Concrete Removal & Demolition in Seattle
Before new concrete can go in, old concrete has to come out. Seattle Concrete handles full-service demolition and removal for driveways, patios, sidewalks, foundations, slabs, and retaining walls across King and Snohomish counties. We break, haul, and dispose - most concrete is recycled at local aggregate facilities, reducing landfill waste.
Demo process and equipment
We start with a site assessment to plan equipment access, identify utilities (we coordinate with Washington 811 for locating), and determine whether the slab has reinforcement that affects cutting and removal strategy. Depending on site access, we use jackhammers, electric demolition hammers, skid steers, or compact equipment for confined backyards. Concrete is broken into manageable pieces, loaded, and hauled in a single visit for most residential projects.
Concrete removal cost in Seattle
| Surface type | Typical cost (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard slab (4 inch, no rebar) | $3–$6 | Driveway, patio, sidewalk |
| Reinforced slab (rebar or mesh) | $5–$9 | Rebar adds cutting and separation time |
| Thick commercial slab (6–8 inch) | $7–$12 | More volume, heavier equipment needed |
| Partial removal / saw-cut | $8–$15 | Per sq ft; precision cut to match edges |
Hauling and disposal are included in our quotes. We provide a fixed-price estimate after an on-site visit — no surprises when the truck shows up.
Site access and equipment selection
Equipment access drives both cost and timeline. An open driveway with curb access removes in a fraction of the time of a confined backyard slab behind a 30-inch gate. We bring three classes of equipment depending on what the site supports: full-size skid steers with hydraulic breakers for open-access work, compact tracked loaders for medium-access yards (most Seattle residential lots), and electric handheld demolition hammers with hand-load wheelbarrows for tight access where no machinery fits. The right tool for a 40-by-12 driveway is the wrong tool for a 200-square-foot patio behind a Capitol Hill row house — we walk the site before quoting so the equipment plan is realistic.
Recycling and disposal in Seattle
Broken concrete is one of the most readily recycled construction materials. We haul to Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel, Cadman, or other local aggregate facilities depending on project location, where the material is crushed and reused as base for new construction. Hauling and disposal are bundled into our quotes; there are no separate dump fees on the final invoice. Concrete with embedded rebar takes slightly more handling at the disposal facility but is still recyclable. The only situations that meaningfully increase disposal cost are slabs with lead-based paint, asbestos floor tile bonded to the concrete, or unknown chemical contamination — we identify these on the site walk before quoting.
Permits and utility coordination
Private-property concrete removal generally does not require a permit in Seattle. Right-of-way work — public sidewalks, curb cuts, driveway approaches in the SDOT ROW — requires a Street Use permit, which we file as part of the scope. Before any demolition that involves excavation below grade or near utilities, we coordinate locates through Washington 811 (free service, two-business-day notice). For projects on older Seattle lots with abandoned utility lines, septic systems, or oil tanks, we recommend a utility-locator survey before the demo bid is final — surprises mid-demolition are expensive to resolve.
Frequently asked questions
What concrete removal services do you offer in Seattle?
Driveways, patios, sidewalks, foundations, slabs, retaining walls, and partial removals where new work meets existing concrete.
Do you haul the concrete away?
Yes — disposal and hauling are included. Most concrete is recycled at local Seattle aggregate facilities.
How much does concrete removal cost?
Cost depends on thickness, reinforcement (rebar/mesh), access for equipment, and disposal volume. We provide a fixed-price estimate after an on-site visit.
Can you remove concrete in tight backyard access situations?
Yes — we use compact equipment and can hand-break sections where heavy equipment can't reach.
Do you handle the permits for concrete removal?
Most private-property removals don't require a permit. Work in the right-of-way or that affects drainage or utilities may. We confirm requirements before starting.
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