Prepare Damaged Concrete and Install Forms

What happens in this clip

Prepare the damaged concrete surfaces by removing any loose or deteriorated material. Use a chisel and a hammer to chip away loose concrete, ensuring a solid base for the new repair material. Follow this by scrubbing the entire repair area with a wire brush to remove any remaining debris, dust, or weakened concrete, providing a rough surface for better adhesion. For larger voids where material might fall out, measure the area with a tape measure and cut wooden planks to create temporary forms using a circular saw. Secure these forms in place with a hammer and nails or screws to support the repair mixture.

Goal: Create a stable and clean base for concrete repair materials.

What's used

Tools

• Chisel
• Masonry chisel
• Circular Saw
• Jigsaw
• Hammer
• Nails or Screws
• Safety Glasses
• Tape Measure
• Wire Brush
• Wooden Planks
• Melamine boards

About the full video

This DIY project demonstrates how to repair damaged concrete stairs by patching chips and cracks with a quick-setting cement mix, then applying a concrete resurfacer to create a uniform, refreshed, and safer walking surface. The process involves preparing the old concrete, mixing and applying repair materials, and finally resurfacing all exposed concrete areas for a cohesive new look.

Step 2 of 6: Undercut the Edge (if necessary)

If the chip has sharp, feather-edged concrete, use a chisel and hammer to slightly undercut the edges of the damaged area. This creates a small 'keyway' or 'dovetail' shape that helps to lock the repair material in place. Aim for an undercut of about 1/4 inch deep. Brush away any dust created by this process.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Repair a Chipped Concrete Step Edge

1. Step 1: Clean the Chipped Area

   • 0:12–0:55 Clean and Prepare the Damaged Area
   • 0:46–1:13 Clean Out Debris and Loose Chunks
   • 1:36–3:50 Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris

2. Step 2: Undercut the Edge (if necessary)

   • 0:46–1:13 Clean Out Debris and Loose Chunks
   • 1:36–3:50 Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris
   • 0:43–1:02 Prepare Damaged Concrete and Install Forms (this video)

3. Step 3: Mix the Concrete Repair Compound

   • 0:39–0:49 Mix Patching Cement
   • 1:41–1:54 Mix Concrete Patching Compound
   • 1:03–2:18 Mix the Concrete Patcher

4. Step 4: Apply the Repair Compound

   • 1:55–2:11 Apply Concrete Patch to Chips
   • 1:15–4:04 Apply Two-Part Epoxy Filler
   • 1:32–1:46 Fill Damaged Areas

5. Step 5: Shape and Finish the Surface

   • 3:40–5:58 Smooth and Finish Concrete Step Repair
   • 0:52–1:02 Smooth and Finish Concrete Patch
   • 3:15–5:02 Shape and Texture the Patch

6. Step 6: Cure the Repair

   • 0:37–0:46 Cure and Protect the Repaired Area
   • 0:28–0:29 Allow Compound to Cure
   • 11:58–12:06 Cure and Protect Repaired Steps