Get matched with top patio pros in Dunbarton, NH

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: What is the standard rise and run of stairs?

• <div><p>It depends on whether you&rsquo;re looking at residential or commercial buildings. For residential buildings, the 2018 International Residential Code asks for a maximum riser (or rise) height of 7 3/4 inches and a minimum tread depth (or run) of 10 inches.</p><p>For fixed stairs in commercial buildings, OSHA requires a rise between 6 and 7.5 inches, with a run between 10 and 14 inches. The standards are different for spiral staircases.</p></div>

Q: Does patio installation require a permit?

• <div><p>In many cases, you will need a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-i-really-need-building-permit.htm">building permit</a> for your patio, but it depends on the type of patio. Generally speaking, any improvements to your land considered &ldquo;permanent&rdquo; will require a permit. Since a concrete patio is a permanent foundation, you will need a permit. On the other hand, a paver patio or flagstone patio usually sits over gravel and sand, are considered &ldquo;temporary&rdquo; improvements, and rarely require permits. To be safe, you should always ask your building department or your patio company if a permit will be necessary.</p></div>

Q: How much do concrete contractors usually charge?

• <div><p>Concrete contractors typically charge anywhere from <b>$6 to $14 per square foot</b>. Cost factors include job size, site prep, base material, accessibility, your location, concrete finish, and concrete thickness. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-concrete-demo-cost-square-foot.htm">Removal of existing concrete</a>, asphalt, deck, pavers, and grass will cost anywhere from $1 to $6 per square foot. Homeowners can often save money by removing and disposing of existing pavers, decks, and grass. Breaking up and hauling away concrete and asphalt is difficult and time-consuming without the proper equipment and may be worth having the pros do that work.</p></div>

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>

There are 5 highly-rated local patio pros.

Verified Reviews for Patio Service pros in Dunbarton, NH

*The Angi rating for Patio Service companies in Dunbarton, NH 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 Dunbarton, NH 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 18, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
I recently hired HHS Masonry& Restoration to install patio pavers in my backyard, and I couldn't be happier with the results! From the initial consultation to the final installation, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in bringing my vision to life.
HHS Masonry & Restoration
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Reviewed in September 2025
a beautiful job was done on our patio. They were there when they said they would be and did a great job on out project. l wholeheartedly recommend I’m Construction Pavers and know l will be using them for my upcoming projects.
I. M. Construction
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Reviewed in July 2025
We had a small project to install a patio in an established garden area that was already paved in field stone. Gerry and his crew was able to fit our project in between his larger projects for the summer. They installed a rustic bluestone patio that complemented the existing aesthetic of the...
Earthlandscaping, Inc
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Reviewed in May 2025
Ben was prompt in assessing our brick patio repair project and providing quote. He was good in communicating when he'd be here. He and his 2 sons worked efficiently and got the job done in 1 day. They could have done a better job at cleaning up after they were done.
3 Brothers Masonry
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Reviewed in January 2025
Very happy with my new patio! Ryan is exceptionally skilled and reliable. He was wonderful to work with and l will absolutely be trusting McCaffrey Masonry with the next project!
MCCAFFREY MASONRY INC
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Reviewed in September 2024
I have used them for 2 patios, a firepit, retaining wall and yard leveling. Leo and his team are very accommodating. I changed the scope of the work several times, and they rolled with it with complete professionalism and enthusiasm. I do have one more project that I cannot wait to hire them...
Fieldstone Pros
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Reviewed in April 2023
Christian and his crew are experts when it comes to tile, paver stones and masonry. Our patio was installed 20 years ago. There were stones that had buckled and risen out of their orginial places and the general slope of the patio when it was originally installed was not allowing for natural...
Dicapi Construction
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Reviewed in April 2022
Very productive and professional him and his crew swept the patio and left it clean so clean you could eat of the floor . I am definitely hiring him and his crew again . Awesome job
Alba Field Services
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Reviewed in September 2020
patio and walkway
M&L Landscaping Construction
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Reviewed in October 2016
Called and discussed what I wanted done. They called back and asked for more detail. I sent them pictures of the area I wanted the patio and that was the last time I heard from them,
DiMeco's Nursery & Landscape
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