New Jersey paving & masonry contractor
Cracked, crumbling or settling front stoop? We rebuild stoops, porch steps and cellar stairs in brick, stone, bluestone, pavers and concrete.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Overview
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry repairs and replaces front stoops, porch steps, landings and cellar stairs throughout New Jersey. We build on proper footings below frost depth where needed, use consistent riser heights and tread depths for safety, and finish in brick, natural stone, bluestone, pavers or concrete to match your home.
Stoops take a beating in New Jersey: water gets into joints, freezes, and pushes treads and brick apart. Salt speeds up the damage. Over time steps loosen, crack or pull away from the house. Uneven steps are a fall hazard, so it’s worth fixing them early.
Key facts
Problems we solve
Most calls we get start with a problem, not a project. Here are the issues New Jersey homeowners and property managers bring to us most often, what causes them, and how we fix them for good.
What you seeBluestone or brick treads rock when stepped on, and caps have popped off.
Why it happensFailed mortar bed, water freezing beneath the tread, and salt damage.
How we fix itWe lift the treads, clean and rebuild the mortar bed, reset them level with a slight forward pitch, and repoint the joints.
How to prevent itRepoint failing joints early and pitch treads so water runs off.
What you seeSpalling, exposed aggregate, broken nosings and cracks through the steps.
Why it happensFreeze-thaw plus de-icing salt, often on older concrete without air entrainment.
How we fix itMinor damage can be patched or clad with stone or brick. Structural cracking calls for replacement.
How to prevent itAvoid rock salt on concrete steps, and seal them.
What you seePeople trip on the top or bottom step.
Why it happensSteps settled or were built with inconsistent riser heights.
How we fix itWe rebuild with uniform risers and treads, a proper landing at the door, and railings where needed.
How to prevent itConsistent steps are a safety issue, not just a cosmetic one.
What you seeWater sits on the landing and freezes at the front door.
Why it happensA flat or back-pitched landing, or roof drip without a gutter.
How we fix itWe rebuild the landing with a slight pitch away from the door and coordinate gutter or downspout fixes.
How to prevent itCheck gutters over entrances.
What you seeRailings that move when you lean on them, with rust stains around the posts.
Why it happensWater entering the post holes, rusting the steel and cracking the masonry.
How we fix itWe reset or replace the railings, core-drill fresh holes and seal them so water can’t get in.
How to prevent itKeep posts sealed and painted.
What you seeA growing gap between the stoop and the foundation, often with water getting in.
Why it happensThe stoop was built without a footing below frost depth, or the soil underneath has eroded, so it settles independently of the house.
How we fix itThis usually means a rebuild: demolish, pour a proper footing, build a solid core and finish in brick, stone or pavers.
How to prevent itFootings below frost depth and good drainage at the base prevent separation.
Repairable: a few loose treads or caps, isolated cracked bricks, failing mortar joints, minor spalling.
Rebuild: the stoop is pulling away from the house, has sunk or tilted, has large structural cracks, or water is getting inside the core and freezing. Rebuilding lets us pour a proper footing and correct riser heights.
Read more: front stoop replacement and what homeowners should know about steps and stoops.
Our process
Tom or a family member walks the property, measures, checks drainage and talks through materials and budget.
You get a clear, itemised quote covering excavation, base depth, materials, finish and clean-up. No pressure.
Our own crew excavates, builds the compacted base and installs the surface using quality materials.
We clean up, walk the finished job with you, explain aftercare and stand behind the work.
Safe steps are consistent steps. As a guide:
Your town’s building code sets the exact requirements, and we build to them.
| Material | Look | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brick with bluestone treads | Classic NJ colonial | Very durable; repointing every few decades |
| Natural stone veneer | Upscale, textured | Built over a solid concrete core |
| Pavers | Matches paver walks and drives | Repairable, many colors |
| Concrete | Simple, clean | Lower cost; avoid harsh de-icers |
Plan with confidence
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| Spring | Check for loose treads and joint cracks. |
| Summer | Repoint and repair. |
| Fall | Fix problems before freeze-up. |
| Winter | Use gentle de-icers, and use sand for traction. |
Reviews
★★★★★
Tom, his son, and their crew replaced our front walkway and steps and repaired a foundation wall on our home. They were here on time every morning and cleaned up before they left for the day. The quality of their work is outstanding.
— Kate L., Google review
★★★★★
I couldn't be happier with the work Old Irish Paving did on my driveway! The team was professional, efficient, and the quality of their work is outstanding. They made the whole process stress-free from start to finish.
— Angel G., Google review
★★★★★
Old Irish put in a patio for us and we are extremely happy with the patio and their service. They were very responsive and got the job done very quickly. The patio and concrete pad underneath our hot tub look amazing!
— Alyssa M., Google review
FAQ
Most stoop rebuilds take about 3–6 working days, including demolition, footing, masonry and finishing, plus curing time for concrete and mortar.
Many New Jersey towns require a permit for stoop or step replacement, especially when dimensions or railings change. We’ll tell you what applies in your town.
We plan access with you. Often we can provide a temporary step, or you can use another entrance for a few days.
Usually the stoop was built without a proper footing, or water has eroded the soil underneath. A rebuild with a correct footing fixes the cause.
Usually not permanently. The separation means the stoop has no proper footing. Rebuilding on a footing below frost depth is the lasting fix.
Water gets under the tread, freezes and breaks the mortar bed. Resetting on a fresh bed with a slight forward pitch and good joints solves it.
Free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your driveway, patio, steps or masonry project. Tom or a member of the family will call you back promptly to book a free on-site visit and a written quote.
Prefer to talk? (908) 992-2345
