Slab types we remove
- Driveway slabs (residential and commercial)
- Backyard patio slabs and pool decks
- Garage floor slabs (often with footings and curbs)
- Outbuilding and shed slabs
- Post-fire house foundations (slab-on-grade)
- Old equipment pads, AC pads, and storage-shed pads
- Decorative or stamped concrete with integral color (treated like standard slab for demo)
Thickness and reinforcement assessment
A 4-inch unreinforced patio slab is a different job than a 6-inch driveway with #4 rebar on 18-inch centers. We assess thickness, mesh vs rebar, fiber reinforcement, post-tension cabling (rare in residential), and any plumbing or electrical buried in the slab before quoting the breakout method. Post-tension cabling is a serious safety issue and requires a different scope — we will flag it on the walk if we see signs of it.
Breakout method
| Method | Best Fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skid-steer hydraulic breaker | Most residential slabs, decent access | Fast, controlled, manageable dust |
| Mini-excavator with hammer | Thicker slabs, longer driveways | More reach, heavier blow |
| Saw-cut and lift | Tight access or noise-sensitive jobs | Cleaner edge, slower, more cost |
| Hand-tool breakout | Tiny pads, very tight side yards, finish work | Labor-heavy, no machine access |
Dust and saw control
Concrete demolition makes silica dust. We use water suppression on saw work and limit jackhammer time per cycle so dust does not drift into the house or onto neighbors. On noise-sensitive sites we plan the loudest work in the early morning window and finish detail breakout later in the day. We also tarp ornamentals, AC units, and pool surfaces inside the splash zone.
Haul-off
Broken concrete from a residential slab typically heads to a recycling yard, not a landfill. The same goes for asphalt and clean rubble. Mixed debris (wood-framed, painted, attached lumber) usually has to be sorted before disposal. Haul cost depends on tonnage, the route from the slab to the truck, and how far the recycling yard is. Long carry distances or tight side yards add labor for the loadout.
What affects price
- Thickness — 4-inch patio is much cheaper than 6-8 inch driveway
- Reinforcement — rebar adds breakout time and saw-cut effort
- Fiber-mesh in the pour (modern slabs)
- Plumbing or electrical buried in the slab (gas, conduit, drains)
- Access — how close the truck can park to the slab edge
- Disposal distance from the property
- Whether subgrade restoration (regrade, compaction, base rock) is part of the scope
Frequently asked questions
- How much does concrete slab removal cost?
- Most residential slab removals fall around $4-$8 per square foot for break-and-haul. A 400 sq ft patio is commonly $1,800-$3,500; a 600 sq ft driveway is $3,000-$6,000+. Thickness, rebar, access, and haul distance all move the number.
- Can you remove a slab without damaging the surrounding patio?
- Yes, with a saw cut along the line we want to keep, then a controlled breakout on the demo side. Saw-cut and lift is slower but it protects what stays.
- What is the difference between concrete slab removal and full concrete removal?
- Slab removal is the focused work — one defined slab, one breakout zone, one haul plan. Full concrete removal is the broader service that can also include curbs, footings, retaining walls, and post-fire foundations across a larger scope.
- Will you haul away the broken concrete?
- Yes. Clean residential concrete usually goes to a recycling yard. We include haul-off in the quote unless you have asked us to leave the material on-site for reuse.
Related planning resources
Concrete removal service
Full concrete-removal scope including walls, curbs, and footings.
House demolition service
When the slab removal is part of a larger structure demo.
Hauling & debris removal
Debris and broken-concrete haul-off.
Concrete removal cost guide
Read the full slab and concrete cost-range explainer.
Backyard leveling
Adjacent grading after the slab is out.
Pool fill-in
When the slab removal sits next to a pool conversion.