Experts in Concrete Patio installation

How to Fix Uneven Concrete Steps Leading from Your Patio

Concrete steps connecting a patio to your garden or home should feel safe, solid, and level. But over time, many UK homeowners notice these steps shifting, sinking, or sloping, creating trip hazards and structural concerns.

In this guide, we explain why concrete steps become uneven, what your options are for repair or replacement, and how to ensure long-term safety and stability.

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Why Concrete Steps Become Uneven Over Time

Whether it's a single sunken riser or a full flight of shifting steps, the causes usually trace back to ground movement, drainage, or poor initial installation. Here's what commonly causes patio step problems in UK homes.

Soil Movement and Settlement

Many patios are built on clay or soft garden soil that expands and contracts with moisture changes. Over time, this movement causes the ground beneath your steps to shift or settle unevenly, especially if the base was not properly compacted before installation.

Poor or Missing Foundations

Steps must be built on a stable footing, just like the patio itself. If the concrete was poured directly onto soil or rubble without a concrete base or sub-base, the structure is likely to sink, tilt, or break up over time due to lack of support underneath.

Water Undermining the Base

Water from rain, sprinklers, or poor drainage can erode the soil beneath steps, washing out fine particles and creating voids. This hidden erosion eventually causes steps to drop or lean. You might notice gaps between the bottom riser and the patio or signs of cracking nearby.

Incorrect Step Design

Concrete steps need proper dimensions and structure to resist cracking and movement. If the steps were built too narrow, too tall, or without reinforcement, they can become unstable with age, particularly under frequent foot traffic or garden wear-and-tear.

Frost Heave in Cold Weather

In winter, water under the steps can freeze and expand, pushing sections upward unevenly. When the ground thaws, the steps don’t always settle evenly, leaving a tilted or cracked appearance. This is a common problem in areas with poor drainage or no frost protection measures in place.

Repair Options for Uneven Patio Steps

Step Re-Leveling

For minor tilting or sinking, a builder may be able to lift the step, re-compact the base, and re-bed it securely.
This approach is cost-effective for one or two loose risers but requires stable surrounding conditions.
Gaps or surface cracks are filled after realignment for a clean finish.

Slab Lifting with Foam Injection

Also known as resin or polyurethane injection, this technique lifts sunken concrete by filling voids below with expanding foam.
It’s less invasive than breaking out steps but only suitable for large, intact precast units.
Quick-setting and waterproof, it’s a smart solution for mid-level repairs.

Full Step Removal and Rebuild

Where structural damage or poor foundations are to blame, the best solution is a complete rebuild on a reinforced base.
This allows you to correct drainage slope, match the patio finish, and improve the design.
It also ensures compliance with UK Building Regulations for outdoor access steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

This usually means the ground beneath one side has settled or washed out. Soil erosion, poor compaction, or water issues are often to blame.

Small repairs like re-pointing or filling gaps may be DIY-friendly. But lifting or re-setting concrete steps typically requires professional tools and knowledge.

Minor re-levelling may cost £150–£300, while full removal and rebuild of steps can range from £500–£1,200 depending on materials, design, and location.

Yes. Misaligned steps can cause trips, falls, and water pooling. They’re especially dangerous for children and the elderly, so it’s best to fix them promptly.

Definitely. Water beneath the surface can freeze and expand in winter, lifting steps slightly. When it thaws, uneven settling often follows.