Question
I have a house built in 1960 that has a concrete patio which has "settled" about 8" on the house side, including the steps.  It is extremely expensive to either force the concrete up from below to even it out, or to remove it.  Can I put a wood step around the concrete and fill it with sand to even it out, and then put pavers on top to make a usable patio?  I'm certainly open to other ideas, too, but don't have a lot to spend.  Thanks for your help on this.  
Sarah

Answer
That idea sounds like potentially more problems in the future. The sand might and probably would leak out in small joints between wood and existing stairs. However, you probably could just build wood steps over top. Or brick and mortar over the entire stairs, bringing the level up to where it needs to be.

I would probably do all wood as the cheapest and easiest way. Adding pavers or brick will make it complicated and more costly.

Personally, I would tear out the steps and rebuild them in masonry blocks and brick. "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right".

Good Luck,

Sean Murphy