Patio removal cost breakdown
Concrete Patio Removal Cost Calculator
Answer first: concrete patio removal costs $1–$3 per sq ft in 2026. A 400 sq ft patio runs $400–$1,200 for demolition and disposal. Add $500–$1,500 for tree root cutting or access restrictions. Removal + replacement runs $7–$15/sq ft total.
200 sq ft patio — plain concrete
$200–$600 removal ($1–$3/sq ft)
Standard 4-in slab with no rebar. Jackhammer + wheelbarrow + 1–2 workers. Add $125–$375 for disposal (about 1.25 tons). Total with disposal: $325–$975.
400 sq ft patio — reinforced concrete
$600–$1,500 removal (1.5–2× plain concrete cost)
Rebar or mesh requires bolt cutters and significantly more labor. Plan on 1.5× the time for the same area. Reinforced concrete weighs the same but cannot be broken into small pieces as easily.
Remove + replace — 400 sq ft patio
$3,200–$6,800 total ($8–$17/sq ft combined)
Removal: $600–$1,500. New installation: $2,400–$4,800. Many contractors bundle removal and replacement — get separate line items in the bid so you can compare actual costs.
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How much does it cost to remove a concrete patio?
Concrete patio removal costs $1–$3 per sq ft in 2026. A 400 sq ft patio runs $400–$1,200 for demolition and haul-off. Factors that increase cost: reinforced concrete (rebar adds cutting and weight), limited access for equipment, tree root entanglement, and disposal fees in your area. For a full remove-and-replace project, budget $7–$15/sq ft total.
Can I remove a concrete patio myself?
Yes, for small patios under 200 sq ft without rebar. You will need a rented electric jackhammer ($80–$150/day), pry bar, wheelbarrow, and a dumpster or truck for disposal. Reinforced concrete (with rebar or mesh) requires bolt cutters and significantly more effort. The broken concrete is heavy — a 100 sq ft × 4-in patio weighs 2,000–2,500 lb. Hire a professional when access is limited, concrete is thick (5+ in), or when rebar is present throughout.
What do contractors charge for concrete demolition?
Concrete demolition typically costs $1–$3/sq ft for the work alone, plus $50–$150/ton for disposal. A 4-in thick concrete slab weighs about 150 lb/sq ft, so a 400 sq ft patio weighs about 2.5 tons. Disposal adds $125–$375. Total cost with disposal: $525–$1,575 for a 400 sq ft patio. Dumpster rental ($250–$500) is an alternative if the contractor does not include haul-off.
How long does concrete patio removal take?
A crew of 2–3 workers with a jackhammer and skid steer can remove a 400 sq ft plain concrete patio in 4–8 hours. Reinforced concrete takes 1.5–2× longer due to rebar cutting. Add 2–4 hours for loading and hauling. DIY removal of the same patio with a rented electric jackhammer typically takes 1.5–2 days for 2 people.
What do I do with the old concrete?
Options: (1) Have the contractor haul it away (easiest, included in most quotes). (2) Rent a dumpster ($250–$500/week). (3) Crush and reuse as aggregate for the new base (ask if your contractor offers this). (4) Some concrete recycling centers accept clean broken concrete for free or a small fee. Do not put broken concrete in regular trash — most waste haulers will not accept it.