Concrete Removal Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to remove concrete. Get estimates for driveways, patios, slabs, and sidewalks with labor, disposal, and equipment costs.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Project Details
Standard: 4-6", Thick: 6"+ (costs more)
Rebar (steel reinforcement bars) makes concrete stronger but harder to remove — adds $1-3/sq ft to cost. Most driveways and foundations have rebar; patios usually don't.
DIY-friendly for small areas (<50 sq ft). Tools: sledgehammer, pry bar, wheelbarrow. Expect 2-4 hours per 100 sq ft for 4" slab.
Disposal costs $51-100 per ton
Range: $3-8/sq ft (standard), $6-12/sq ft (thick). Default is average ($5.50).
Typical: $51-100/ton
Results
This is heavy work — thick slabs, reinforced concrete, or large areas (>200 sq ft) are best left to professionals. They have the right equipment and experience.
- • Hire removal service: $675 for 9 tons (they haul away)
- • Recycling center: $20-50/ton (cheaper but you haul — need truck/trailer)
- • Break into pieces: Use as fill/base material for new projects (free, but labor-intensive)
- • Large project tip: 9 tons is heavy — professional disposal is worth it
Calculation Steps
- Area:240 sq ft
- Volume:120 cu ft (4.44 cu yd)
- Weight:18,000 lbs (9 tons)
- Labor Cost:$1,320
- Disposal Cost:$675
- Total Cost:$1,995
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your project type — Driveway, patio, sidewalk, slab, stairs, or foundation. The calculator will suggest typical dimensions.
- Enter dimensions — Length, width, and thickness in inches. Standard concrete is 4-6 inches thick.
- Check for rebar — If the concrete has steel reinforcement, this adds $1-3/sq ft to removal cost.
- Choose removal method — Manual (hand tools), machine (jackhammer), or professional crew.
- Enable cost estimate — Adjust labor and disposal rates to match your local market, then view total cost breakdown.
How We Calculate
Weight Calculation
- • Weight = Thickness(ft) × Area(sq ft) × 150 lb/cu ft
- • 4" slab: 50 lbs/sq ft
- • 6" slab: 75 lbs/sq ft
- • 8" slab: 100 lbs/sq ft
Cost Ranges (2026)
- • Standard (4-6"): $3-8/sq ft
- • Thick (>6"): $6-12/sq ft
- • With Rebar: +$1-3/sq ft
- • Disposal: $51-100/ton
Example: 20×12 Driveway (6" thick)
- Area: 20 × 12 = 240 sq ft
- Volume: 240 × 0.5 ft = 120 cu ft (4.4 cu yd)
- Weight: 120 × 150 = 18,000 lbs (9 tons)
- Labor: 240 × $5.50 = $1,320
- Disposal: 9 × $75 = $675
- Total: $1,995 ($8.31/sq ft)
Cost data based on 2026 market rates from HomeGuide, Homewyse, and LawnStarter. Learn more