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How to Remove a Concrete Patio Properly

Last Updated: January 22, 2025

How to Remove a Concrete Patio Properly

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If your concrete patio is old, cracked and showing signs of wear and tear, it is time to upgrade it and spruce up your home. While removing a concrete patio by yourself might seem like an arduous task, it’s actually not that difficult if you follow the right instructions and have the necessary equipment at hand.

Depending on the thickness of the patio, you can break up concrete into smaller pieces using just a sledgehammer and a prybar and then rely on a waste management service to haul away the pieces of concrete from your house. It can even make for a fun DIY home improvement project and by the end of it, you’ll have a brand-new patio perfect for lounging, outdoor dining or even a serene rock garden.

Complications with Removing Concrete Patios

Patios have now become a valuable addition to new homes—with 63.3% of the one million single-family houses started in 2022 opting to have one. Patio segments also take up the largest chunk in the decorative concrete market which is itself valued at 15.3 billion USD and is only expected to expand further.

But removing an old concrete patio and replacing it with a new one has a few risks. So, before you embark on your outdoor remodeling project, it is important to consider the few complications associated with removing concrete patios:

1. Extra Machinery

For any demolition job, you will need the right equipment and machinery. For instance, a small concrete chunk can be easily broken up with a sledgehammer, but if the structure has been reinforced with rebar, you may need a hydraulic lift to properly break it up and raise the pieces.

2. Additional Equipment

You will need to purchase drop cloths to protect the surrounding doors and windows as concrete chunks can fly up to 50 feet when broken up and cause unintended damage.

3. Trash Removal

Pieces of concrete cannot be simply tossed into the trash, and storing them in your backyard would delay your next remodeling project. So, your best option is to rent a dumpster to haul the pieces away when you’re done.

4. Labor Costs

Labor is a big factor for concrete removal costs. Using a sledgehammer to break the concrete into small pieces and a prybar to lift them up yourself is also much more economical than hiring a contractor to do the same.

5. Safety Concerns

If your concrete patio is uneven or full of deep-set cracks, it’s already unsafe to use and you should upgrade it ASAP. You should also check if there are any gas lines beneath the surface as well as inform your neighbors about the demolition job.

6. Permits

Before you begin removing the concrete patio, you may or may not need to apply for a permit depending on the rules of your local municipality. Some municipalities require permits for demolition work, while others may require a permit for parking the dumpster or for dumping concrete.

How to Remove a Concrete Patio

Removing a concrete patio is hard work, but it can also be incredibly satisfying to do it yourself—not only will you learn something new and flex those muscles, you’ll also be saving hundreds of dollars in the process. But do keep in mind that it is a fairly dangerous and laborious activity, so be sure to make any necessary preparations before embarking on this project.

Follow our guidelines below for how to remove a concrete patio safely and easily.

An infographic detailing how to remove a concrete patio properly

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1. Assess the Damage

Before you remove the concrete, you must thoroughly assess the condition of the patio. If there are minor stains, flaking or small cracks, you can simply opt for an overlay or topping work to make it look as good as new. However, if there are deep cracks, uneven surfaces or signs of settling, you need to tear it all up

2. Gather all the Equipment

A typical concrete patio is usually unreinforced, so a sledgehammer or a jackhammer can do the job depending on how thin or thick it is. However, if there is rebar, you may need heavy machinery such as an excavator and a hydraulic lift, and you’re better off leaving that job to a professional.

But in general, for smaller unreinforced patios, you’re likely to make use of the following equipment:

  • Sledgehammer
  • Jackhammer
  • Drop cloths (or plywood)
  • Pry bar
  • Bolt-cutter
  • Wheel-barrow
  • Roll-off dumpster

You’ll also need safety gear such as work gloves, safety goggles, sturdy shoes, ear plugs and a mask. Remember if you aren’t careful, you can get seriously injured!

3. Set Up the Area

Once you have all the equipment and put on the safety gear, you have to clear out all remaining furniture and debris, as well as hang canvas drop cloths to protect nearby windows or doors from damage. If you don’t have drop cloths, you can use plywood though they are not as effective in minimizing damage.

4. Break Apart the Concrete Patio into Smaller Pieces

If the patio is full of cracks, you can use those as a starting point to break the concrete chunk with a sledgehammer. Otherwise, you can begin from one of the edges and slowly work your way through the whole area, forming more and more cracks that are easier to lift up.

5. Pry Up the Concrete Chunks

Concrete removal is ideally a two-person job, with one person doing all the breaking up, while the other uses a pry bar to lift the sections into a wheelbarrow. If there is any underlying mesh, you can use a bolt-cutter for it. Make sure to take periodic breaks so that you don’t end up overexerting yourself or become careless and accidentally injure yourself.

6. Clear the Rubble

Finally, once it’s all done, you need to clear the rubble away. Since concrete slabs cannot go into the regular trash, you can rent a roll-off dumpster and load it up with the broken pieces of concrete and gravel which will later be hauled away from your location.

Proper Concrete Removal is Crucial for Project Success

Thus, removing concrete patios require proper planning and careful execution. Check that you have the necessary permits and equipment, and choose a day with dry but pleasant weather for the job. Depending on the size of the patio and whether you have any assistants, removing the concrete patio can take a few hours to a greater part of the day.

Do remember to pace yourself, get hydrated and take periodic breaks while doing the hard work. Once you’ve gathered all the rubble, you can take your time to load up the dumpster as per your convenience as the rental period is usually flexible.

Call Discount Dumpster for Your Heavy Duty Projects

With affordable rates and a gold-star reputation, Discount Dumpster can assist you with patio removal and other remodeling projects. Whether you’re planning to spruce up your backyard with a cozy dining space, set up a picturesque Zen garden or extend your driveway, you can hire a rental dumpster to clear away all the debris once you’re done.

Our rental containers come in all shapes and sizes to suit every job need, and our 14-day rental period is flexible enough so that you’re in no hurry to load up the dumpster. We also offer free pick-up and delivery with no hidden taxes, so you don’t have to spend an extra penny for demolition work. Call us today to get all your waste management queries answered and get a flat no-obligation quote right away!

Call for a Concrete Removal Dumpster Near You! - (888) 316-7010

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