How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Concrete Slab?

Concrete removal cost factors

Several factors impact the cost of removing a concrete slab. The average cost in your area may vary depending on factors like thickness, demolition methods, labor, and more.

Thickness

The price per square foot ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot. The thickness of the slab also comes into play. Concrete slabs less than four inches thick can be broken up with a sledgehammer or power tool, while thicker slabs are more difficult to remove. 

Most concrete slabs are between four and six inches thick. In some cases, concrete slabs may be up to eight inches thick. Power tools, like jackhammers, are needed to break up thicker slabs. A thicker concrete slab costs more to remove than a thinner one. 

Location

Accessibility is also a factor. Removing a concrete slab in a tighter space like a basement can be difficult. You don’t want to cause more damage to your home during the demolition process. In these cases, professionals often remove the concrete by hand. 

Outdoor concrete driveway removal costs between $679 and $2,900, or $2 and $6 per square foot. Outdoor concrete slab removal work depends on cooperative weather. Plan on spring and summer for these projects. 

Surface

Concrete is used for driveways, basement floors, and sidewalks. Even though the base material is still concrete, some concrete surfaces need to be reinforced with wire mesh and rebar for added strength and durability. 

If the concrete slab is reinforced, then power tools will come into play. Cutting through reinforced concrete can be dangerous due to the wire mesh or rebar inside. Electric saws and other specialized equipment are needed to remove reinforced concrete slabs.

Reinforced concrete costs at least $100 more to remove than unreinforced concrete. Metal mesh and rebar are used to strengthen the concrete slab, so electric saws are needed to cut through. 

Finishes

Finish work costs between $4 and $18 per square foot. In some cases, you may want a border, or to color, stencil, texturize, or stamp the concrete slab. Specialty finishes like these cost $8 to $12 per square foot. 

Specialized equipment costs

Depending on the scale of your project, your contractor may need to bring in special tools and equipment. Pneumatic breakers are often used to break up concrete slabs in sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. 

There are different demolition methods to consider as well. Pressure bursting is a quieter method that produces less dust for a more controlled demolition. Chemical pressure bursting is a bit more expensive than mechanical pressure bursting.

Labor

A good general contractor knows which special materials to order, the right equipment to use, and common pitfalls to avoid when removing concrete slabs. Professional concrete slab removal costs about $1,500 on average.

Concrete slab removal can take less than a day, but it ultimately depends on the scale of your project. Outdoor concrete removal depends on the weather, so the crew and your project may encounter delays. Indoor concrete removal often requires more precision so that removing the slab won’t cause additional problems with other systems in your home. 

 Should you hire a professional or DIY?

In some cases, you may be able to remove a concrete slab on your own. Landscaping concrete slabs, usually used for small patios or walkways, may be thin enough for you to break up on your own with a sledgehammer. 

If you do decide to remove the concrete slab on your own, make sure to call 811 or your local dig line before breaking ground. Damaging underground utilities can be extremely dangerous. 

Hiring a professional will save you valuable time – and money. Many people attempt DIY projects in an attempt to save money, only to run into more expenses. You may buy the wrong materials, cause accidental damage to your house, or even injure yourself if you’re not used to using the required tools. 

Professional contractors have the experience, equipment, and resources to remove concrete slabs so you can make necessary repairs safely.

Part of concrete removal includes disposing of the broken slab. You can’t toss concrete pieces in with your everyday trash. You’ll have to cart the rubble to a proper dumping site or call a concrete removal service anyway. General contractors and concrete removal companies have the resources to dispose of the concrete slab properly.