What are some gravel alternatives for driveways?

• <div><p>If you’ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren’t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/choosing-perfect-material-your-driveway.htm">alternative materials for driveways</a> include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.</p></div>

How much do stairs cost?

• <div><p>The short answer is that the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-building-stairs-and-railings-cost.htm">cost to build a staircase</a> largely depends on what material they’re made out of and how many you need. Wood stairs cost about <b>$50 to $100 per step</b> for materials alone, while labor costs an additional<b> $100 to $250 per step</b>. The cost increases for more expensive materials such as glass or concrete. </p></div>

Get matched with top patio pros in Tollhouse, CA

Q: Do steps need a foundation?

• <div><p>Concrete steps need concrete footings, which is a type of foundation. They are made of concrete with rebar reinforcement poured into a trench. The footings support the stairs, spread the vertical load, and prevent the steps from sinking. Footings need to be below the maximum depth that the ground freezes, typically at least 42 inches in depth.</p></div>

Q: What are some gravel alternatives for driveways?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren&rsquo;t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/choosing-perfect-material-your-driveway.htm">alternative materials for driveways</a> include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.</p></div>

Q: What are the most important questions to ask a concrete contractor?

• <div><p>Do some research before hiring a concrete contractor . Consider asking whether the contractor is insured, if they can provide references of past clients you can contact, and if this type of work requires a permit. Another potential question is how long they guarantee their work.</p></div>

Q: How do I keep my concrete steps looking their best?

• <div><p>After you install your concrete steps, and even as they age, applying a coat of paint or concrete sealer to them every one to two years is a great way to keep them looking fresh and new. We also recommend doing light concrete step repair if you notice chipping or crumbling. You can dress up your steps with planters, decorative railings, and other decor to breathe new life into your stoop as well.</p></div>

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Find Patio pros in Tollhouse

CL Concrete

CL Concrete

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

50 local quotes requested

Conrado Lemus Carranza is a family owned and operated business that has been serving the Fresno County area since 2005. We are here for all your concrete and masonry needs; we love what we do and provide every customer with the same quality and care as the next. Call us today with any of your concrete needs; no job is too big or too small!

"Working with Conrado and his crew was one of the best experiences I’ve had with concrete contractor. He communicated with me before and during the project to make sure it was done to my satisfaction. His rates were reasonable. If you need any concrete work done you couldn’t do better than placing your trust in Conrado at CL Concrete. "

John S on August 2025

"Working with Conrado and his crew was one of the best experiences I’ve had with concrete contractor. He communicated with me before and during the project to make sure it was done to my satisfaction. His rates were reasonable. If you need any concrete work done you couldn’t do better than placing your trust in Conrado at CL Concrete. "

John S on August 2025

Central Valley Custom Masonry

Central Valley Custom Masonry

2 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Central Valley Custom Masonry With over 19 years of hands-on experience, Central Valley Custom Masonry delivers quality craftsmanship and dependable service on every project. We specialize in all types of masonry work — including brick, block, and stone installations, repairs, and custom designs. From fireplaces and mailboxes to outdoor living spaces and commercial builds, our focus is on precision, durability, and customer satisfaction. Licensed and insured (C-29), we take pride in combining traditional techniques with modern efficiency to bring our clients lasting results they can count on. Whether it’s new construction or restoration, we make sure each job is done clean, on time, and built to last.

"Matt built block columns for my driveway and placed stone on them. Did a beautiful job."

Christine M on October 2025

"Matt built block columns for my driveway and placed stone on them. Did a beautiful job."

Christine M on October 2025

Just Stamping Concrete

Just Stamping Concrete

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

60 local quotes requested

With over three decades of experience Just Stamping Concrete, Inc are second generation contractors that will work hard to bring each customer the best possible service and quality available. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We welcome your questions and thank you for your interest.

"The landscape designer was creative and knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my needs and preferences, and the end result was a beautiful and functional outdoor space."

Eliana F on April 2023

"The landscape designer was creative and knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my needs and preferences, and the end result was a beautiful and functional outdoor space."

Eliana F on April 2023

A.M.F. Construction

San Jose

No reviews yet

A.M.F. Construction

San Jose

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

We are a family-run business that specializes in carpentry, new construction, and home remodeling. Among the many services we provide are framing, flooring, fencing, siding, patios, window installation, door installation, and other home repairs. We aim to grow our clientele by providing great customer service, free estimates, and by offering affordable prices. We work from Fresno to San Jose and everything in between.

R&H Construction License. Num. 923802 We are here for all of your home repair and remodeling needs from additions, kitchens, baths, all flooring, painting interior and exterior, stained concrete, new concrete such as slabs, patios, walkways, tile, electrical, to fascia and siding. We specialize in every trade with 20 plus years experience. No job is to small or to large. Need appliances installed we do that to and can help you find the best ones for you. Call for free estimates. We're looking forward to hearing from you. Call Rob at 559 514 1264.

Handy Sandy's Handyman

5505 W Tulare Spc79

No reviews yet

Handy Sandy's Handyman

5505 W Tulare Spc79

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

Hello i am the owner of Handy Sandy's Handyman i have been in business since 2006 i have two employees i have 20 years in the construction field and remodeling i am not out to get rich im out to help my customers and make a living.I also have insurance. I do commercial and residential.

MOJAM INC.

PO BOX 1270

No reviews yet

MOJAM INC.

PO BOX 1270

No reviews yet

16 years of experience

Concrete and Masonry Construction

perfectionist construction

1110

No reviews yet

perfectionist construction

1110

No reviews yet

26 years of experience

Gen. contractor, we do it all. 20 years experience no job to small or to big.

Mario Mejicanos Construction

3313 Fairfield Ave

No reviews yet

Mario Mejicanos Construction

3313 Fairfield Ave

No reviews yet

22 years of experience

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Patios questions, answered by experts

Concrete steps need concrete footings, which is a type of foundation. They are made of concrete with rebar reinforcement poured into a trench. The footings support the stairs, spread the vertical load, and prevent the steps from sinking. Footings need to be below the maximum depth that the ground freezes, typically at least 42 inches in depth.

If you’ve researched everything there is to know about gravel driveways and aren’t sold on the idea, you have options. Gravel alternative materials for driveways include traditional options like concrete and asphalt. If you want the look of natural stone, stone pavers are another option that sometimes uses gravel around the pavers. For maximum drainage, permeable driveways or brick driveways are also popular choices.

The short answer is that the cost to build a staircase largely depends on what material they’re made out of and how many you need. Wood stairs cost about $50 to $100 per step for materials alone, while labor costs an additional $100 to $250 per step. The cost increases for more expensive materials such as glass or concrete.

Do some research before hiring a concrete contractor . Consider asking whether the contractor is insured, if they can provide references of past clients you can contact, and if this type of work requires a permit. Another potential question is how long they guarantee their work.

After you install your concrete steps, and even as they age, applying a coat of paint or concrete sealer to them every one to two years is a great way to keep them looking fresh and new. We also recommend doing light concrete step repair if you notice chipping or crumbling. You can dress up your steps with planters, decorative railings, and other decor to breathe new life into your stoop as well.

The Tollhouse, CA homeowners’ guide to patio services

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What Is Composite Decking and Is It Right for Your Outdoor Space?
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