Removing a cracked concrete patio is a challenging project, but you must be wondering: How much does it cost to remove a concrete patio?
Generally, the average cost of concrete removal is between $1,000 and $2,000.
Whether you want to rebuild your old concrete patio or replace it with a new structure, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about the cost of concrete removal.
Let’s get started.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Concrete Patio?
Concrete is a great building material for outdoor patios because of its durability and versatility. However, concrete cracks over time.
In this case, removing the cracked concrete is your best choice.
Typically, concrete removal will range between $1,000 and $2,000. The final cost depends on the following factors:
1 – Contractor Cost
One of the major factors that can affect the cost of concrete removal is the contractor.
Contractors offer different prices for their services. For instance, most contractors charge between $650 to $1,500.
Hence, it’s best to reach out to several contractors first.
This way, you can inquire about their prices and compare them. Then, choose the one that suits your budget.
2 – Labor Cost
The amount of labor that your project needs makes up a big percentage of the overall cost.
Concrete can be broken, cut, and removed through manual labor. On the other hand, the contractor can carry out the same tasks by using equipment as well.
Both methods will get the job done, but they’ll differ in price.
For instance, breaking up and removing a concrete slab by hand will cost you more. On the flip side, using a skid steer for the same task can lower your total cost.
Keep in mind that the more manual labor is involved in the project, the more it’ll cost. A simple concrete removal can cost $265 while more complex jobs may range up to $6,600.
3 – Removing Reinforcement
A reinforcing bar or rebar keeps the concrete patio structurally sound. However, removing the reinforcement can be challenging.
Unlike unreinforced concrete, a slab with reinforcement takes more time and labor.
On top of that, reinforced concrete requires power tools to remove the rebar and wire mesh safely. The equipment includes a skid steer and electric saws.
Overall, the complexity of the task results in a higher labor cost. Reinforced concrete may cost $600, while unreinforced concrete will range up to $400.
4 – The Thickness of the Concrete
Most contractors consider four to six inches as the standard thickness for concrete removal. Although most concrete slabs are four to six inches thick, some are up to eight inches in thickness.
Unfortunately, thicker slabs take a lot more effort and labor to remove. Their removal may require power tools like jackhammers instead of sledgehammers.
Other than that, contractors charge more for concrete thicker than the average six inches. This is because contractors will need to cut the slabs into smaller pieces before removing them.
Although the average price is $2 to $6 per square meter, some contractors double the price for thicker slabs. Hence, you can expect to pay $4 to $12 per square foot.
5 – Square Footage
The size of the concrete or the total number of square feet is another factor that can affect the cost of concrete removal.
Generally, the standard price per square foot is around $2 to $6. This includes the labor and dumping fees.
However, you should keep in mind that a larger area requires more labor and tools to get the job done.
For instance, 100 square feet range between $100 to $400. On the other hand, 1,000 square feet cost as much as $6,000.
6 – Accessibility to the Concrete Patio
The accessibility of the job site contributes to the cost of concrete removal. Typically, a contractor will charge more for the extra effort it needs to move the concrete to a longer distance.
Overall, the accessibility of the job site determines the manual labor the project will need. Therefore, you can expect a price range between $4 to $6 per square foot.
How Hard Is It to Remove a Concrete Patio?
Removing a concrete patio is difficult, especially for beginners. While it’s tempting to carry out a concrete removal by yourself, we don’t recommend it.
DIY isn’t a good idea for a lot of reasons, but more than anything, concrete removal is extremely challenging work. Without professional help, you could get injured.
Besides that, you may end up damaging your house and its surrounding landscape.
Hence, a qualified and licensed concrete removal contractor is your best option. The contractor will handle the concrete removal properly and eliminate the risk of property damage.
On top of that, the contractor can give you insights on the best way to carry out your project.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to remove a concrete patio? Generally, the price ranges between $1,000 to $2,000.
However, there are factors that can impact the total cost of concrete removal. This includes the contractor costs as licensed contractors offer different prices.
Other factors are the amount of manual labor needed to complete the job. Besides that, the size and thickness of the concrete contribute to the total cost as well.
Keep in mind that the larger and thicker the concrete slabs are, the more labor and tools they’ll require to break down.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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