How to Raise a Sunken Stoop

A stoop can sink over time when its concrete base is laid down on fill dirt that has not been properly compacted. The weight of the concrete base and stoop pushes down, forcing the air from the dirt. The fill dirt then sinks, taking the stoop with it. The result is an uneven stoop that can pull away from the house. While you can fix a sunken stoop with an expensive, new concrete base, slab jacking is an easier, less time-consuming fix.

Concrete drill
Broom
Portland cement
Aggregate such as sand, gravel or crushed stone
Slurry pump with air compressor
Trowel
Screed
Level

Instructions

- 1
  Drill 1- to 2-inch holes at least 3 to 8 feet apart in the cement base of the stoop with a cement drill where the base has dipped or sunk. Sweep away any cement debris with a broom.
- 2
  Mix the grout containing Portland cement, aggregate such as stone, sand or gravel with water according to the manufacturer's instructions to form a slurry.
- 3
  Fill the slurry pump cavity with slurry. Turn on the pump's air compressor. Fill in the holes in the stoop base with slurry, starting at the lowest point of the base. Patch each hole with Portland cement and a trowel. Level off each filled hole with a screed. Let the concrete harden overnight.
- 4
  Inspect the stoop for levelness by placing a level on the top step. If the stoop is uneven, drill another hole on the lowest side and fill it with slurry. Fill the hole with cement by troweling it into the hole. Drag a screed across the filled hole to even out the concrete. Let the concrete dry overnight.
- 5
  Sweep the stoop base to remove any debris from the slab jacking process.

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