How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $545 - $1,742
Concrete removal costs $1,143 on average. Most people spend between $545 and $1,742 when hiring a pro, depending on what and how much they’re demolishing.
Concrete removal costs $1,143 on average, but prices can range from $250 to $4,000. If inspiration has struck and you’re ready to add a new structure to your home (or rebuild an existing one), it’s time to start budgeting. Ultimately, what you pay will depend on your project’s specifics.
- Average
- $1,143
- Low end
- $250
- high end
- $4,000
Concrete Removal Cost by Square Foot
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 |
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. Keep these fees in mind when estimating your total demolition costs.
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. You may also face higher rates if the pros are trying to excavate in the winter, when snow and cold can affect the project. 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 or digging out a basement, which is much more labor-intensive and requires more specialized tools and equipment. Example projects include:
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pool removal | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Pool deck removal | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Patio removal | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Driveway removal | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Slab removal | $800–$2,500 |
| Steps removal | $300–$800 |
| Sidewalk removal | $900–$2,500 |
| Concrete floor removal | $500–$2,000 |
| Block wall removal | $1,500–$2,500 |
Geographic Location
Concrete is used to fill driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and foundations all over the U.S. However, concrete demolition contractors tend to charge more in cities than in rural areas for removal. For concrete removal in urban areas, expect to spend $6 to $14 per square foot.
Here are some common costs of concrete removal for by region:
| Region | Cost (Per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| West | $6–$11 |
| Midwest | $6–$11 |
| Southeast | $6–$10 |
| Northeast | $7–$14 |
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 Add-Ons
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. Here are some common concrete projects to consider tackling:
Replacing a concrete patio costs: $1,900–$5,200
Replacing a concrete driveway costs: $2,700–$9,700
Building a retaining wall costs: $3,200–$9,200
Installing sod costs: $1,000–$3,000
Laying mulch costs: $100–$350
Adding a gazebo costs: $2,500–$9,400
Planting trees costs: $150–$350
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 of 2 tons of concrete with a truck rental and dumping fees will cost you around $550.
Plus, if you want to DIY, you’ll need to factor in excavator rental prices, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if you need a longer rental time. This is common for DIYers who can only tackle home improvement projects on nights and weekends.
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 Tool | Average 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 |
Removing vs. Repairing Concrete
You may not always need to remove concrete—in some cases, you can simply repair it. Smaller fixes, such as resurfacing or filling small cracks, only cost $1 to $5 per square foot. You can often DIY these kinds of repairs and you’ll avoid paying to replace the whole slab. Larger repairs like leaks, however, can cost much more—the average slab leak repair cost is $2,280.
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.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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 often reinforced. It will cost more to lay but will give your new structure a solid foundation.
For concrete that’s under 3 inches thick, use a crowbar or a wrecking tool like a sledgehammer to pry the concrete, starting at the corners and working toward the center. You’ll need a jackhammer to break up concrete that’s over 3 inches thick. Do your homework if you use a jackhammer; you’ll need full protective gear that includes a hard hat, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots.
Most concrete demolition can take place in one day, depending on the size of the project. Thickness and concrete strength play the biggest role in how long it’ll take to remove. It’s important to hire a pro with the right equipment and experience, as this can significantly speed up a project.
To estimate concrete removal costs, determine the area of the concrete by multiplying the width and length. The result will give you the square footage. Then, multiply the square footage by the cost of concrete removal, which is $2 to $6 per square foot for concrete up to 6 inches thick. For thicker concrete, double the square footage costs to get your estimate.
Disposal costs are often factored into the cost per square foot, but check your contract. If concrete disposal is not included, you’ll pay $50 to $100 per ton.