Get matched with top patio pros in Cobden, IL

Q: Do you need a concrete base for a pergola?

• <div><p>A concrete base&mdash;or concrete footings, more specifically&mdash;is necessary for a freestanding pergola build. A pergola is top-heavy and can&rsquo;t stand on its own, so it will always need some type of base or support. If you&rsquo;re attaching a pergola to a deck, the deck&rsquo;s supportive joists will act as the support, so there will be no concrete base or footings necessary.</p></div>

Q: How long do concrete steps last?

• <div><p>With proper maintenance, exterior concrete steps can last 25 to 50 years or more. In most cases, your steps will require some minor repairs over that time frame, including sealing surface cracks and resurfacing to keep them in good condition. Interior concrete steps should last even longer, normally between 50 and 75 years, as they don&rsquo;t have to stand up to the elements.</p></div>

Q: Are sidewalks concrete or cement?

• <div><p>Sidewalks are concrete, not cement. Cement is merely an ingredient of concrete. To pour a sidewalk, driveway, or patio, you need to form the right mixture of concrete using cement, aggregates, and water. Pouring concrete requires special tools such as a concrete mixer, compactor, screeds, and floats. Unless you're pouring a small area, it's best to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-concrete-contractor.htm">hire a concrete pro</a> for a sidewalk or driveway project. </p></div>

Q: What is the ideal distance between stepping stones?

• <div><p>About 6 inches between the edges of each stone in the sequence is common. Rather than sticking to 6 inches, some people measure the length of the entire path and adjust the space between stepping stones a couple of inches wider or narrower than 6 inches to make sure the entire path fits the length perfectly without having to cut a paver at either end. Other people prefer a design with a 24-inch distance from the center of one stone to the center of the next stone, which matches the stride of an average-sized person.</p></div>

Q: Do you need rebar for a concrete patio?

• <div><p>You don't technically need rebar for a concrete patio, but it's a good idea to install it, especially if your patio will support any heavy items. All concrete is susceptible to cracking, and rebar keeps cracks in check while maintaining a smooth, level surface. Without rebar, cracks will likely widen and cause the concrete to become uneven, compromising its structural integrity. </p></div>

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Foundation Recovery Systems

4.76(

)

•Approved Pro

Foundation Recovery Systems

4.76(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

33 years of experience

Foundation Recovery Systems, founded in 1992, is a subsidiary of Groundworks, a family of companies that offers superior, proven solutions for your foundation repair, structural repair, crawl space encapsulation, dehumidification, and concrete leveling needs. They currently maintain offices in Kansas City, Moberly, Springfield, and St Louis. Foundation Recovery Systems is a recognized accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and devotes its years of experience, industry knowledge and specialized training to help customers protect their homes or commercial buildings from water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation failure.

"As far as we can tell, the work was effective at stabilizing our foundation, and the on-site crew led by Luke was great, informing us of their progress along the way. However, we expressed in advance our concern about protecting some of our landscaping. We were assured the crew would have boards to cover landscaping on which removed dirt would be piled. This turned out not to be the case. I’ve had quite a bit of expense and labor to restore landscaping that was damaged during the work. This damage could have been avoided. Foundation Recovery sends out $500 coupons to advertise for their work. My attempts to contact Joe and FRS to honor even a part of the $500 coupon to help defray my landscaping costs have gone unanswered. Our salesperson, Joe, was not present during the work and has not been responsive to our followup inquiries. We are very disappointed in the poor customer service from Foundation and its representatives. I cannot recommend this company based on their failure to address our up-front concerns, lack of response to our followup requests, and the false advertising that is associated with the coupons."

Jerry K on September 2025

"As far as we can tell, the work was effective at stabilizing our foundation, and the on-site crew led by Luke was great, informing us of their progress along the way. However, we expressed in advance our concern about protecting some of our landscaping. We were assured the crew would have boards to cover landscaping on which removed dirt would be piled. This turned out not to be the case. I’ve had quite a bit of expense and labor to restore landscaping that was damaged during the work. This damage could have been avoided. Foundation Recovery sends out $500 coupons to advertise for their work. My attempts to contact Joe and FRS to honor even a part of the $500 coupon to help defray my landscaping costs have gone unanswered. Our salesperson, Joe, was not present during the work and has not been responsive to our followup inquiries. We are very disappointed in the poor customer service from Foundation and its representatives. I cannot recommend this company based on their failure to address our up-front concerns, lack of response to our followup requests, and the false advertising that is associated with the coupons."

Jerry K on September 2025

Sorensons Concrete

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Sorensons Concrete

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Small family owned and operated business that specializes in all of your concrete needs! Always looking to make you happy and make your dream come true!

Gossco Construciton

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Gossco Construciton

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12 years of experience

Gossco Construction is a General Contracting company that self performs carpentry work. We construct projects as big as restaurants and as small as decks. We specialize in completing projects on time and within budget. We pride ourselves in providing a quality product and customer satisfaction.

Starting point home inspection offers a in-depth professional report with multiple pictures of defects and highlights. We off same day/on site report printing and we accept most major credit cards, cash, and PayPal. We include a free 90 day home warranty(to home buyer) and 120 day warranty(to home seller). Also your inspection report comes in a professionally organized 3 ring binder. Starting point home inspection wants you to know what the home is all about.

Patios questions, answered by experts

A concrete base—or concrete footings, more specifically—is necessary for a freestanding pergola build. A pergola is top-heavy and can’t stand on its own, so it will always need some type of base or support. If you’re attaching a pergola to a deck, the deck’s supportive joists will act as the support, so there will be no concrete base or footings necessary.

With proper maintenance, exterior concrete steps can last 25 to 50 years or more. In most cases, your steps will require some minor repairs over that time frame, including sealing surface cracks and resurfacing to keep them in good condition. Interior concrete steps should last even longer, normally between 50 and 75 years, as they don’t have to stand up to the elements.

Sidewalks are concrete, not cement. Cement is merely an ingredient of concrete. To pour a sidewalk, driveway, or patio, you need to form the right mixture of concrete using cement, aggregates, and water. Pouring concrete requires special tools such as a concrete mixer, compactor, screeds, and floats. Unless you're pouring a small area, it's best to hire a concrete pro for a sidewalk or driveway project.

About 6 inches between the edges of each stone in the sequence is common. Rather than sticking to 6 inches, some people measure the length of the entire path and adjust the space between stepping stones a couple of inches wider or narrower than 6 inches to make sure the entire path fits the length perfectly without having to cut a paver at either end. Other people prefer a design with a 24-inch distance from the center of one stone to the center of the next stone, which matches the stride of an average-sized person.

You don't technically need rebar for a concrete patio, but it's a good idea to install it, especially if your patio will support any heavy items. All concrete is susceptible to cracking, and rebar keeps cracks in check while maintaining a smooth, level surface. Without rebar, cracks will likely widen and cause the concrete to become uneven, compromising its structural integrity.

The Cobden, IL homeowners’ guide to patio services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Stephanie Mickelson
•
Oct 16, 2025Oct 16, 2025
The Cost of an Outdoor Living Space [2025 Data]
From patios and gazebos to full-on structures, your outdoor space is a blank slate. Learn how much it costs to build and furnish an outdoor room.
Allie Ogletree
•
Jun 4, 2025Jun 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pergola? [2025 Data]
Is installing a pergola in your backyard renovation budget? Learn about the average cost to build a pergola, as well as ways to make it more affordable.
Paige Bennett
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does a Gazebo Cost? [2025 Data]
The average gazebo installation cost depends on the size and material. Keep reading to discover how much your gazebo may cost.
Catherine Hiles
•
Jun 17, 2025Jun 17, 2025
Why Is My Concrete Patio Cracking? 7 Reasons and Solutions
A concrete patio is an affordable addition for outdoor dining and entertaining, but cracks are unsightly. Learn the answer to the question, “Why is my concrete patio cracking?”
Mitchell Grant
•
Jun 5, 2025Jun 5, 2025
Stone Calculator: How Much Stone Do I Need?
How much stone you need will be determined by the project shape, your budget, and desired aesthetic. Use this stone calculator to determine how much stone you need.
Dan Simms
•
Feb 5, 2025Feb 5, 2025
9 Types of Concrete Finishes for Patios
Installing a concrete patio and want to customize? Check out the different types of concrete finishes for patios to choose what works best for your taste.