How to Repair Concrete Steps in Under 2 Hours

Step up your DIY skills by refreshing the look of your concrete stairs

Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Reviewed by Matt DiBara
Updated November 3, 2022
concrete steps entrance to home
Photo: Javani LLC / Adobe Stock
Difficulty

Simple

Flex your DIY muscles.

Time to complete

2 hours

Up to two hours of working time, plus roughly 24 hours to dry.

Cost

$20–$45

You might need a few supplies.

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What you'll need:

TOOLS

  • Broom
  • Stiff nylon brush (optional)
  • Wire brush
  • Hammer (optional)
  • Chisel (optional)
  • Paintbrush
  • Pointed trowel
  • Masonry/concrete finishing brush
  • Mixing tub or 5-gallon bucket
  • Spray bottle
  • Power washer (optional)
  • Two 1-inch boards (only needed for repairing corners and length is flexible; 2 inches–6 inches or more)
  • Power drill (Only needed for repairing corners)
  • Duct tape (only needed for repairing corners)

SUPPLIES

  • Quick-setting concrete
  • Concrete bonding agent
  • Cooking spray (only needed for repairing corners)
  • Liquid laundry detergent (optional)

Whether it’s substantial damage or regular wear and tear, structural issues can turn a concrete step into a concrete fall (or a concrete eyesore, at the very least). Luckily, you can learn how to repair concrete steps to fix areas that are crumbling, chipped, or cracked instead of paying for professional concrete repairs. Here are all the tips and tools you need to get it done.

Prepping to Repair Concrete Steps

Before repairing the concrete, sweep the steps to remove any dirt, rocks, and debris. Then, hit the area with a stiff spray from the garden hose. 

For stained or heavily soiled steps, scrub them with a stiff-bristled brush and some liquid laundry detergent. You can also bring in a local power washer or rent the equipment at your local hardware store. Either way, approach this task with caution—too much pressure can further damage the steps, which will require more work to fix.

  1. Chip Away Any Crumbling Concrete

    Use either a wire brush or a hammer and chisel to knock off any loose bits of concrete from the damaged areas. Avoid using the wire brush to scrub away surface dirt and stains, as it can scratch the concrete.

  2. Mix the Concrete

    Mix up a batch of concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stir thoroughly to get rid of any lumps.

    “Be extra careful in the mixing phase,” says Matt DiBara, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of DiBara Masonry. “For flat repairs, you typically want the consistency of thick pancake batter; for corners, add a little less water, so it forms more of a putty.”

  3. Wet the Area

    cleaning concrete steps with power hose
    Photo: jpldesigns / Adobe Stock

    If the concrete steps aren’t already wet, give them a light spray with the hose (or watering can).

  4. Lay an L-Shaped Form (if Repairing Corners)

    If you’re repairing corners, create a makeshift form to hold the concrete’s shape as it dries:

    • Screw or duct tape two wooden boards together to make an L-shaped form. 

    • Spray the form with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the concrete.

    • Lay the L-form flush with the top of the step.

    • Duct tape the L-form firmly in place.

  5. Apply Concrete Bonding Agent

    Using a paintbrush, apply a thick coat of concrete bonding agent to the areas you’ll be repairing. Before you apply the concrete, ensure the bonding agent is not puddling or dripping. For best results, you want it absorbed into the concrete but still damp to the touch.

  6. Apply the Concrete to the Steps

    trowel and bucket concrete mix
    Photo: geargodz / Adobe Stock

    Grab your trowel and scoop out some of the concrete onto the areas where you applied the bonding agent. If you’re fixing step corners, press the concrete firmly into your wooden form.

  7. Smooth the Concrete

    Next, use the flat side of your trowel to smooth the concrete until it is flush with the stair’s surface. Use firm pressure to fill in any holes.

  8. Finish the Surface

    While the concrete is still wet, brush the surface with a concrete finishing brush or a masonry brush. This is an important step if you’re repairing a large area on the surface, as smooth concrete can become slippery when wet.

  9. Allow the Concrete to Dry

    Allow the concrete to dry overnight or however long the instructions specify. Once it’s dry, you can remove the wooden form if you used one, and your concrete steps should be good as new! 

    However, if you find your steps remain uneven, chipped, or sunken, this could be a safety issue. Call a local concrete company or general contractor in your area to properly repair your steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can refresh the look of old concrete steps by investing in concrete resurfacing. You can also paint or stain it if there isn’t any surface damage to address.

For a quick and easy solution, you can also cover up any unsightly spots with potted plants, garden statues, lanterns, and other decorative items. Even if they don’t completely disguise the problem areas, they’ll still spruce up the overall look.

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Get quotes from top-rated pros.