How thick should concrete be for steps?

• <div><p>Concrete should be at least 4 inches thick for steps. This thickness boosts stability and prevents cracking and deterioration. After you’ve built your forms out of wood, fill the void with a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/does-anybody-use-sand-base-they-pour-concrete-driveway.htm">sand or gravel base for concrete</a>. Use an all-purpose concrete mix to form your steps. After pouring your concrete steps, be sure to screed and float the concrete. </p></div>

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Q: Can you pour concrete if it rained the day before?

• <div><p>Yes, you can pour concrete if it rained the day before, but you&rsquo;ll need to drain the construction site to ensure there isn&rsquo;t standing water where your slab will sit. You might need to manually remove any puddles and set up drainage on your site to dry it before pouring. Moist soil won&rsquo;t be an issue, but standing water will throw off your concrete mix ratios. Additionally, ensure there isn&rsquo;t more rain expected in the near future before you pour.</p></div>

Q: Can a concrete patio be too thick?

• <div><p>In most cases, you&rsquo;ll want your patio to be 4 inches thick, although you should add reinforcement and increase the thickness up to around 8 inches if you want it to support heavier loads and resist cracking more readily. Although thicker slabs will cost more, you&rsquo;ll start seeing diminishing returns at around 6 inches.</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>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Patio Service pros in Portsmouth, NH

*The Angi rating for Patio Service companies in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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 10, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
Jeremy did a fabulous job cleaning the moss off of my patio pavers and filling it in with polysand. He pays great attention to detail and I would hire him again!
East Gate Hard Scape
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Reviewed in July 2024
Great job and timely. I Highly recommend this company!Bulit an outdoor patio
3 Brothers Masonry
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Reviewed in May 2024
It has been three years and we are still fixing the mistakes made by North Atlantic. Not only did they not listen when we were originally installing the patio, graded the patio into our garage (fun when it rains), they have ruined a large portion of our yard and our garden by extending the sand,...
North Atlantic Landscape
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Reviewed in March 2024
Ellite Construction Masonry recently completed the installation of a lovely paved patio at our home. They worked diligently and tirelessly for three weeks to create a gorgeous patio. We are quite pleased with the final product and would strongly suggest these professionals. They put in long...
Ellite Construction Masonry
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Reviewed in September 2023
They were very professional . They showed up and worked hard. They were willing to work with us and make the changes that we wanted. They responded to our phone calls in a timely manner. They left the property very clean. Our patio and fire pit are beautiful! I The quality of their job was...
Martin Landscaping and Construction
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Reviewed in August 2023
Goni and his brother came over as soon as they had a spot in their schedule to reset sunken pavers in our patio and front walk. Their estimate was very reasonable and the results were fantastic.
European Brothers Masonry Construction Llc
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Reviewed in July 2023
Bobby was great through the whole experience, helpfully with questions very detail oriented and professional. Would highly recommend for a patio project
Tun Tavern Masonry
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Reviewed in April 2023
JP and his crew built a beautiful wall and installed a patio that exceeded my expectations. They finished before the original time frame and cleaned up thoroughly.
Rock Man Masonry
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Reviewed in August 2022
Fantastic work . We absolutely love our new patio and canâ t recommend them enough. Competitively price, reliable and friendly.
C&T Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2017
Patio and driveway done on time. Good work and fair price.
MHT Paving and Landscaping
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