How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost in 2025?
Concrete removal costs an average of $1,144
Concrete removal costs an average of $1,144, with most homeowners paying between $545 and $1,745. Costs range from $2 to $6 per square foot, with disposal fees of $50 to $100 per ton.
The cost of concrete removal is impacted by the size of the concrete, reinforced vs. non-reinforced concrete, concrete thickness, project type, and location.
Hiring a pro for concrete removal ensures safe, efficient work and can prevent potential injuries.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Concrete removal costs between $545 and $1,745, or an average of $1,144. Whether you're replacing a cracked driveway or removing an old patio, it's important to budget for concrete removal expenses. Factors like the size and thickness of the concrete, its location, and whether it's reinforced will affect your total cost. On average, you can expect to pay $2 to $6 per square foot. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.
Concrete Removal Cost Factors
When pricing your concrete removal project, there are several driving factors that inform costs to consider.
Reinforced vs. Non-Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete can cost 50% to 100% more to remove than non-reinforced concrete, averaging about $6 per square foot. That's because reinforced concrete has embedded rebar or steel mesh for added strength and load capacity, which makes it tougher to break apart. You'll commonly find reinforced concrete in load-bearing structures like driveways and foundations, while sidewalks and patios are less likely to have it.
Thickness
The thickness of your concrete slab directly affects removal costs. A thicker slab means more material to break up and haul away. For example, a six-inch-thick slab has twice as much concrete per square foot as a three-inch slab. Sidewalks and patios usually have slabs that are three to four inches thick, while driveways and foundations often use four- to six-inch slabs and may include reinforcement.
Location
The location of the concrete significantly affects removal costs. If the area is hard to access or poses safety challenges, the job will take more time and increase your expenses. For instance, removing a sidewalk near the road is straightforward and cost-effective because it's easy to reach and doesn't require special equipment. In contrast, removing a concrete slab from under a crawlspace is more complex. Limited access means professionals might need to use handheld tools, and moving the debris to a disposal truck becomes labor-intensive.
Surface Type
The type of surface you're removing impacts the cost. You'll pay more to remove structures like driveways or basements that are hard to access or have reinforcement. Load-bearing surfaces often contain steel reinforcement, making them more expensive to demolish.
Concrete Removal Costs by Amount
When pricing out your project, the main cost factor is always going to be how much concrete you’re removing. You’ll want to calculate it either by the square foot or ton, and costs include demolition, removal, and disposal.
| Measurement | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $2–$6 |
| Per ton | $50–$100 |
Concrete Removal Price per Square Foot
Homeowners pay between $2 and $6 per square foot for concrete removal. Expect to pay more for wire mesh or steel bar-reinforced materials, which usually require heavy machinery for removal. It’s easier to remove unreinforced material, and a lower price point reflects that.
| Slab Size in Sq. Ft. (3”–6” 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 Disposal Price per Ton
Most concrete removal companies charge a flat rate but also include dumping fees on top of the square foot cost. Municipal dumps charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per ton, depending on where you live. Disposal is an important part of the removal process. Talk to your concrete removal pro about whether or not they include the cost of disposal in their quote.
Concrete Removal Price by Project
Prices for removing concrete depend on the job you need done. Here’s a cost breakdown for common concrete removal projects.
| Project | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Slab | $800-$2,500 |
| Sidewalk | $900–$2,500 |
| Patio | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Driveway | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Stairs | $300–$800 |
Slab
Slab removal costs about $800 to $2,500. The price varies depending on the slab’s accessibility, reinforcement, and thickness. Slab removal can mean anything from the slab under a shed to the one under your home.
Concrete Sidewalk
Sidewalk removal costs $900 to $2,500. The only real cost factor is how much sidewalk you’re tearing up. Removing a sidewalk is one of the easiest and least expensive removal projects because it’s easy to access and typically doesn't have reinforcement.
Patio
Anticipate paying between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on your patio’s thickness. Are you interested in replacing your patio or looking for a material with more longevity? Stamped concrete costs start at $2,700 and can be a good option for a sturdy and great-looking outdoor area.
Driveway
Removing a concrete driveway costs $1,000 to $2,500. Although reinforced, it’s easy to access with heavy machinery, making the job quick. You may get it a little less expensive if you combine it with a new installation, which can then cost up to $10,000 for removal and new installation.
Stairs
On average, removing concrete stairs costs $300 to $800 per single story. It can cost more for reinforced concrete or stairs in hard-to-reach areas. Due to the reinforcement and location, floating concrete stairs inside a home cost more to remove, while patio stairs are far more cost-effective.
DIY Concrete Removal vs. Hiring a Professional
Removing concrete yourself might seem like a cost-saving idea, especially for small projects like patios or sidewalks, but consider the physical demands and potential risks. Only experienced professionals should handle the removal of specific sections or load-bearing concrete to prevent structural damage.
While DIY might save on labor costs upfront, disposal fees and equipment rentals can add up, potentially costing you more than hiring a concrete removal pro. Additionally, concrete removal work is physically demanding and can lead to injuries if not done properly. Hiring a professional ensures your concrete removal is done safely and efficiently and often includes disposal costs in the price.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
To remove concrete, professionals break it up using a sledgehammer, jackhammer, or heavy machinery, then haul it away—often using a dump truck. Recycling the concrete is a responsible option to consider. Unless you're an experienced DIYer with the right equipment, it's best to hire a concrete contractor to handle the job safely and efficiently.
Whether you need a permit to remove concrete depends on your local regulations. In many areas, you won't need a permit for residential concrete removal as long as you're not altering your home's structure. However, some localities require permits for demolition projects, especially if they're extensive. It's best to check with your local building department to be sure.
With the right equipment and an experienced professional, concrete demolition can often be completed in one day. Factors like the thickness and strength of the concrete affect the timeframe, but a qualified concrete removal contractor will work efficiently to break up the concrete and haul away the debris while ensuring surrounding structures remain safe.
To estimate your concrete removal costs, start by measuring the length and width of the concrete area to calculate the square footage. Then, multiply that number by $2 to $6 per square foot for slabs up to six inches thick. For thicker slabs, you may need to double the cost per square foot. Don't forget to check if disposal fees—around $50 to $100 per ton—are included in your contractor's quote to get a complete estimate.
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