How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $542 - $1,688

The average cost of concrete demolition is $1,114. But depending on exactly what and how much you’re demolishing, you can spend between $542 and $1,688.

How we get this data
Professional preparing concrete wall to be demolished
Photo: Toxicoz / Adobe Stock
Ginny Bartolone
Written by Ginny Bartolone
Contributing Writer
Updated December 12, 2023
Professional preparing concrete wall to be demolished
Photo: Toxicoz / Adobe Stock

Inspiration struck, and now you want to add a new structure to your home (or rebuild an existing one), but concrete stands in the way of your dream design. Concrete removal costs $1,114 on average, though prices typically go from $542 to $1,688. Ultimately, what you pay will depend on your project’s specifics.

You can potentially remove concrete yourself, but it takes special equipment, considerable time, and proper concrete disposal. Keep reading to get an idea of the budget range you might be looking at for your project.

See the price range for concrete demo in
your area
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$542 - $1,688
  • Average
  • $1,114
  • Low end
  • $250
  • high end
  • $3,853
LOWHIGH

Concrete Removal Cost Factors

These factors increase or lower the price of concrete demolition.

Labor

When broken down, concrete removal costs are split between labor and disposal fees. Concrete demolition by your concrete team will account for nearly all the $2 to $6 per square foot, but the price range depends on whether the contractor can remove it by hand or if they require large equipment. 

For example, reinforced concrete (concrete stabilized by rebar) will cost up to $6 per square foot to remove, while reinforced concrete costs as little as $2 per square foot. Reinforced concrete may require a jackhammer or rotary hammer drill.

Your demolition company will also choose whether disposal prices come with their cost. In some cases, they will charge between $0.50 and $2 in addition to the removal to handle proper disposal.

Concrete Slab Size

The size of concrete you need to be cleared is a good starting point to estimate costs for concrete demolition. Around $2 to $6 per square foot is standard, which includes labor and dumping fees. Laying new concrete over the old space is not included in this price range. Just remember: Letting the new stuff cure helps prevent concrete from cracking, so don't rush the process when the time comes.

Contractors may prefer to charge per ton instead of per square foot when demolishing large slabs of concrete.

Slab Size in Sq. Ft. (3 inches–6 Inches Thick)Average Cost Range
100$200 – $600
200$400 – $1,200
300$600 – $1,800
400$800 – $2,400
500$1,000 – $3,000
600$1,200 – $3,600
700$1,400 – $4,200
800$1,600 – $4,800
900$1,800 – $5,400
1,000$2,000 – $6,000

Thickness

Concrete demolition contractors consider 4 to 6 inches to be the standard thickness when removing concrete. Many will double the price for thicker concrete (even by 1 or 2 inches), as this could require cutting the concrete into smaller chunks before removing it, which will add many hours to the project.

Reinforcements

Deformed steel bars or wired mesh are sometimes embedded in concrete to reinforce the structure, especially when the thickness exceeds 6 inches. Reinforcements make it harder to excavate concrete due to more digging, hammering, and concrete cutting. Expect to pay on the higher end, about $6 per square foot or more.

Accessibility

Concrete in difficult-to-reach, hazardous, or particularly steep areas will drive the price up. These factors add time to the project. Some contractors treat these sorts of projects like extra-thick or reinforced concrete, meaning you'll likely pay closer to, if not more than, $6 per square foot.

Permits

Permits are required in many states and regions for concrete demolition. They start at $25 and can go up to as much as $200. In fact, you may need to pay for an inspection prior to applying and subsequently paying for a permit.

Project Type

The type of surface can impact your overall price tag. For example, removing some concrete stairs is a lot simpler and less expensive than removing a concrete driveway, which is much more labor-intensive and requires more specialized tools and equipment. Example projects include:

ProjectAverage Cost
Pool Removal$3,000–$15,000
Patio Removal$1,000–$2,000
Driveway Removal$1,000–$2,500

Additional Projects

If you’re completing additional projects at the same time or the concrete removal is part of a larger project, you may have to factor in additional costs. You might want to install a driveway, a new patio, or some stairs, all of which will come at a price.

Home Location

Concrete is used to make driveways, patios, sidewalks, stairs, and foundations. Outdoor locations tend to be less expensive to remove because of easier access. However, outdoor locations on a slope or with thicker concrete can cost more than the average. 

Geographic Location

Concrete is used to fill driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and foundations all over the U.S. But concrete demolition contractors tend to charge more in cities than in rural areas for removal. 

Fortunately, this type of work is needed pretty much everywhere, so you may be able to compare quotes to find the best rate. Steep or difficult-to-access areas may drive the price up, so if a rural area is wooded or surrounded by mountains, you may have to pay more than you would in a city.

Concrete Removal Cost by Project Type

The project type affects the concrete’s accessibility, thickness, and size, which all factor into the removal costs. A concrete removal pro can give you an estimate based on the concrete you want to remove. 

Driveways

Concrete driveway removal costs fall between $1,000 and $2,500. Concrete driveways are easily accessible for heavy machinery even if the concrete is reinforced, which keeps removal costs down. You might save money if you’re following removal with a new install, with the price nearing $10,000 for both. 

Patios

Concrete patio removal typically costs $1,000 to $2,000, with the final cost depending on the patio’s thickness. However, the size also factors into the price, so the smaller the patio, the lower the price. 

Walkways

Concrete sidewalks and walkways cost between $500 and $1,500 to remove, depending on the length and ease of accessibility. Sidewalks aren’t usually reinforced and are often some of the least expensive concrete to remove. The cost of fixing a concrete sidewalk can easily fall under $900 in many cases. 

Pool Deck

The costs for pool deck removal depend on whether you’re removing only the deck or the entire concrete pool. Removing a deck will have similar prices to removing a patio, at around $1,000 to $2,000. However, if you’re removing an entire concrete pool and deck, you’re looking at between $3,000 and $15,000 for the cost to remove a pool

Steps

Removing concrete steps is one of the least expensive concrete removal projects, costing about $200 to $400. The accessibility of the steps and whether they’re indoor versus outdoor affect the price, with reinforced indoor steps costing more to remove. 

Floors

Concrete slab removal costs fall between $500 and $2,000. The price varies by the size of the floor, the ease of accessibility, concrete thickness, and whether it’s reinforced.

Concrete Block Wall

Removing a concrete block wall will cost between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on whether the wall is reinforced, insulated, or embedded in the surrounding hardscape. Freestanding reinforced walls will cost less, as they are easier to break apart and dispose of properly. However, you'll encounter more work if the wall contains rebar or it connects to your home, gates, or supports a sloped area of your landscape.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Concrete Yourself?

Tackling a concrete demolition job by yourself is admirable, but you might not save as much as you'd think. That's because the per-square-foot rate a contractor quotes you also covers concrete disposal near you, which you'll pay for out of pocket if you DIY your concrete removal. For example, disposing 2 tons of concrete with a truck rental and dumping fees will cost you around $550.

On top of that, demolishing concrete is very challenging work, the type that could easily require you to purchase or rent additional tools to complete. Not to mention, working with heavy concrete and the equipment required to remove it can get dicey. This is a job where hiring a pro is usually well worth the price. Get estimates from at least three concrete pros so you can compare services and get an understanding of the going rate.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Concrete Demolition

There's no question that removing a concrete slab yourself requires specialized tools and a whole lot of elbow grease. If you're tempted to go at it alone, however, keep in mind that in addition to disposal and truck rental fees, you'll pay out of pocket for the following equipment. Remember that concrete is meant to last 50 or more years and specialized equipment will get the job done much faster.

Concrete Removal ToolAverage Cost Range
Bolt Cutter$30 – $60
Extension Cord$20 – $60
Jackhammer (Day Rental)$75 – $150
Pry Bar$13 – $20
Safety Goggles$5 – $30
Shovel$15 – $50
Sledgehammer$30 – $60
Wheelbarrow$100 – $200
Work Gloves$8 – $30

Common Concrete Removal Add-Ons

6 projects related to concrete demolition, including laying mulch, building retaining walls, installing sod, adding gazebos, replacing patios, and planting trees
Photo: Willowpix / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, scaliger / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, elenaleonova / E+ / Getty Images, Nalidsa Sukprasert / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images, John Keeble / Moment / Getty Images

Concrete demolition may be the first step in a larger project. While adding another project to concrete removal may raise the overall project price, you may get a better deal by combining projects.

Replace the Patio or Driveway

You can turn around and pour new concrete once the old, damaged concrete is removed. You’ll have to properly prepare the ground to extend the life of the new concrete. The additional costs will depend on the scope and size of the project. For example, building a new concrete patio costs around $3,300, while the cost for a concrete driveway runs between $2,300 and $7,500. 

Build a Retaining Wall

Retaining walls can reinforce a foundation, create a step garden, or redirect water. Retaining walls cost around $3,200 to $9,000. That’s a wide range that depends on the finish, style, height, and length of the wall. 

Install Sod

Once the concrete is gone, you can give the yard a more natural look with sod. Sod installation costs about $1,100 to $2,300, depending on the type of sod, size of the area, and accessibility. 

Lay Mulch

Mulch prevents erosion, holds moisture, and restores soil nutrients. It’s a good addition if you want to return the area to more natural landscaping. You can expect to pay around $75 per cubic yard for mulch delivery and installation. 

Add a Gazebo

Gazebos add a touch of romance to the outdoors. You can expect a gazebo to cost $2,700 to $9,600, depending on the gazebo size, materials, and the slope of the landscape. For example, you’ll spend less on a brick or wood gazebo—which start at around $2,000 for brick and $3,000 for wood—than on a vinyl or metal one, which both start at around $4,000. 

Plant Trees

Trees add shade and act as a windbreak. The cost to plant trees falls between $100 and $2,000, with the number and type of trees planted affecting the overall cost of each project. 

How to Save on Concrete Demolition Costs

Handling concrete disposal yourself can save you a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the job. However, it's not always a practical choice if the concrete is heavy and fortified. Additional ways to cut costs include the following:

  • Check if your contractor participates in concrete recycling programs that offer lower rates.

  • Look into local programs that incentivize recycling construction materials.

  • Speak with at least three concrete demolition companies to compare costs.

  • Handle all related projects yourself, such as post-removal landscaping.

  • Ensure that you can handle the project yourself before investing in DIY tools.

  • Check if your contractor offers removal in their cost if you are replacing the concrete.

Stacey L. Nash and D.P. Taylor contributed to this piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're planning to lay new concrete over an old demolition site, reinforcements may be a good idea for larger builds, such as patios, decks, and concrete slabs. Concrete that exceeds 6 inches of thickness is typically reinforced. It will cost more to lay but will give your new structure a solid foundation.

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Ginny Bartolone
Written by Ginny Bartolone
Contributing Writer
For the past ten years, Ginny Bartolone has encouraged readers to enhance their DIY skills in a wide range of home and lifestyle topics.
For the past ten years, Ginny Bartolone has encouraged readers to enhance their DIY skills in a wide range of home and lifestyle topics.
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