Get matched with top patio pros in Columbus, MT

Q: Are concrete stairs cheaper than wood?

• <div><p>No, high labor costs and the project's complexity make concrete stairs more expensive than steel or wood stairs. Wood steps cost between<b> </b>$100 and $200 per step, including labor and materials, while concrete steps are about triple, at between $200 and $600 per step. Building codes may also have stricter requirements for concrete steps, as they&rsquo;re considered permanent, so you might also pay more for permits.</p></div>

Q: What adds more value: pavers or concrete?

• <div><p>A paver patio will add more value than a concrete patio. Pavers are a more commonly preferred option from an aesthetic and longevity point of view, so most buyers will be willing to pay more for a paver patio than they would for a concrete one. Pavers also don&rsquo;t require a permanent foundation, so they won&rsquo;t increase your property taxes. Buyers also prefer lower property taxes, so that will play into the ROI you&rsquo;ll see, too. </p></div>

Q: How far apart do you put stepping stones?

• <div><p>Stepping stones should match an average human stride, so the general rule is to place them about 24 inches between stones. However, many designs put stones closer together. If you choose to plant in between them, leave at least 6 to 8 inches between stones to give plants room to grow.</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>

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>

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Find Patio pros in Columbus

Groundworks

Groundworks

Customers say: Quality work

24 local quotes requested

15 years of experience

Groundworks knows how to solve basement, and crawl space problems, the first time. Proudly serving Montana and Wyoming.

"My certified inspector MatthewCote out of the Belgrade, MT office found i have a natural spring comming up in my crawlspace. I knew I had water streaming all over crawlspace and my husband believed it was due to watering lawn of the hill our house sits on. Matt was great to work with, he was totally professional. He explained my situation and showed me in photos and map of my basement what this ssprincause, how it had eroded and damage caused. It has been going on for quite a few years, of which I noticed escalation of water even though I decreased watering on above lawn. I wish I had researched this sooner. But MATT assured me it's not too late. He was clear and concise as to what I needed done to resolve and eliminate further damage by installing 2 sump pumps, installing trenches & piping to drain all areas of water, draining ouside of house past septic and leach field, add a humidifier and encapsulation of crawlspace. I highly recommend Groundworks and Matt to anyone."

Susan E on July 2025

Groundworks knows how to solve basement, and crawl space problems, the first time. Proudly serving Montana and Wyoming.

"My certified inspector MatthewCote out of the Belgrade, MT office found i have a natural spring comming up in my crawlspace. I knew I had water streaming all over crawlspace and my husband believed it was due to watering lawn of the hill our house sits on. Matt was great to work with, he was totally professional. He explained my situation and showed me in photos and map of my basement what this ssprincause, how it had eroded and damage caused. It has been going on for quite a few years, of which I noticed escalation of water even though I decreased watering on above lawn. I wish I had researched this sooner. But MATT assured me it's not too late. He was clear and concise as to what I needed done to resolve and eliminate further damage by installing 2 sump pumps, installing trenches & piping to drain all areas of water, draining ouside of house past septic and leach field, add a humidifier and encapsulation of crawlspace. I highly recommend Groundworks and Matt to anyone."

Susan E on July 2025

Asphalt Paving & Professional Coatings

1302 24th Street West

4.61(

)

•Approved Pro

Asphalt Paving & Professional Coatings

1302 24th Street West

4.61(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

12 local quotes requested

19 years of experience

We have over 10 years of experience in the business, and we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade, and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"James and his staff do an amazing job. They show up on time and get the job done. Jim told me if I have any questions or concerns he will take care them. Job well done. I will add a photo soon."

Liane B on April 2025

"James and his staff do an amazing job. They show up on time and get the job done. Jim told me if I have any questions or concerns he will take care them. Job well done. I will add a photo soon."

Liane B on April 2025

ATD Construction

7675 Shedhorn Dr

No reviews yet

ATD Construction

7675 Shedhorn Dr

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

ATD Construction Attention To Detail..."the higher your expectations, the fewer your choices for all your home improvement and renovation needs"

Norwest Contracting

P.O. Box 101

No reviews yet

Norwest Contracting

P.O. Box 101

No reviews yet

30 years of experience. Done right the first time.

GNS Construction

134 Mule Deer Rd.

No reviews yet

GNS Construction

134 Mule Deer Rd.

No reviews yet

36 years of experience

GNA Construction is a small construction, remodeling and handyman service company

Grovom Painting

515 Saddle Dr

No reviews yet

Grovom Painting

515 Saddle Dr

No reviews yet

22 years of experience

Your HOME - Your BIGGEST INVESTMENT ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍Increase your home's value with a quality paint job that will protect it from Montana's extreme weather. We know that when you choose us, you are entrusting us to protect, preserve, and beautify your biggest asset—your home. ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍WWW.PAINTINGMONTANA.COM -- 406-461-6094

FLOORING AMERICA POIEMA

206 W CENTER ST

No reviews yet

FLOORING AMERICA POIEMA

206 W CENTER ST

No reviews yet

40 years of experience

Locally owned & operated business supporting our local community. We proudly serve the Flathead valley for over 25 years in flooring. Our dedicated staff has over 89 years of experience in the flooring industry dedicated in the best customer service. We provide financing through GE Capital, the national leader in providing flexible consumer credit options for all of your purchasing needs.

Paradise Fencing and Construction Company, Inc.

65 Gibson Flats Rd

5.00(

)

Paradise Fencing and Construction Company, Inc.

65 Gibson Flats Rd

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Paradise Fencing and Construction Company Inc. has been serving Montana since 1996. Our company is fully licensed and insured. Paradise main office is based out of Great Falls with crews traveling the state of Montana. The Fencing side of our business installs every type of fence available. If sprinkler work is needed we subcontract out the work to top rated sprinkler companies to make sure the project is done correctly. Paradise Construction performs all of the work from dirtwork to finish work. Paradise subcontracts its electrical, plumbing, and HVAC to top quality providers.

Patios questions, answered by experts

No, high labor costs and the project's complexity make concrete stairs more expensive than steel or wood stairs. Wood steps cost between $100 and $200 per step, including labor and materials, while concrete steps are about triple, at between $200 and $600 per step. Building codes may also have stricter requirements for concrete steps, as they’re considered permanent, so you might also pay more for permits.

A paver patio will add more value than a concrete patio. Pavers are a more commonly preferred option from an aesthetic and longevity point of view, so most buyers will be willing to pay more for a paver patio than they would for a concrete one. Pavers also don’t require a permanent foundation, so they won’t increase your property taxes. Buyers also prefer lower property taxes, so that will play into the ROI you’ll see, too.

Stepping stones should match an average human stride, so the general rule is to place them about 24 inches between stones. However, many designs put stones closer together. If you choose to plant in between them, leave at least 6 to 8 inches between stones to give plants room to grow.

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.

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.

The Columbus, MT 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.
Paige Bennett
•
Oct 15, 2025Oct 15, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Install Deck Skirting? [2025 Data]
A deck skirt can improve the form and function of a deck. Find out what it could cost to install deck skirting in your backyard with this guide.
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•
Jun 6, 2025Jun 6, 2025
How Much Does Awning Fabric Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
A worn-out awning won’t be able to block out UV rays or rain. Use this guide to explore awning fabric replacement costs by material type, awning size, and more.
Timothy Moore
•
Nov 12, 2024Nov 12, 2024
What Is Deck Flashing and Why Is It Important?
Your new deck will be a welcomed outdoor living space. But what is deck flashing, and why do you need it? We discuss this important aspect of deck building.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 2, 2025Jul 2, 2025
5 Common Patio Problems and Solutions
Many common patio problems can be addressed early. Here are ways to repair different types of patio damage and how to know your problem needs a pro.
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.