Concrete is versatile and durable. But as it ages, it settles and cracks. When that happens, removing the old concrete is the best solution. Removing a slab of concrete costs between $585 and $2,790, and most homeowners pay an average of $1,380 nationwide.
Depending on the location of the concrete, thickness, reinforcement, and type of concrete surface, concrete contractors charge between $2 and $6 per square foot.
This cost guide covers:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average costs of concrete removal in 2024
| National average cost | $1,380 |
| Typical price range | $585 – $2,790 |
| Extreme low end cost | $265 |
| Extreme high end cost | $6,600 |
The average cost to remove concrete nationwide is $1,380, with prices mostly ranging from $585 to $2,790. For very small or simple jobs, costs start at $265, while larger or more complex removals can cost as much as $6,600.
Concrete removal cost estimator by slab size
The amount of concrete to be removed is an important factor in calculating the total cost of demolition and concrete removal. Typically, concrete contractors or concrete demolition services charge per square foot, at a rate between $2 and $6 per square foot. However, for massive concrete slabs, they may charge by the ton instead.
Below is the average price for demolition, removal, and disposal of concrete slabs of different sizes.
| Concrete slab size | Average cost range |
| 50 sq. ft. | $100 – $300 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $200 – $600 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $400 – $1,200 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $600 – $1,800 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $800 – $2,400 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 600 sq. ft. | $1,200 – $3,600 |
| 700 sq. ft. | $1,400 – $4,200 |
| 800 sq. ft. | $1,600 – $4,800 |
| 900 sq. ft. | $1,800 – $5,400 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $2,000 – $6,000 |
Other factors that affect cost
How much you end up paying for the cost of concrete demolition and removal depends on the following factors.
Reinforcement
Unreinforced concrete is much easier to break. Since it is a less difficult material to remove, and it takes less time, its labor cost is cheaper. Removing unreinforced concrete costs between $2 and $4 per square foot, depending on thickness and location.
In contrast, removing concrete slabs reinforced with rebar and wire mesh is challenging. Because of this complexity, you should expect a higher labor cost of about $4 to $6 per square foot to remove the reinforcement with heavy equipment (such as a skid steer).
Thickness
Concrete slabs are typically between 4 and 12 inches thick, but concrete demolition contractors use 4 to 6 inches as the standard thickness for removal. If the concrete is even an inch thicker, you will have to pay double the price because the concrete may require cutting into small pieces before removal.
Location
Costs increase if you have a concrete slab in a hard-to-reach area. Contractors often charge more for the extra time and effort it takes to move the concrete a longer distance.
Concrete surface
The different types of concrete surfaces have varying costs to remove, just like they have varying costs to install.
Concrete stairs
Concrete stairs are pretty inexpensive to remove because they are easy to demolish. On average, they cost $265 to $535 to remove.
Concrete slabs
The cost of removing concrete slabs varies depending on their size, thickness, and reinforcement. Generally, the cost of removal ranges from $550 to $1,300.
Concrete sidewalk
Due to the ease of access and lack of reinforcement, the removal of a sidewalk is usually one of the easiest and least expensive procedures. The cost ranges from $990 to $2,185.
Concrete patio
The cost to remove a concrete patio depends on its size and thickness, as it is usually not reinforced. You should budget between $1,000 and $2,000.
Concrete driveway
Even though concrete driveways are reinforced, the accessibility of power tools means the job can be done faster. The cost to remove concrete driveways ranges from $1,175 to $2,170.
Below are some landscaping options you can take advantage of after demolition and removal of your old concrete.
Planting flower beds
Planting a flower bed improves the appearance of your front, side, or backyard. It can liven up a monotonous and bland landscape, especially where there are few or no trees. The cost to install a new flower bed ranges from $650 to $3,000.
Sod installation
Installing sod can be a perfect addition to your landscape if you want an instant green result without the hassle of growing grass from seed. On average, sod installation costs between $4,780 and $8,050.
Planting trees and bushes
Tree planting can also greatly improve your property’s surroundings and curb appeal. The cost of professional tree planting ranges from $150 to $1,850, depending on the type of tree and other factors.
Laying mulch
To conserve soil moisture, prevent soil erosion, and provide nutrients to soil beds, lay down mulch. On average, mulching costs between $45 and $130 per cubic yard.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls prevent erosion and transforms sloping ground into flat surfaces, creating more yard space. The cost to build a retaining wall averages $3,565 to $9,645.
Gazebo installation
Gazebos can be a lovely addition to your home, providing elegance and a covered outdoor space for you and your friends to gather. The cost of a professionally installed gazebo ranges from $5,365 to $9,025.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
Removing smaller concrete slabs can potentially be a DIY project that saves you some labor costs, but it can be a time-consuming and backbreaking task. Homeowners who lack the physical strength and know-how should hire a concrete demolition pro to remove the concrete quickly and effectively.
However, if you are confident you can do the removal job safely without causing harm to your home, yard, or yourself, here is a list of the tools you’ll need and their average cost based on items from Amazon, Lowe’s, and Home Depot’s websites. Rental costs are based on Home Depot and Lowe’s prices.
| DIY equipment | Average cost |
| Safety glasses | $13 |
| Work gloves | $14 |
| Shovel | $24 |
| Concrete saw | $52 (24-hour-rental) |
| Wheelbarrow | $90 |
| Bolt cutter | $66 |
| Jackhammer | $91 (24-hour-rental) |
| Sledgehammer | $43 |
| Prybar | $13 |
| Total DIY Cost | $406 |
At an average cost of $406 plus additional disposal costs, DIY concrete removal could be a good option to save money – if you have the muscle, skill, and time it requires. Just keep in mind that, if the job takes you more than one day to complete, the cost of renting equipment will increase exponentially.
Cost of concrete removal by location
The cost of concrete removal is not the same everywhere in the United States. The differences mainly depend on the extent to which concrete demolition contractors have access to the job site.
Concrete demolition contractors usually charge more in metropolitan areas than rural areas for a few reasons: sites are harder to access in the city, the cost of living is higher, and the concrete will probably have to be hauled a long distance for disposal.
FAQ
The project scope, density, reinforcement, and location of the concrete will determine how long it will take to remove.
Resurfacing gives concrete whose surface is moderately cracked a new look. In this procedure, the concrete surface is covered with coatings of different colors and patterns so that the old concrete looks like new.
Pouring concrete over cracked concrete without filling the cracks first is useless. It is better to repair the cracks and fix the underlying problems before concealing them; otherwise, the new concrete will be affected.
Final thoughts
If concrete is damaged beyond repair, it must be removed. Cracked concrete slabs, patios, and walkways can be a serious tripping hazard and unsightly nuisance, in addition to weakening your property’s foundation.
We strongly advise that concrete removal be left in the hands of professionals who will obtain the necessary permits on your behalf and carefully route underground utility lines to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: brewbooks – Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 2.0
