We recently tackled a slate step repair and reset in Pompton Lakes, NJ where the top treads were loose, sloped, and no longer safe for everyday use. The client had high-end slate with a clean modern layout, but time and weather had taken their toll — one of the top stones was sinking, and the base underneath had completely broken down.
🧱 What We Did:
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Carefully removed the damaged slate tread
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Excavated the base to remove loose fill and debris
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Rebuilt the support with fresh bedding material and proper compaction
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Reinstalled the original tread where possible and replaced one damaged slab
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Re-checked pitch and slope for proper drainage using precision levels
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Cleaned up joints for a tight, seamless finish
The result? A solid, level entryway that matches the original design and will last for years.
Thinking About Slate Step Installation or Repair? Here’s What You Should Know:
🔍 1. The Problem Usually Starts Underneath
Loose steps or sinking treads usually mean the base has failed. Many older installations were done without proper compaction or drainage. We always inspect the subsurface and rebuild it to last — not just slap mortar over the problem.
📐 2. Even One Uneven Stone Can Be a Hazard
You don’t need to wait until everything’s falling apart. One loose tread or tilted step can:
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Lead to water pooling
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Cause someone to trip
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Speed up erosion of the surrounding joints
Fix it early, and the repair is fast and clean.
🧱 3. Slate Is Beautiful — But Not Forgiving
Slate is durable, elegant, and low-maintenance — but it needs to be properly installed. It’s less flexible than concrete pavers, which means:
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The base must be perfectly level
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Mortar or sand joints must be secure
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Steps must shed water properly or you’ll get freeze-thaw damage
We work with all natural stone options — but slate demands precision, and that’s exactly what we bring to every job.
Serving Pompton Lakes & North Jersey
If your front steps are shifting, cracked, or starting to look tired — we can help. We specialize in small hardscape repairs and natural stone resets that bring back the clean look of your entry without the cost of full demolition.
📍 Based in North Jersey
✔️ Slate, bluestone, and paver step repairs
✔️ Small-scale hardscaping done right
📞 Reach out today for a free quote