunks. Whether the crack is on the ground or in a wall makes a difference, too. Regardless of the repair, however, most patches dry harder than concrete.
For smaller cracks, an easy-to-apply, premixed compound in a tube may be all you need. For large chunks, some DIYers prefer fine tuning a bag of dry mix to the ideal thickness. Patch compounds for walls are typically thicker than floor patch as they must stick to a vertical surface without running.
Most concrete patch compounds work both indoors and out, and many are waterproof. Still, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure and to see if the product has any temperature or weather guidelines. Some patches shouldn’t be applied over or under certain temperatures or in wet weather.
Ease of Application and Cure Time
Most concrete patches are easy to install. In most cases, DIYers can trowel them onto the surface and smooth them into the right shape. Remember that if there is an expansion joint involved (these are specially designed joints between sections of concrete), the user must shape the concrete in such a way that it doesn’t block the joint. This will help with water runoff and ensure that any future cracking occurs within the joint, not the patch.
Cure times for concrete patches vary quite a bit. Small cracks might set to a firm consistency within a few minutes, while thicker patches might take an hour or two to harden. Even once a patch feels dry to the touch, however, it likely still needs additional time, sometimes up to 72 hours, to fully cure. Some products also recommend the use of a concrete sealer to complete repair projects.
FAQs
Patching concrete can be intimidating the first time, so it’s expected you might have more questions regarding how to fix cracks in concrete. Check for answers to frequently asked concrete patch questions below.
We really like the Rust-Oleum Concrete Patch & Repair, a two-part epoxy, for walls. It performed well patching cement walls in our tests of the best concrete crack fillers, alongside Red Devil’s Premixed Concrete Patch and Damtite’s Waterproofing SuperPatch Concrete Repair.
For dry mix patch, you have to mix it with water or included bonding liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Premixed cement patching compound doesn’t require any preparation.
Concrete patches are designed to adhere to concrete, but some DIYers like mixing a concrete adhesion promoter solution into the patch for extra stickiness.
You can use a standard concrete mix to patch a concrete foundation, but the concrete crack repair materials in concrete patch are specially designed for those applications. See our guide on common concrete problems and solutions for more info on patching a concrete foundation.
Generally speaking, most concrete patch repair should take place when the damaged concrete is dry and at a temperature between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. For additional product-use specifications, see the manufacturer’s instructions.
Concrete repair is intended to be permanent, so it’s reasonable to expect 20 to 30 years from a well-done patch job.
