Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build
Safe, beautiful steps that enhance your home and protect your family from hazards.

Why Step Repairs Should Not Wait
Damaged or unstable steps are more than just an eyesore. They are a serious safety hazard that puts you, your family, and visitors at risk every single day. Loose bricks, cracked stones, and uneven surfaces cause trips and falls. These accidents can result in serious injuries, especially for children and elderly family members. When you have damaged steps, you are also potentially liable if someone gets hurt on your property.
At RST Rochester Masonry, we take step safety seriously. We repair and rebuild steps throughout Rochester and surrounding areas. Many homeowners contact us after noticing loose bricks, cracks, or settling. These problems get worse over time, not better. Water seeps into cracks, freezes in winter, and expands, causing more damage. What starts as a small crack can become a complete failure requiring expensive rebuilding.
We also build new steps for homes that need better access to front doors, back yards, or basement entrances. Maybe your current steps are too steep, too narrow, or just worn out beyond repair. New steps can dramatically improve your home appearance and make daily life more convenient. We design steps that meet building codes, provide safe tread depth and rise, and include proper railings when needed.
Common Step Problems We Fix
We see the same issues repeatedly in Rochester homes. Here are the most common step problems and what causes them:
Settling and Sinking
Steps pull away from the house or sink lower on one side. This happens when the foundation under the steps was not built properly or when soil washes away over time. Poor drainage makes this worse. We excavate damaged areas, rebuild the foundation with proper base material, and ensure water drains away from the structure. Settling steps need prompt attention before they separate completely from your home.
Loose or Missing Bricks and Stones
Individual bricks or stones work loose and fall out. This happens when mortar deteriorates or when steps were not built with proper bonding. We remove damaged sections, clean out old mortar, and rebuild with fresh materials. Simply gluing loose bricks back in place does not work. They will just fall out again without proper tuckpointing and repointing.
Cracks and Spalling
Horizontal or vertical cracks appear in treads or risers. Spalling occurs when the surface flakes off, leaving rough, crumbling edges. Freeze-thaw cycles cause most of this damage in Minnesota. Water enters small cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks apart the material. Once spalling starts, it accelerates quickly. We replace damaged sections before the entire step needs rebuilding.
Unsafe Dimensions
- Treads (the part you step on) that are too shallow or too deep
- Risers (vertical height between steps) that are inconsistent
- Steps without proper railings or handrails
- Landings that are too small or missing entirely
- Inadequate lighting for nighttime use
Building codes specify minimum and maximum dimensions for safe steps. Older steps often do not meet modern standards. We bring steps up to code and make them safer for everyday use.
Building Beautiful New Steps
When you need new steps, we design and build structures that combine safety, durability, and great looks. We work with brick, natural stone, concrete, and manufactured stone to match your home style and budget. Traditional red brick works beautifully with classic homes. Natural stone like bluestone or limestone creates an upscale appearance. We can also incorporate decorative elements like borders, accent colors, or textured surfaces.
The construction process starts with proper excavation and foundation work. We dig down to solid, undisturbed soil and create a compacted gravel base. This foundation prevents settling and provides drainage. For steps attached to your house, we install proper flashing and waterproofing to keep water from entering your home. Poor waterproofing around steps causes foundation leaks and basement moisture problems.
We build steps one course at a time, ensuring each level is perfectly aligned and properly bonded to the previous course. Rebar and concrete reinforcement add strength for long-lasting performance. We calculate rise and run to meet building codes and make climbing comfortable. Treads get a slight forward pitch so water runs off instead of pooling. All joints are tooled and finished for a clean, professional appearance.
If your project requires railings, we coordinate with qualified metal fabricators who build custom railings to match your design. We handle any necessary permits and inspections. Most step projects in Rochester require permits when you are adding new structures or substantially rebuilding existing ones. We know local codes and ensure your project passes inspection the first time.
Whether we are repairing a few loose bricks or building an entirely new stairway, we focus on quality workmanship that lasts. Your steps need to handle daily traffic, weather extremes, and years of use. We use premium materials and proven construction methods so you can walk up to your home confidently every day. Many of our clients tell us their new steps are one of their favorite home improvements because they use them constantly and they completely transform their home entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fix Your Steps Before Someone Gets Hurt
Do not wait for damaged steps to cause an injury. Call today for a free safety assessment and estimate.
(507) 738-1309