Concrete Removal Cost Per Square Foot in San Diego (2026 Guide)
Whether you are replacing an old driveway, removing a cracked patio, tearing out a pool deck, or clearing a concrete slab for new construction, understanding the cost per square foot helps you budget accurately. This guide from Demo Diego provides detailed pricing for concrete removal in San Diego based on real project data from across the county.
Average Concrete Removal Cost Per Square Foot in San Diego
The average cost of concrete removal in San Diego ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot, with most residential projects falling between $3 and $5 per square foot. This price typically includes breaking the concrete, loading the debris, hauling it to a recycling facility, and basic site cleanup. The wide range reflects differences in concrete thickness, reinforcement, accessibility, and total project size.
For small projects under 100 square feet, you may encounter a minimum charge of $500 to $1,000 regardless of the per-square-foot rate, because the mobilization of equipment and crew has a baseline cost. Larger projects tend to have a lower per-square-foot cost because the fixed costs are spread over more area. A 1,000 square foot driveway removal, for example, will likely cost less per square foot than removing a 100 square foot sidewalk section.
Disposal and recycling is included in most professional quotes. In San Diego, concrete is one of the most commonly recycled construction materials. Broken concrete is taken to recycling facilities where it is crushed into aggregate used for road base, fill material, and new concrete production. This keeps thousands of tons of material out of San Diego County landfills each year.
Concrete Removal Pricing by Project Type
| Project Type | Typical Size | Cost Per Sq Ft | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway Removal | 400 – 800 sq ft | $3 – $5 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Patio Removal | 200 – 600 sq ft | $3 – $5 | $600 – $3,000 |
| Sidewalk Section | 50 – 200 sq ft | $4 – $6 | $500 – $1,200 |
| Pool Deck Removal | 300 – 800 sq ft | $3 – $5 | $900 – $4,000 |
| Garage Slab Removal | 200 – 500 sq ft | $3 – $6 | $600 – $3,000 |
| Foundation Removal | Varies | $5 – $10+ | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
| Retaining Wall Demo | Varies (linear ft) | $15 – $40/linear ft | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
Factors That Affect Concrete Removal Cost in San Diego
Concrete Thickness
Standard residential concrete is four inches thick. Driveways designed for heavy vehicles may be six inches or more. Commercial and industrial slabs can reach eight to twelve inches. Thicker concrete takes more time and energy to break, requires heavier equipment, and produces more debris to haul. Expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more for six-inch concrete compared to four-inch.
Reinforcement (Rebar and Wire Mesh)
Concrete reinforced with rebar (steel reinforcing bars) is significantly harder to break and remove than plain or wire-mesh-reinforced concrete. The rebar must be cut as the concrete is broken, which slows the process and increases labor costs. Heavily reinforced commercial and structural slabs can cost 30 to 50 percent more per square foot than unreinforced residential concrete.
Site Accessibility
If heavy equipment like a skid steer or mini excavator can access the concrete directly, the job goes quickly and costs less. Many San Diego properties, especially in older neighborhoods like Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and North Park, have narrow side yards, gates, or fenced backyards that limit equipment access. In these cases, concrete may need to be broken by hand with jackhammers and carried out in wheelbarrows, which adds labor time and cost.
Proximity to Structures
Concrete adjacent to a house foundation, retaining wall, or other structure must be removed carefully to avoid damaging the adjacent element. Saw-cutting the perimeter and using controlled breaking techniques takes more time than open-area demolition. This precision work can add $1 to $2 per square foot to the cost.
Underground Utilities
San Diego properties often have water, sewer, gas, and electrical lines running beneath concrete slabs and driveways. Before breaking concrete, utility locating (DigAlert/811) must be completed. If utilities run through the removal area, additional care is required to avoid hitting them, which slows the work and adds cost.
Haul-Off Distance and Disposal
In San Diego, most concrete goes to recycling facilities in the Miramar area or other locations around the county. If your property is in a distant part of the county like Fallbrook, Ramona, or Borrego Springs, the additional drive time may slightly increase the haul-off cost. For most urban and suburban San Diego locations, disposal is included in the standard per-square-foot price.
The Concrete Removal Process
- 1.Assessment and Quote: We evaluate the concrete area, measure the square footage, check the thickness and reinforcement, identify any utilities, and assess equipment access. You receive a written quote with no hidden fees.
- 2.Utility Marking: Before any breaking begins, we call DigAlert (811) to have underground utilities marked. This is a free service and is required by California law before any excavation or concrete breaking.
- 3.Saw Cutting (if needed): For areas adjacent to structures or where a clean edge is required, a concrete saw creates a precise cut line before breaking begins. This prevents cracking from extending into areas you want to keep.
- 4.Breaking: Using hydraulic breakers on an excavator or skid steer, the concrete is broken into manageable pieces. For areas without equipment access, electric or pneumatic jackhammers are used. Rebar is cut with torches or reciprocating saws as it is exposed.
- 5.Loading and Hauling: Broken concrete is loaded into dump trucks or trailers and hauled to a recycling facility. Demo Diego recycles all concrete whenever possible, keeping it out of San Diego landfills.
- 6.Site Cleanup and Grading: The exposed ground is raked smooth and graded to match the surrounding terrain. If you are replacing the concrete with new pavement, landscaping, or a structure, the site is prepped to your contractor's specifications.
Visit our concrete removal service page for more information on what Demo Diego offers.
Common Concrete Removal Projects in San Diego
Driveway Replacement
Cracked, heaving, or stained driveways are one of the most common concrete removal projects in San Diego. Sun exposure, tree roots, and soil movement cause concrete driveways to deteriorate over time. A typical two-car driveway (500 to 700 square feet) costs $1,500 to $3,500 to remove in San Diego. Many homeowners in neighborhoods like Point Loma, Bay Park, and La Mesa are replacing concrete driveways with permeable pavers or stamped concrete for improved aesthetics and drainage.
Patio and Pool Deck Demo
Removing an old concrete patio or pool deck is often part of a larger backyard renovation or pool demolition project. Patios and pool decks are typically four inches thick and may have decorative coatings or tile over the concrete. The coating does not significantly affect the removal cost but may add a small amount to disposal fees if the material is not recyclable.
Garage Slab for ADU Construction
As mentioned in our garage demolition for ADU guide, removing the garage slab may or may not be necessary depending on the ADU design. If removal is needed, a typical garage slab (200 to 400 square feet, four to six inches thick) costs $600 to $2,400 to remove. Keeping the slab saves this cost and can serve as a sub-base for the new ADU foundation.
Get a Free Concrete Removal Estimate
Demo Diego provides fast, accurate quotes for concrete removal anywhere in San Diego County. Call us today or request a free estimate online. We handle driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, and any concrete structure.
Call 760-860-8080Learn more about our Concrete Removal Services or contact us online. Back to the Demo Diego Blog.