Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build

Why Safe Steps Matter for Your Home

Your front steps are the first thing you and your guests see when approaching your home. But more importantly, they need to be safe. Loose bricks, cracked stone, uneven treads, and wobbly railings cause thousands of falls every year. Many of these accidents result in serious injuries, especially for older adults and children.

At KXM Knoxville Masonry, we repair and build steps that look great and keep you safe. We serve homeowners throughout Knoxville, TN and surrounding areas. Whether you need to fix a few loose bricks or build a complete new entryway, we bring the craftsmanship and attention to detail that makes the difference between steps that last a few years and steps that last a lifetime.

We have seen it all. Steps that have settled and created trip hazards. Mortar that has crumbled away leaving bricks loose and dangerous. Stone treads that have cracked and shifted. Every one of these problems puts you at risk every time you walk up to your front door. The good news is that most step problems can be fixed before they cause an accident.

Common Step Problems We Fix

Loose and Shifting Bricks or Stones

When mortar deteriorates, bricks and stones become loose. You might feel them rock or shift when you step on them. This is extremely dangerous because a loose tread can cause you to lose your balance. We remove the loose units, repair the base if needed, and reinstall them properly with fresh mortar. If the bricks or stones are damaged, we replace them with matching materials.

Settling and Uneven Treads

Steps settle over time, especially if they were not built on a proper foundation. Uneven steps are trip hazards that catch your foot when you least expect it. We evaluate why the settling happened and address the root cause. Sometimes we can lift and re-level existing steps. Other times, the best solution is to rebuild the steps on a solid foundation that will not settle again.

Cracked and Deteriorating Masonry

Freeze-thaw cycles, water damage, and age all take their toll on masonry steps. Cracks let water seep in, which makes the problem worse. Spalling bricks and flaking stone surfaces are not just ugly, they are safety hazards. We remove damaged materials and replace them with quality bricks or stone that match your existing steps. For extensive masonry damage, our brick repair and restoration services can restore the entire structure.

Building New Steps That Last

When you need new steps, you have choices. Brick, natural stone, concrete pavers, and poured concrete all work well for different situations. We help you choose based on your home's style, your budget, and your preferences.

Brick steps offer classic beauty and blend seamlessly with brick homes. Natural stone steps like bluestone or limestone bring elegant, timeless style. Concrete pavers provide versatility in color and pattern at a moderate cost. We show you samples and discuss the pros and cons of each material so you can make an informed decision.

Every step project starts with proper planning. We take precise measurements and assess the site conditions. We calculate the correct rise and run to meet building codes and ensure comfortable, safe climbing. Building codes exist for good reasons. They ensure steps are the right height, depth, and width for safe use.

Construction begins with a solid foundation. We excavate to the proper depth, install a compacted gravel base, and pour a concrete footing if needed. This foundation prevents settling and keeps your steps level for decades. Then we build the steps one course at a time, checking level and alignment constantly. We install proper drainage to prevent water from pooling or freezing on the steps. Finally, we point all the joints, clean the surfaces, and make sure everything is perfect before we leave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Step Repair and Construction