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 size gravel should you put under a concrete slab?

• <div><p>You should put gravel that is 3/4 to 1 inch under a concrete slab. However, depending on the project, local building codes may dictate the proper gravel size and shape. Some concrete slabs that do not hold significant weight may have a subbase of sand. Also, keep in mind that the subbase you choose will affect the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-concrete-patio-cost-square-foot.htm">cost of your concrete patio</a>, walkway, or driveway. </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 stone steps cheaper than concrete?

• <div><p>Stone steps are often more expensive than concrete steps as they are specially cut and installed, on top of the material costs. Concrete is more readily available as many steps are precast, although custom-poured concrete steps are an option more similar in price to stone steps.</p></div>

Q: Is it less expensive to build your own patio?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s definitely less expensive to build your own patio. Depending on the paver material you choose, expect to pay around $1,700 to build your own paver patio. Hiring a local patio builder will set you back $3,700 on average.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Patio Service pros in Ulen, MN

*The Angi rating for Patio Service companies in Ulen, 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 Ulen, 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 22, 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 Ulen

Sentri Homes

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Sentri Homes

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112 local quotes requested

Sentri Homes is a full-service contractor delivering high-end home additions, whole-home remodels, new custom builds, luxury kitchens, structural framing, roof replacements, and every major renovation. We assign a dedicated project manager to every job, deliver meticulous craftsmanship with clear communication, and back our work with an industry-leading warranty to ensure complete peace of mind on your largest investments. Our in-house team of licensed builders and master craftsmen consistently earns 5-star reviews by turning big visions into stunning, high-value homes—when you need one trusted partner who truly does it all, we’re the proven choice.

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

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

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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 14

Patios questions, answered by experts

You should put gravel that is 3/4 to 1 inch under a concrete slab. However, depending on the project, local building codes may dictate the proper gravel size and shape. Some concrete slabs that do not hold significant weight may have a subbase of sand. Also, keep in mind that the subbase you choose will affect the cost of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway.

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.

Stone steps are often more expensive than concrete steps as they are specially cut and installed, on top of the material costs. Concrete is more readily available as many steps are precast, although custom-poured concrete steps are an option more similar in price to stone steps.

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.

It’s definitely less expensive to build your own patio. Depending on the paver material you choose, expect to pay around $1,700 to build your own paver patio. Hiring a local patio builder will set you back $3,700 on average.

The Ulen, MN homeowners’ guide to patio services

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

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