Removing concrete is a common task during renovations, landscaping, and demolition projects but how much does it cost? Whether you’re getting rid of an old driveway, patio, slab, or even a concrete wall, the total cost depends on several key factors, including the type of concrete, thickness, access to the site, and disposal fees.

In Australia, the cost to remove concrete generally ranges from $50 to $150 per square metre. However, this is a ballpark figure. The final price can vary based on the size of the job and specific site conditions.

Let’s take a closer look at what affects the cost and what’s typically included in a quote.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Concrete Removal

1. Thickness of the Concrete

One of the biggest factors in pricing is the thickness of the concrete. A standard residential slab might be 100mm thick, but driveways and commercial slabs can be much thicker. Thicker concrete requires more time, heavier machinery, and more effort to break up and remove.

• Light concrete (under 100mm): Easier to remove, often on the lower end of the price range
• Heavy duty slabs (over 150mm): More labour intensive and may push the cost higher

2. Reinforced vs. Unreinforced Concrete

If the concrete has steel reinforcement (rebar or mesh), it’s more difficult to break up and separate from the debris. Cutting through steel adds to labour time and may require specific tools like saws or hydraulic shears.

Reinforced concrete almost always costs more to remove than plain (unreinforced) concrete.

3. Access to the Site

Is your slab tucked away in a backyard with narrow side access? Or is it at the front of the house with clear access for machinery?

Sites with limited access often require more manual labour or smaller machines, which slows things down and increases labour costs. If a bobcat or excavator can’t get to the area easily, expect a higher quote.

4. Location and Travel

Costs can vary depending on where you live. In metro areas, pricing may be higher due to disposal fees, traffic delays, or labour rates. Regional areas may have lower labour costs but could incur travel charges depending on how remote the job site is.

What’s Usually Included in the Cost?

When hiring a professional team, the quoted price per square metre should cover more than just breaking up the concrete. A proper concrete removal service will usually include:

• Labour to break up the slab
• Equipment hires (e.g., jackhammers, excavators, bobcats)
• Loading and removal of rubble
• Tipping and disposal fees
• Site clean up

Some operators may itemise these costs, while others offer a flat rate per square metre that includes everything.

Average Prices by Job Type

Here’s a rough guide to average per square metre pricing for concrete removal in Australia:

Type of Work	Average Price (AUD/m²)
Plain concrete (100mm thick)	$50–$70
Reinforced concrete	$70–$100
Driveway or path removal	$60–$90
Thick slab or footing removal	$90–$150
Concrete with difficult access	$100+

Always get a personalised quote based on your specific site and slab.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

It might be tempting to break up concrete yourself using a hired jackhammer or sledgehammer. For small slabs, that can work but it’s hard, noisy, dusty work. Plus, you’ll still need to dispose of the concrete, which often requires a trailer, tipping fees, and a waste facility that accepts construction debris.

Hiring a team that offers complete concrete removal services not only saves you time and effort, but also ensures the job is done safely and efficiently especially if the slab is near pipes, foundations, or other sensitive structures.

Working with professionals also gives you the benefit of proper disposal, recycling options, and potential cost savings through bundled services like demolition and site preparation.

Many professional teams, including demolition services providers, offer concrete removal as part of larger works, meaning it may be more cost effective when bundled with strip outs or full site clearing.

How to Get an Accurate Quote?

To get a precise cost for your project, it’s best to request a site visit or provide the following info:

• Total area (in square metres)
• Thickness of the slab
• Whether the slab is reinforced
• Access conditions (e.g., gate width, obstacles)
• Whether the site needs levelling or backfilling after removal

Most contractors will provide a free quote and may offer volume discounts if you’re removing a large area.

Final Thoughts

Concrete removal costs can vary widely, but understanding what goes into the pricing helps you plan and avoid surprises. While $50–$150 per square metre is a general guide, factors like thickness, reinforcement, and access play a big role in determining the final quote.

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a local expert who specialises in residential or commercial demolition and concrete removal. They can assess your site and offer a clear, all-inclusive quote that covers everything from break up to clean up.

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