COST CALCULATOR

How Much Does It Cost To Remove A Concrete Slab?

Typical range: $2,161-$2,611

Find out how much your project will cost

cost to remove a concrete slab Calculator

For your project in zip code 43215 with these options, the cost to remove a concrete slab starts at $7.20-$8.70 per square foot. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.

Concrete seems indestructible, which is why it's often used for foundations, driveways, and basement floors. However, even concrete requires repair. Deep, widespread cracks in concrete slabs are difficult to patch or fill. Concrete ages, and after 30 years, general wear and tear cause deterioration. In these cases, the concrete slab must be removed to pour a new one. 

Concrete slab removal is a project in and of itself. Before you can start digging, the calculator will provide estimated concrete removal costs in your area so you can set a budget for the project. Costs depend on various factors, including the cost of labor and any specialized equipment the crew may need.

Cost Calculator
Calculations are dependent on where you live
Square Feet

Standard ServicesQuantityLowHigh
What you can expect
Range per square foot:$7.20$8.70
Range for this type of project:$2,161$2,611
Estimate: $2,386
Slab Removal Labor, Basic
30
hours
$1,841$2,232
arrow_drop_down
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete removal. Concrete will be broken into portable segments with jackhammer, and removed along with reinforcing material. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.
Slab Removal Equipment Allowance
1
job
$47$68
arrow_drop_down
Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency, including 115V 15-amp electric jackhammer that operates at 1000+ blows per minute. Consumable equipment elements will incur additional fees.
Slab Removal Debris Disposal
300
square feet
$273$311
arrow_drop_down
Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse.
Standard services
Slab Removal Labor, Basic
$1,841 -$2,232
arrow_drop_down
30
hours
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete removal. Concrete will be broken into portable segments with jackhammer, and removed along with reinforcing material. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.
Slab Removal Equipment Allowance
$47 -$68
arrow_drop_down
1
job
Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency, including 115V 15-amp electric jackhammer that operates at 1000+ blows per minute. Consumable equipment elements will incur additional fees.
Slab Removal Debris Disposal
$273 -$311
arrow_drop_down
300
square feet
Responsible disposal of all project debris, including the cost to load and haul old materials, installation waste, and any other refuse.
Optional Services
What you can expect
Range per square foot:
$7 - $9
Range for this type of project:
$2,161 - $2,611
Estimate:
$2,386
Cost Comparison
YOUR ESTIMATE
$2,386

NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE
$2,244 -$2,710
YOUR ESTIMATE

Remove a Concrete Slab: national average cost

The national average materials cost to remove a concrete slab is $1.01 per square foot, with a range between $0.94 to $1.07. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $8.26, coming in between $7.48 to $9.03. A typical 300 square foot project costs $2,476.82, with a range of $2,243.71 to $2,709.93. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.
cost to remove a concrete slab
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot$1.01
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot$2,476.82
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot$2,243.71 - $2,709.93

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. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Last updated
Ready to get started?
Share a few additional details about your project and receive competitive quotes from local pros.

Find out how much your project will cost

Popular Calculators
More cost guides
SEE ALL
Projects recently requested around 43215
Every day, homeowners request projects like these on Porch
Demolition Project in Columbus 43215
I am looking for carpet, kitchen cabinet, office shelving and desk, cabinets in the master bedroom, and display shelving removal in a high rise condo. Thank you