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The national average cost in Canada for concrete removal is $2,600, with a typical range between $1650 and $2,848 or around $5 per square foot. Low-end projects, in which pros remove a small, thin concrete slab, average around $1260. High-end projects, involving pros removing a large, reinforced, thick slab, will cost an average of $7,703.

Concrete can be a great foundation as a patio, walkway, or even a driveway but sometimes a cracked, crumbling concrete slab needs to be replaced. When that happens, it’s time to call in a professional to cut and haul away your concrete. Keep in mind many factors affect concrete removal costs, including the slab’s size, thickness, location, and any reinforcements. Want to replace your old slab with a new concrete driveway or stamped patio? We’ve got those prices covered, too.

How Much Does Concrete Removal Cost


  • Canada Average Cost: $2600

  • Typical Range: $1650 to $2,848 or $4 to $7 per square foot

  • Low End: $1260

  • High End: $7,703


On average, most homeowners in Calgary Alberta pay $1,444 for professional concrete slab removal. The typical price range for concrete removal is between $679 and $2,848 or between $4 and $7 per square foot.

Total costs might fall below or above the average range depending on the slab’s size, location, thickness, and reinforcements. Small-scale concrete removal projects cost most homeowners around $1260, while large-scale concrete removal averages around $7,703. Again, there are many reasons why your total cost for concrete removal might vary from these averages. Cost Estimator by Size Your concrete slab’s size will have the most significant impact on total spending. Most concrete professionals in Calgary charge by the square foot, so the larger your concrete slab is, the more expensive it will be. On average, square-foot concrete removal rates range from $4 to $7 per square foot. This price includes the cost of labor and disposal fees.

Other Factors That Can Affect Cost Removing your concrete slab will likely cost between $4 and $7 per square foot, but what factors determine where the final price falls within that range? When can you expect to pay $2 to $4 per square foot or $4 to $7 per square foot? It all comes down to how thick the slab is, where it’s located, and whether the slab contains reinforcements.



  • Reinforcements: If your concrete slab has built-in wire mesh or rebar, expect a higher removal bill.

  • Thickness: The thicker the concrete slab, the more you’ll need to pay per square foot.

  • Location: Is your concrete in a hard-to-reach area? Poor access may increase costs.


Concrete Reinforcement

If your concrete slab contains reinforcements, expect to pay between $4 and $7 per square foot for concrete removal. Concrete slabs without reinforcements will typically cost $4 to $5 per square foot to remove.

What is reinforced concrete? There are many ways to reinforce concrete. But in this case, reinforced concrete contains wire mesh and rebar. And it’s the wire mesh and rebar that will drive up removal costs. Why? Wire mesh and rebar make the removal job more difficult for the pros, leading to higher labor costs.


Unreinforced concrete is much easier to remove since it doesn’t contain anything inside that makes it difficult to get out of your yard or off your land. Concrete thickness

The thicker your concrete slab, the more difficult it is to remove. Thicker slabs drive up labor costs. They also might increase disposal fees at sites around Calgary. Most concrete slabs are between 4 and 6 inches thick, but some are as thick as 8 inches. The bottom line: A thick concrete slab is more expensive to remove than a thin concrete slab.

Location in and around Calgary’s surrounding suburbs When a concrete slab is located in hard-to-reach areas, it makes removal more challenging. If pros cannot fit or use their tools in the location, they may have to remove the concrete by hand, making their job more difficult and expensive. Before any concrete slab removal begins, it’s wise to contact your local utility company. They’ll send a pro to your home to flag off any underground utility lines. This service is typically free and helps ensure no utility damage occurs during concrete removal.


Type of concrete surfaces Removing an old concrete patio or driveway? Because these surfaces vary in size and thickness, so do their prices.


On average, here’s what you can expect to pay to remove the different concrete surfaces you might find in the yard:

Extra Services Once we have removed the concrete, you’ll have an empty spot in the yard that needs some sprucing up. The job site is likely going to need a new patch of grass. Or maybe you want to install a new concrete slab.


  • Seeding or sod installation: Sod, hydroseeding, broadcast seeding there are plenty of ways to bring some green to your yard.

  • Concrete replacement: Concrete can look beautiful when installed right. Consider replacing your old, cracked concrete with a new concrete patio.


Sod installation Sod is like rolling a carpet of grass out on the land. You need to wait a few weeks before the sod takes root, but otherwise, you have a green lawn (relatively) quickly.

Concrete replacement

That old concrete slab had to go, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid concrete altogether. Concrete can look beautiful in the yard if it’s designed and installed right. For instance, stamped concrete can mirror attractive paver materials, such as natural stone, brick, and wood. Concrete makes for a solid foundation for outdoor entertainment, creating the perfect space for a patio, outdoor kitchen, or cozy fire pit.


Pouring a new slab of concrete in your yard opens many possibilities for more outdoor projects. Hot tubs, pergolas, or an outdoor dining area. Landscaping Whether you’re planning to replace the concrete slab or keep the area concrete-free, landscaping can be a wise investment for your home. Calgary homeowners typically spend between $6,000 and $20,317 for landscaping, but prices will vary significantly depending on the project at hand.

Cost of Concrete Removal Across Canada. All prices listed in this concrete removal cost guide are national averages. Estimating your total spending based on the national average can be a significant help, but keep in mind that prices for any service can vary depending on where you live. Here at Envirocrete Concrete Service Inc we service in and around the Calgary area.


For instance, concrete removal prices on a local scale may vary depending on the demand for concrete removal in your area. If demand for concrete removal services in your region is high, but labor supply is low, you may find that local rates are slightly higher than the national average.

Cost of DIY Concrete Removal Whether you’re pouring a new concrete slab or removing an old one, working with concrete is a challenging DIY project. If you’re not familiar with removing concrete, it’s a good idea to hire a professional. Hiring a concrete contractor ensures you don’t perform any costly mistakes on your property, and it also ensures your safety. Concrete removal involves using multiple tools to break up the concrete into small bits and pieces. Before you get digging, don’t forget to call Calgary Atco to have a utility company come to your home and mark off any underground utilities. This service is typically free. Disposal costs will also vary depending on your local concrete disposal services around Calgary.


FAQ About Concrete Removal

1. Do you need a permit to remove concrete?

Permit requirements vary depending on where you live. Do your own research on permit requirements before removing your concrete. Many cities and counties require a permit for the demolition of any structure.


2. How long does it take to remove concrete?

The time it takes to remove concrete depends on the scope of the project. If you’re removing a small slab, it could take a few hours to demolish. Removing long driveway or foundation slab could last a few days — the more extensive and thicker the concrete slab, the more time-consuming the removal job.


Conclusion

Concrete can be a beautiful feature in the landscape, but when a slab’s cracks and crumbles are beyond repair, your landscape might look better without it. It’s possible to take on this home improvement project yourself, but buying all the DIY tools might prove more expensive than hiring a professional, especially if the slab to be removed is small. Remember, concrete demolition costs most homeowners $2,444 and has an average price range between $1679 and $2,848 or between $4 and $7 per square foot. Small-scale concrete removal projects average $1260, while large-scale concrete demolition averages around $7,703.


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