How Much Does Concrete Removal and a New Slab Cost in Australia?
By PumpX Team ·
Pulling up an old slab and putting in a new one is really two jobs: demolition and disposal, then base preparation and pouring. Price them separately and you will understand quotes much better. We have not seen the thread's details, so these are general figures from published Australian guides, not a quote.
Indicative removal costs
Several 2026 Australian cost guides, mostly from publishers that also market trade services, suggest:
- Concrete removal commonly A$50 to A$150 per square metre.
- Reinforced driveway removal often about A$100 to A$120 per square metre.
The big drivers are thickness, reinforcement, access for machinery, how far it has to be carted and tip fees. Removal by jackhammer and wheelbarrow in a tight backyard costs more than a small excavator working from the street.
Indicative replacement costs
For the new slab, published guides put plain shed slabs around A$70 to A$105 per square metre and plain driveways and paths around A$85 to A$130, with decorative finishes costing more. See our shed slab and driveway cost articles for more detail. Add the removal figure to get a rough combined range, then adjust for your site.
| Example (illustrative only) | Removal | New plain slab | Combined range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 sqm patio | A$50 to A$150 per sqm | A$85 to A$130 per sqm | roughly A$2,700 to A$5,600 |
| 40 sqm driveway | A$100 to A$120 per sqm if reinforced | A$85 to A$130 per sqm | roughly A$7,400 to A$10,000 |
These are arithmetic from the quoted ranges, not market quotes. Real prices depend on your city, site and contractor.
What changes the price
- Thickness and steel. Thick reinforced slabs take more effort to break, load and dispose of.
- Access. Can a machine reach, or is it all by hand? Can a skip bin or truck park close?
- Disposal. Concrete must go to a licensed facility, and tip fees vary. Some recyclers take clean concrete at lower rates. Ask where yours will go.
- Base condition. Removing old concrete often exposes poor base or tree roots. Allow for repairs.
- Services. Pipes, cables and drains under or near the slab need care and sometimes locating before work.
- Asbestos or contamination. Rare in slabs themselves but possible with old sheeting or fill around older properties. A competent contractor should flag it, and you should follow state rules if suspected.
- Pump or barrow for the new pour. If the truck cannot reach, see what's included in pump hire.
Questions to ask contractors
- Is removal, disposal and new slab all in the one price, and itemised?
- What happens if we find a problem under the old slab?
- What base material, thickness and reinforcement will you use?
- Who arranges permits and utility location?
- How long will access be blocked?
- What is the payment schedule and warranty?
Save money legitimately
- Do the easy preparation yourself, such as clearing pots, furniture and plants, but only if agreed with the contractor.
- Combine removal and replacement into a single job to avoid double mobilisation fees.
- Get multiple quotes. One guide reported three concreters pricing the same 60 sqm driveway at A$5,200, A$5,900 and A$7,400.
- Avoid peak season if you can be flexible.
Be wary of very cheap quotes that skip base preparation, steel or proper disposal. Our guide to reading a quote helps you compare apples with apples.
Do it yourself?
Breaking up concrete is heavy, dusty and dangerous. Silica dust is a real health hazard when cutting or breaking concrete, so use appropriate protection and wet methods, and follow your state's guidance. For a big area, hire a professional.
Reusing or recycling the old concrete
Some contractors crush clean concrete on site or take it to a recycler, which can reduce tip fees and give you base material in some cases. Ask whether this is an option and whether the recycled material is suitable for your base. Not all broken concrete is suitable for reuse, particularly if it contains steel, contamination or organic material, and the contractor should be able to explain what applies to your job.
Timing the two jobs
Demolition and pouring do not have to happen on the same day, but a short gap is better because exposed ground gets muddy in rain. Ask for a clear schedule, including curing time before you drive or load the new slab, and what happens if weather delays the pour.
Key takeaways
- Treat removal and replacement as two priced jobs and combine them for the total.
- Published guides suggest removal of roughly A$50 to A$150 per square metre and new plain slabs of roughly A$70 to A$130.
- Access, thickness, steel, disposal and hidden base problems drive variation.
- Ask for itemised written quotes and compare the same scope.
- Figures are indicative only. Prices vary by region and time.
Need a pump or a concreter for the new pour? Browse /services and the rate calculator on PumpX.
Original question on Reddit: r/AusRenovation: Concrete removal and new slab costs