Get matched with top patio pros in Tecumseh, OK

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.

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.

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.

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.