Many homes have concrete steps in the front or back yard, perhaps as porch steps leading to the front door, patio steps down to the backyard or basement stairs underground. Over time, concrete steps can crack, weeds may start to grow, and the steps may sink or become dangerously unlevel. By filling cracks, leveling steps and even laying a new layer of concrete, homeowners can restore their aging steps to look like new again. The cost of a concrete step repair project depends largely on the state of the concrete and the size and number of steps that need work. Regardless, it is significantly less expensive than tearing out old concrete and building new steps.

Hourly rate

Because fixing outdoor patio steps usually requires minimal concrete, the contractor is likely to charge by the hour — anywhere from $100 to $300. If it’s a particularly small job, a contractor will pass on it unless the homeowner is also planning a larger project, like a new patio or a retaining wall. Concrete step repair including filling holes, patching cracks and applying a smooth new layer of concrete over the aging steps costs, on average, less than $500. In comparison, pouring new steps costs about $300 per step, including the framing, the rebar and the concrete.

Repairing broken steps

If steps are chipped or even crumbling, they can still be salvaged by a professional concrete or masonry company, such as Giovanny Concrete & Masonry in Totowa, New Jersey, or McDonald Construction in Chicago, Illinois. Because replacing a few outdoor steps is a relatively small and simple job, a local handyman, such as Rescue 1 Construction in Kansas City, Missouri, may be a more affordable option. Indoor stairs, which are subject to more building codes than porch steps, should be repaired by a concrete or masonry professional.

Licensing and certifications

It’s best to choose a specialist that is a certified mason and licensed builder, and is fully bonded and insured, like Burch Masonry in Brandywine, Maryland. These certifications both protect the homeowner and provide evidence of the company’s skill and expertise.