Concrete Removal Cost Brisbane 2026: What to Expect

Removing old, damaged, or unwanted concrete is often the first step before a new driveway, patio, or slab can be poured. Whether you are replacing a cracked driveway, clearing a backyard for a renovation, or demolishing an old shed slab, understanding the costs involved will help you budget accurately.

At Concrete Concepts Group, we handle both concrete removal and new pours across Brisbane, giving homeowners a seamless experience from demolition to finished product.

Average Concrete Removal Costs in Brisbane

For 2026, concrete removal in Brisbane typically costs between $50 and $120 per square metre, depending on the thickness of the concrete, site access, reinforcement type, and disposal requirements.

Concrete Type	Cost per sqm	Notes
Plain concrete (100mm)	$50 – $70	Standard unreinforced slabs
Reinforced concrete (100mm)	$70 – $90	Steel mesh adds cutting time
Thick slab (150mm+)	$90 – $120	House slabs, commercial
Exposed aggregate	$60 – $85	Similar to plain but harder surface

Additional Costs to Consider

Skip bin hire is usually required for concrete disposal. A 4-cubic-metre skip bin (suitable for about 15–20sqm of 100mm concrete) costs $350–$500 in Brisbane. Many tips also accept clean concrete for recycling at $15–25 per tonne.

Bobcat or excavator hire may be needed for large areas. A mini excavator with a hydraulic breaker costs approximately $300–$500 per day including the operator.

Asbestos testing is recommended for concrete structures built before 1990, as some older formulations contained asbestos fibres. Testing costs $30–50 per sample, but asbestos removal is significantly more expensive and requires a licensed removalist.

When Should You Remove Old Concrete?

Not every damaged slab needs full removal. Here are the scenarios where removal is the right call:

Remove when:

• Cracks are structural (wide, deep, or spreading)
• The slab has sunk or heaved significantly
• You are changing the layout or size of the area
• The concrete is severely spalled or deteriorated
• You need to access underground plumbing or drainage

Consider resurfacing instead when:

• Surface damage is cosmetic only
• The slab is structurally sound and level
• You want to change the finish (e.g., add exposed aggregate)
• Budget is limited and the base is solid

The Removal Process

A typical concrete removal job follows these steps:

1. Assessment — We inspect the concrete to determine thickness, reinforcement, and any underground services
2. Saw cutting — Perimeter cuts are made to create clean edges and prevent damage to adjacent areas
3. Breaking — Hydraulic breakers or jackhammers break the concrete into manageable pieces
4. Steel cutting — Any reinforcement mesh or rebar is cut with angle grinders
5. Loading and disposal — Broken concrete is loaded into skip bins or trucks for recycling
6. Site preparation — The exposed ground is levelled and compacted, ready for the new pour

Save Money: Bundle Removal with Your New Pour

The most cost-effective approach is to have the same contractor handle both the removal and the new concrete work. At Concrete Concepts Group, we offer bundled pricing that typically saves 10–15% compared to hiring separate demolition and concreting contractors.

As a QBCC Licensed contractor (Licence #15299707), we ensure all removal work is done safely, with proper disposal of waste materials and protection of surrounding structures.

Get a Free Quote

Planning to replace old concrete in Brisbane? Call us on 0424 463 268 or request a free quote online. We will assess your site, provide a transparent fixed-price quote covering both removal and new concrete, and schedule the work at a time that suits you.

Related guides:

• Concrete Driveway Cost Brisbane: Price Guide
• Concrete Resurfacing vs Replacement Brisbane
• Signs Your Concrete Driveway Needs Replacing