A reliable basement entryway involves far more than installing a quality cellar door. What many homeowners and property managers don’t realize is how much the surrounding concrete impacts long-term performance. Even the best door can shift, leak, or deteriorate prematurely if the concrete beneath it is uneven, aging, or improperly installed.
At Tri-State Cellar Doors, we’re known for our American-made steel cellar doors—but our capabilities extend well beyond fabrication. We also provide the concrete work that makes those doors function as intended. From egress stairs and sidewalk doors to window wells and custom well covers, our team delivers complete solutions that support safe, durable, and watertight basement access.
With decades of experience in concrete installations and repairs, we understand that a solid entryway begins with a solid foundation. Here’s how professional concrete work strengthens every project.
Most people focus on the visible part of the installation—the door itself—yet the concrete beneath it contributes just as much to long-term safety and performance. High-quality concrete work ensures:
Properly poured concrete distributes weight evenly and prevents shifting or cracking around the entry. This keeps the door operating smoothly and helps protect the surrounding structure.
Grading and drainage designed around the entryway help direct water away from the home, reducing moisture intrusion, mold concerns, and potential damage to the foundation.
Well-finished concrete provides secure footing, smooth transitions, and the correct dimensions for code-compliant egress installations.
Tri-State partners with homeowners, building owners, and contractors to select the right products, installation approach, and supporting concrete work. Whether you’re replacing old concrete or starting a brand-new entryway, our services include:
We create code-compliant basement openings complete with the concrete forms and foundations needed to support stairs, wells, and drainage systems.
Damaged or deteriorating concrete is both unsafe and unattractive. We repair or repour concrete to restore stability, water control, and long-term performance.
If you’re transforming a window well into an exterior walkout or enlarging an existing opening, we form and pour the concrete needed to match your design goals.
We also install surrounding concrete surfaces—such as patios and walkways—to complement your entryway and improve the overall appearance of the property.
In this project, the surrounding concrete had deteriorated beyond repair. We removed the failing slab, poured a new one, and installed an aluminum sidewalk door on a level, reinforced surface. The finished entry blended cleanly with the walkway and offered improved stability and drainage.
This entry suffered from failing concrete that created uneven footing and reduced the lifespan of the existing door. We replaced the concrete, reinforced the new pour, and installed the updated door—resulting in a safer, code-aligned entrance.
For a 1930s home undergoing a full basement expansion, our team helped rebuild the foundation after the original structure proved too compromised to restore. Once the home was lifted, we:
The house was then set onto the rebuilt structure, followed by waterproofing, drainage installation, and new basement floor and backfill. This project reinforced a historic property while giving it a foundation built for the next several decades.
These examples show how concrete work directly affects functionality, safety, and durability. Whether the project is simple or highly complex, Tri-State brings careful planning and precise craftsmanship to every pour.
By having one team handle both the concrete and the cellar door installation, communication becomes simpler and timelines become more predictable. There’s no juggling multiple vendors—just one coordinated process from start to finish.
With decades of combined experience in cellar door fabrication and concrete work, we understand how each component affects the others. Our work is designed to last, using durable materials and methods proven to withstand seasonal changes and everyday use.
We manage the full project so clients don’t have to track down multiple contractors. From initial assessment to final installation, our team provides clear expectations and responsive communication.
Before construction begins, speak with a professional who can evaluate the structure, identify challenges, and outline the scope of work. Tri-State provides detailed assessments to help homeowners understand timelines and requirements upfront.
Concrete exposed to freeze-thaw cycles or heavy foot traffic needs to be durable and weather-resistant. We use high-quality mixes designed to withstand seasonal stresses and maintain long-term integrity.
Concrete cures best in mild, dry conditions. Spring through early fall is generally ideal, though Tri-State can complete installations year-round with proper preparation.
Simple care helps preserve the entryway:
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of both the concrete and the door.
Tri-State offers a full line of American-made steel doors, including sloped cellar doors, flat sidewalk doors, custom sizes, and egress solutions. When paired with well-executed concrete work, these doors deliver performance, safety, and long-term value.
We don’t just install cellar doors—we ensure the concrete beneath them is strong, level, and built for longevity. Whether you’re repairing a small section of damaged concrete or building a completely new entryway, Tri-State provides a smooth, coordinated experience and dependable results.
If you’re planning a basement entryway project and want a team that handles everything from the concrete foundation to the finished door, contact Tri-State today to learn more.