Brick Step Repair
Brick Step Repair is a common exterior job. Homeowners typically spend about $53 on materials if they tackle it themselves, while hiring a professional usually runs $300–$900 depending on access, parts, and local labor rates. DIY can save up to about $847 versus a full pro job when the work stays straightforward.
Expect roughly 4-8 hours for a careful DIY attempt versus about 2-4 hours for a seasoned pro. Difficulty is rated 4/5 (advanced) with medium risk. Typical materials include bricks, mortar mix, rebar. Common tools: trowel, hammer, chisel, level.
Use the sections below to weigh DIY against hiring: cost ranges, safety alerts, common mistakes, and a personalized analysis for your ZIP code.
Typical Cost
Cost estimates based on cataloged material prices and regional pro rates. Run the analysis for US-wide retailer prices and a regional professional-cost estimate. How we estimate costs.
Is this a DIY job?
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- Typical DIY time4-8 hours
- Typical pro time2-4 hours
- Permit requiredNo
What affects the cost
- Local labor rates for exterior pros and whether the visit is emergency vs. scheduled.
- Brand and quality of parts (bricks, mortar mix, rebar) versus economy alternatives.
- Tool rental or purchase (catalog estimate about $10 for specialized tools).
- Access difficulty (tight spaces, multi-story work, finished surfaces that must be protected or repaired after the job).
When to hire a pro
- This job combines elevated difficulty with meaningful risk. Hire a pro if you lack the listed tools or have not completed similar work before.
- If you smell gas, hear hissing near a fitting, or a CO alarm sounds, leave the area, avoid switches/flames, and call the gas utility / emergency services.
- If a tool binds, overheats, or you are unsure of safe technique, stop and reassess or hire help rather than force the cut.
- High-impact DIY mistake — Incorrect Mortar Mix: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the mortar, and ensure you're using the correct type for your specific repair.
- High-impact DIY mistake — Inadequate Safety Precautions: Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask, and ensure the area is properly covered and secured before starting the repair.
- Difficulty is 4/5 or higher. If the first steps feel unclear or you cannot verify a safe shutoff, switch to a professional.
- When hiring a professional to repair your brick step, be sure to provide them with detailed information about the damage, including photos and descriptions of the affected area. Ask for a detailed quote that includes the cost of materials and labor, as well as any necessary permits or inspections.
- When reviewing the quote, ask about the type of mortar and bricks that will be used, and ensure they meet your local building codes. Also, ask about the contractor's experience with similar repairs and their warranty or guarantee policy.
Hazards & safety alerts
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high gas Gas leak or combustion hazard
Brick Step Repair involves fuel gas or gas-fired equipment. A leak can create explosion risk; incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide.
Stop and call a pro if: If you smell gas, hear hissing near a fitting, or a CO alarm sounds, leave the area, avoid switches/flames, and call the gas utility / emergency services.
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medium injury Cut, puncture, or tool injury
Tools used for brick step repair can cause deep cuts, eye injuries, or kickback. Rushing or skipping eye/hand protection multiplies the chance of injury.
Stop and call a pro if: If a tool binds, overheats, or you are unsure of safe technique, stop and reassess or hire help rather than force the cut.
Materials you'll need
| Material | Est. Price |
|---|---|
| bricks | $30.00 |
| mortar mix | $15.00 |
| rebar | $8.00 |
| Total (DIY materials) | $53.00 |
Tools: trowel, hammer, chisel, level
DIY steps
- Before starting the repair, ensure your safety by wearing protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. Cover the surrounding area with drop cloths or plastic sheets to prevent damage from debris. Stop and obtain qualified help if the step is settling, loose beyond a few individual bricks, or structurally damaged.
- Assess the damage and determine the number of bricks that need to be replaced. Clean the area thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any dirt, debris, or old mortar. Mix the new mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions, and apply a thin layer to the back of the replacement bricks.
- Bed each replacement brick fully in compatible mortar, butter its ends, and press it into alignment while maintaining uniform joints. Tool excess mortar with a trowel; do not strike fresh masonry with a hammer and chisel.
- Protect the repaired step from traffic and weather while the mortar cures for the period specified by the mortar manufacturer. Inspect joints for full, even bedding rather than applying a separate surface coat.
- Once the mortar has set, use a wire brush to remove any excess mortar from the surface of the bricks. Inspect the repair to ensure it's even and secure. If necessary, apply additional coats of mortar to fill any gaps or uneven areas.
- Clean up the area thoroughly, removing any debris or excess mortar. Dispose of any leftover materials responsibly, and wash your tools with soap and water.
- Finally, inspect the repair again after a few days to ensure the mortar has fully set and the bricks are secure. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Common DIY mistakes
-
medium Insufficient Preparation
Failing to properly clean and prepare the area before applying new mortar can lead to a weak bond and premature failure.
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high Incorrect Mortar Mix
Using the wrong type or ratio of mortar can lead to a weak or brittle bond, compromising the integrity of the repair.
-
medium Inadequate Curing Time
Not allowing the new mortar to set for the recommended amount of time can lead to a weak bond and premature failure.
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low Poor Brick Alignment
Failing to properly align the new bricks can lead to a uneven surface and compromised structural integrity.
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high Inadequate Safety Precautions
Failing to take proper safety precautions can lead to injury or damage to the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to fix a brick step?
- DIY materials typically run about $53. Hiring a pro usually costs $300-$900 depending on your area and the scope of the job.
- Can I fix a brick step myself?
- It depends on the job. Difficulty is rated 4/5 and risk level is medium. Run the free analysis on RepairSmart for a personalized DIY vs. hire recommendation.
- What are common mistakes when you fix a brick step?
- Common DIY mistakes include: Insufficient Preparation; Incorrect Mortar Mix; Inadequate Curing Time. See RepairSmart for the full list and cost breakdown.
- What safety hazards should I watch for when working on brick step?
- Key hazards include: Gas leak or combustion hazard; Cut, puncture, or tool injury. See RepairSmart for stop-conditions and the full safety list.
Not sure? Get a personalized recommendation
RepairSmart compares US-wide retailer prices with regional pro costs and gives you a weighted DIY-vs-hire recommendation in under 60 seconds.
About these estimates
- Numbers on this page come from the RepairSmart catalog (materials baselines and typical pro ranges). They are educational estimates, not contractor quotes.
- Personalized ZIP analysis may add live or cached retailer prices and regional pro signals when third-party data is configured.
- Read how costs and DIY scores are calculated, our safety & review policy, and about RepairSmart.
- If guidance is marked unreviewed, treat steps and tips as educational only—not a professional sign-off for your home.