Should I repair or replace crumbling concrete steps before adding a railing?

• <div><p>Crumbling concrete steps will affect your ability to drill into the material and affix a sturdy railing. If the damage is primarily cosmetic, you might be able to DIY the repair with a patch kit. If the concrete is badly crumbling, hire a professional who specializes in pouring concrete. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-chipped-broken-concrete-step-steps-lead-front-door.htm">concrete step repair cost</a> is <b>$500</b> from a professional, but the extent of the damage will determine your actual cost. The professional may recommend a replacement if the damage is extensive.</p></div>

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Q: What happens if you don't put gravel under concrete?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t put gravel under concrete, the concrete can crack, sink, bow, or crumble. Even the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/concrete-forming.htm">concrete forming</a> process will not go as smoothly if you are working directly on the soil or bare bedrock. The lack of a proper gravel layer can also lead to drainage issues below your slab, leading to water issues throughout your lawn and around your foundation.</p></div>

Q: Is a deck more accessible than a patio?

• <div><p>Generally, a patio is more accessible than a standard deck because patios are constructed at ground level. However, decks can be made accessible by adding a wheelchair-accessible ramp, a vertical lift, or a stair lift along the entry. An ADA-compliant deck ramp costs about <b>$3,000</b> on average. The additional investment will provide a much friendlier experience for your guests with movement impairments.</p></div>

Q: What to look for in a concrete contractor?

• <div><p>When hiring a concrete contractor, you should seek someone with proven experience, proper licensing, and insurance. You should also check reviews online, talk to references, and view past project photos. Remember that reliable contractors communicate openly and have an expert understanding of local building codes. You&rsquo;ll also want to ensure that the contractor specializes in the specific type of concrete work you want, whether a driveway or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-stained-concrete-floors-cost.htm">tinted concrete flooring</a>.</p></div>

Q: Is a concrete patio cheaper than a deck?

• <div><p>No, a deck is more expensive than a concrete patio. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-deck.htm">cost to build a deck</a> is between $4,200 and $11,700, or about $7,900 on average. This makes the average deck cost roughly twice as much as the average cost to build a concrete patio. Concrete patios also have far greater longevity and are easier to maintain. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Patio Service pros in Fosston, MN

*The Angi rating for Patio Service companies in Fosston, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Patio Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Patio Service companies in Fosston, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Patio Service needs.

Last update on November 17, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
A 44=95 floor for a steel building and 2 patios on time and great looking
RD Concrete LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
My patio project was perfect. Not only did Bryce consistently show up on time, but he finished the project early. Bryce was extremely professional and friendly while offering great advice with colors and layout to make the perfect patio for our house. I highly recommend up North Hardscapes.
Up North Hardscapes
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Reviewed in November 2017
The work was done very professionally. The workers were very polite and let me know what they were doing and if there was anything I could do that would help them out like turning on the outside water for them. They had to bring the patio door in through the house because of a new deck being put...
Budget Exteriors Inc
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Reviewed in July 2010
Another fantastic job by this superb company! The stone patio and walkway look better than new, and the deck is beautiful! I can't say enough good things about this service and the owner, Dan Steele.
City Clean Inc
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Reviewed in November 2009
Paul was very professional to deal with; the only grade less than A that I gave was under punctuality and there is a reason for this. Since Paul is out on the job site with the crew he is not sitting in an office waiting for the phone to ring. Neither does he have an office staff. Therefore,...
Armstrong Concrete Inc
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Reviewed in May 2008
It didn't go well at all. After weeks of waiting, they painted the deck a hideous orange color. The later repainted it a color of my choosing, but the paint was so thick and orange that I couldn't go back to the natural look I wanted. I selected a tan color with a white rail, but the orange...
Heavenly Home Improvements
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Find Patio pros in Fosston

Jered Smith Concrete,LLC.

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Jered Smith Concrete,LLC.

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12 years of experience

We provide all kinds of commercial, residential, and agricultural concrete services.

DB Property Maintenance L.L.C

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DB Property Maintenance L.L.C

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19 years of experience

Tried of high prices and Bad services Call DB property Maintenance at (612)916-8566. Were the customers always right! Serving All of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin Irrigation, Landscaping,Lawn needs.

The Finished Look

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The Finished Look

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24 years of experience

Here at The Finished Look we perform all areas that pertain to building and remodeling. We also have a cabin care taking branch as well that services lake homes in northern Minnesota. We are very close with our employees and boast safety and cleanliness. Winter work in many instances be eligible for a 10% discount.

Allweather home repair . construction

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Allweather home repair . construction

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55 years of experience

homeimprovements

Richards Forestry

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Richards Forestry

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18 years of experience

TREE SREVICE -PESTICIDE APPLICATOR-EXCAVATING-BOBCAT WORK-PONDS-AND WATER FALLS-YARD SERVICE DOCK SERVICE SHORELINE RESTORATION-RIP-RAP RETAINING WALLS BOULDER WALLS TRUCKING

Renaissance Custom Design DBA Bruce Hinton

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Renaissance Custom Design DBA Bruce Hinton

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27 years of experience

We are one of the top 16 in the Nation for Stamped Concrete and Concrete Countertops. Your customized solution is only limited by your imagination and fits your budget. I am 6th Generation brick and stone cutters. We give more than our quote.

Todds Landscaping has 7 employees and can help out with all your landscaping needs.

NEW ULM FURNITURE CO

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NEW ULM FURNITURE CO

No reviews yet

69 years of experience

New Ulm Furniture Co. is a family-owned business serving Minnesota since 1945. Your solution for furniture, flooring, window treatments, bedding & design service. Located in Downtown New Ulm, we have a giant selection, quality products at affordable prices plus professional installation and free in-home estimates. Our showroom includes furniture for all size homes, condos & apartments. New Ulm Furniture carries famous brands including Flexsteel, La-z-boy, Ashley, Lane, Klaussner, Shaw, Sealy, Rowe, Pride & many more. The selection of lift chairs, mattresses, sofas, dining sets, bedroom furniture, recliners (over 92 in stock!) and area rugs will warm your home without depleting your pocketbook! Visit www.newulmfurniture.com to shop online.

Nick's Tree & Landscape

4.20(

)

Nick's Tree & Landscape

4.20(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

19 years of experience

We are a professional company that will not let you down on any of your landscaping needs. At Nicks Tree and Landscape We have only the best well trained staff to get the job done the correct way. One call can do it all. check out our website at www.Nickstree.com for more info.

Showing 1-10 of 15

Patios questions, answered by experts

If you don’t put gravel under concrete, the concrete can crack, sink, bow, or crumble. Even the concrete forming process will not go as smoothly if you are working directly on the soil or bare bedrock. The lack of a proper gravel layer can also lead to drainage issues below your slab, leading to water issues throughout your lawn and around your foundation.

Generally, a patio is more accessible than a standard deck because patios are constructed at ground level. However, decks can be made accessible by adding a wheelchair-accessible ramp, a vertical lift, or a stair lift along the entry. An ADA-compliant deck ramp costs about $3,000 on average. The additional investment will provide a much friendlier experience for your guests with movement impairments.

When hiring a concrete contractor, you should seek someone with proven experience, proper licensing, and insurance. You should also check reviews online, talk to references, and view past project photos. Remember that reliable contractors communicate openly and have an expert understanding of local building codes. You’ll also want to ensure that the contractor specializes in the specific type of concrete work you want, whether a driveway or tinted concrete flooring.

Crumbling concrete steps will affect your ability to drill into the material and affix a sturdy railing. If the damage is primarily cosmetic, you might be able to DIY the repair with a patch kit. If the concrete is badly crumbling, hire a professional who specializes in pouring concrete. The average concrete step repair cost is $500 from a professional, but the extent of the damage will determine your actual cost. The professional may recommend a replacement if the damage is extensive.

No, a deck is more expensive than a concrete patio. The cost to build a deck is between $4,200 and $11,700, or about $7,900 on average. This makes the average deck cost roughly twice as much as the average cost to build a concrete patio. Concrete patios also have far greater longevity and are easier to maintain.

The Fosston, MN homeowners’ guide to patio services

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When you build a deck, you need to ensure it complies with local building codes. Here’s what you need to know about the most common deck building codes.