INSIDE : Tackling a concrete slab? Learn how easy is removing a concrete patio by hand using only a sledgehammer and crowbar. It’s budget-friendly and easier than renting a heavy jackhammer!

Removing a concrete patio by hand using a sledgehammer and crowbar

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This post has been updated since it’s original publish date of July 2023.

This is the summer we turned our concrete and rock backyard into a lovely oasis that we actually want to spend time in! I’m not sure why we waited until it was over 100’F here in New Mexico to tackle this project, but what can you do – ha.

The BEFORE

Here is the before. We have all these odd shaped concrete pads, a pine that constantly leaves sap and pine needles for us to step on and lots of gravel rock that basically grows weeds.

Call me crazy, but I wanted a just a small section of grass to help soften the space. A place for my kids and dog to run around a bit.

With the right tools and a little elbow grease, you can actually remove a concrete slab patio without major power tools. We spent two days working on removing ours, but if you started early in the day – it could totally be done in a single day depending on how big your slab is.

You can see the entire backyard timeline here…

–Simple Outdoor Stone Wall Repair
–How to Cut Patio Concrete
–Removing a Concrete Patio by Hand
–Prepping Soil for Sod
–Installing a Small Turf Irrigation System
–How to Install Sod
-Installing Bistro Lights in your Backyard

Negatives of using a jack hammer to remove a concrete patio

We debated renting a jack hammer to remove our concrete, but ultimately decided against it because mainly jackhammers can weigh up to 90 pounds, which is quite heavy to use and maneuver around our little patio area. A jack hammer just seemed like overkill for our space.

In the end we bought a 20 lbs sledgehammer, which we could both lift (it was a bit harder for me, I’ll be honest), swing and found it to be highly effective. Unless your patio has rebar in it, I would recommend this method for most residential concrete removal projects.

Cost to remove concrete patio by hand

Removing a concrete slab yourself is an affordable alternative to hiring a company to come and do it. Contractors can change from $500 to $5,000 for concrete removal. And we found you can’t take concrete to the dump, so there is an extra fee for disposal of concrete.

The cost of the supplies needed to remove concrete yourself is significantly cheaper. Depending on which items you may already own, it could be less than $200.

Supplies needed to remove a concrete patio

Heavy duty sledgehammer
Crowbar
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Bucket
Work Gloves
Safety glasses (I also own these cute ones)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Break Up Concrete by Hand

As I mentioned in my how to cut patio concrete post, we used a walk behind concrete saw. So the concrete was “cut” but the pieces were still roughly 4′ x 10′ long.

The next step was to actually break those larger pieces into smaller manageable chunks that we could then lift and remove.

Cover the Surrounding Area Before Removing the Concrete Slab

Before you start removing your concrete, it’s important to protect any surrounding outdoor furniture, rugs, delicate plants and even other concrete that you plan to keep.

We covered our outdoor furniture with these covers and rolled up our outdoor rugs, to set to the side. Drop clothes work well also for covering and protecting your nearby area.

Use a Sledgehammer to break up the Concrete Slab

If you already have cracks in your concrete, those are a great place to start using a sledgehammer. If there are no cracks yet, start in a corner and give your concrete a few good hits to get things going. You should start to see cracks begin to form soon.

Using a 20 lb sledgehammer to break a small concrete patio slab in the backyard — *Sledgehammer*

Interested in learning more about the Best Beginner DIY Tools?  Check out this post!

Keep using the sledgehammer to break apart pieces of concrete and ideally make more cracks.

Please note, when using a sledgehammer, let it fall onto the concrete patio naturally. If you swing it down, there is chance of getting hurt. Simply lift the sledgehammer and let gravity do the work for you.

Sledgehammer to break a small concrete patio slab in the backyard — *Sledgehammer*

Begin Prying up the Concrete Slab

Once you begin to see cracks form in your concrete, it’s time to start using the crowbar. Wiggle the end of your bar under the concrete near a crack and place a large concrete chunk, large rock or even a piece of wood to create a lever.

Crowbar lifting concrete in backyard patio — *Crowbar*

Creating an air gap under your slab, is WILDLY helpful during the sledgehammer cracking and removal steps. Even digging out just a tiny gap under your concrete helps.

You can see I kept a chunk of concrete to use below for my lever.

Using concrete chunk to help create a level with crowbar

Concrete Debris Disposal and Removal

As you continue with this process, you will quickly see that there is a lot of rubble, concrete chunks, dust and debris that accumulates.

There may also be mesh or even rebar in your concrete, which you will need to cut as you go.

As you work, it’s easiest if you make piles to be picked up later – whether that’s on the ground, in a wheelbarrow or buckets or even the flat bed of a truck.

We threw the larger pieces of broken up concrete behind our backyard wall and eventually hired someone to come and haul it away for us. Concrete can not be disposed of in the normal dump, so this is something to take into consideration during this project.

Once the larger concrete pieces have been removed, use a metal rake and go over all exposed dirt to pick up any remaining pieces.

Essential Safety Tips for Manual Concrete Removal

I can not stress this tip enough, you MUST wear eye protection. When using the sledgehammer and pry bar, concrete and dust even can easily fly into the air – protect those eyes.
Before starting this project, do a little investigative digging to see the depth of your concrete. If your concrete patio or sidewalk is roughly 4″ or less, breaking up the concrete by hand should be fairly easy. If it is thicker than 4″ it will be doable, but more difficult.
Sprinkle water on the concrete to reduce dust and make it easier to break.
Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear. Having the proper footwear will provide stability and prevent slipping.
Work in a well-ventilated area. If working indoors, ensure adequate ventilation to clear dust and fumes.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If the task seems too daunting or you lack the necessary tools or experience, consider renting a jackhammer or hiring a professional concrete removal service.
Removing a concrete patio by hand is hard and tiring work. Make sure to have the appropriate protection and keep well hydrated!

Remove a Concrete Slab by Hand with no Jackhammer

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 1 hour

Active Time: 6 hours

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated Cost: $200

Tackling a concrete slab? Learn how easy is removing a concrete patio by hand using only a sledgehammer and crowbar. It’s budget-friendly and easier than renting a heavy jackhammer!

Materials

Tools

Sledgehammer
Crowbar
Shovel
Bucket
Work Gloves
Safety Glasses

Instructions

We used a walk behind concrete saw to cut the concrete. It was in pieces still roughly 4′ x 10′ long.
The next step was to actually break those larger pieces into smaller manageable chunks that we could then lift and remove.
We covered our outdoor furniture and rolled up our outdoor rugs, to set to the side because things are about to get very dusty. Drop clothes work well also for covering and protecting your nearby area.
If you already have cracks in your concrete, those are a great place to start using a sledgehammer. If there are no cracks yet, start in a corner and give your concrete a few good hits to get things going. You should start to see cracks begin to form soon.
Once you begin to see cracks form in your concrete, it’s time to start using the crowbar. Wiggle the end of your bar under the concrete near a crack and place a large concrete chunk, large rock or even a piece of wood to create a lever.
Creating an air gap under your slab, is WILDLY helpful during the sledgehammer cracking and removal steps. Even digging out just a tiny gap under your concrete helps. I kept a chunk of concrete to use for my lever.
As you work, it’s easiest if you make piles to be picked up later – whether that’s on the ground, in a wheelbarrow or buckets or even the flat bed of a truck.
We threw the larger pieces of broken up concrete behind our backyard wall and eventually hired someone to come and haul it away for us. Please remember, concrete can not be disposed of in the normal dump, so this is something to take into consideration during this project.
Once the concrete pieces have been removed, use a metal rake and go over all exposed dirt to pick up any remaining pieces.

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3 Comments

Ryanco Concrete Construction says:

at

Removing a concrete patio by hand is a labor-intensive but rewarding project. We tackled our oddly shaped concrete pads and transformed our backyard into a lovely oasis. Using a 20 lbs sledgehammer, crowbar, and other basic tools, we broke the concrete into manageable pieces. It’s more affordable than hiring a contractor and can be done in a day with determination. Protect surrounding areas, start at existing cracks, and enjoy the satisfaction of your hard work!

Concrete Patio Lawrenceville says:

at

If you’re considering this project, ensure you have access to the necessary tools, understand the proper mixing and pouring techniques, and prioritize safety throughout the process.

Concrete Patio Lawrenceville says:

at

For those who are up for the challenge, however, building a concrete patio by hand can be a cost-effective way to create a beautiful and functional outdoor extension of your living space.