Yes, when the problem is only the surface: light to moderate scaling on steps that are otherwise solid. A repair is only as strong as the base it bonds to, and it will not match the original color. Resurfacing does not help steps that are sinking, tilting or cracked all the way through, and severe scaling may not be repairable at all. Painting is a separate question that our sources do not cover, so ask the coating maker.
Can concrete steps be resurfaced? Yes, if the damage is on the surface and the steps underneath are sound. If the steps are sinking, tilting or cracked through, a new top just covers a failing structure.
When does resurfacing work?
Scaling is the flaking of the surface caused by freeze-thaw exposure, and deicers make it worse (NRMCA). NRMCA says minor scaling is cosmetic and may not need repair. Light to moderate scaling can be resurfaced with a portland cement, latex-modified or polymer-modified repair mortar after the unsound surface has been removed (NRMCA).
The same source gives the honest limits. A repair is only as strong as the base it bonds to, it will not match the original color, and severe, progressing scaling may not be feasible to repair (NRMCA). If you want your steps to look uniform, plan for the patch to show.
When does resurfacing not work?
Resurfacing fixes a surface. It does not fix what is underneath. Skip it and look at replacement if you see:
- Steps tilting away from the house or a gap at the wall. That is a base problem. See why a concrete stoop sinks and whether steps need footings.
- Cracks that run through the whole step and keep widening. ACI lists settlement and overload among typical crack causes (ACI), and a topping will not stop either.
- Crumbling edges or corners, where there is nothing sound to bond to.
- Treads and risers that are uneven enough that stepping is awkward.
Not sure which side you are on? Our guide to repair or replace for cracked and crumbling steps walks through it.
Steps that have been patched more than once, with salt applied every winter. The new top flakes again within a few seasons because the underlying concrete is weak and wet. The surface was never the cause.
Can you paint concrete steps?
Our sources do not cover paints or coatings for steps, so we will not make claims about how long they last or how slippery they are. Ask the coating manufacturer about use on exterior steps and wet conditions. NRMCA does recommend a breathable silane or siloxane sealer on exterior slabs exposed to freezing and deicers (NRMCA), which is a different product from a paint.
If the steps are resurfaced or replaced, go easy on deicer in the first winter and use clean sand if you can. After that, use moderate amounts, and never magnesium-based salts (NRMCA).
Do you need a permit to resurface steps?
Possibly. The City exempts in-kind replacement of up to 50 square feet of masonry, including concrete, on residential buildings up to four stories (City of Chicago), but landmark properties may not get the no-permit exemptions (City of Chicago). Inspectors do check stairs on porch work (City of Chicago). Confirm your case with the Department of Buildings. Our concrete crew can look at the steps first, and the Chicago concrete guide covers the rest.
Common questions
We can't give a number. NRMCA says a repair is only as strong as the base it bonds to, so a sound base lasts far longer than a weak one. Steps that are sinking or cracked through should be replaced, not resurfaced.
Our sources do not cover paint on steps, so ask the coating maker whether the product suits exterior steps in wet and freezing conditions. Paint does not fix scaling or cracks. If the surface is flaking, resurfacing or replacement comes first.
Often, but only when the base is sound. If the steps are sinking or cracked through, resurfacing is money spent on a surface that will fail again. Cost depends on the condition of the steps, access and the finish you want.
Sources
- National Ready Mixed Concrete Association: Concrete in Practice 2: Scaling Concrete Surfaces (PDF)
- American Concrete Institute: RAP Bulletin 1: Structural Crack Repair by Epoxy Injection (PDF)
- City of Chicago, Department of Buildings: Porch and Deck Safety
- City of Chicago: Guide to Building Permits: What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit?
Facts last checked: October 7, 2026.
This article explains general rules and common situations in Chicago. It is not legal advice, and City rules change. For a specific property, check with the Chicago Department of Buildings or a licensed professional.