How to Remove a Concrete Walkway

Concrete is a generally solid material that usually outlasts most other materials used for walkways; however, for a number of reasons ranging from incorrect installation to extreme weather, even durable concrete can deteriorate over time. Whether you need to remove a concrete walkway because of deterioration or remodeling, advances of construction tool technology have made concrete removal a relatively straightforward task.

Things You'll Need

• Jackhammer
• Sledge hammer
• Angle grinder with abrasive cutting wheel
• Wheel barrow
• Eye protection
• Ear plugs

Instructions

1. Put on eye protection and ear plugs before beginning work.

2. Starting at one end of the walkway, firmly hold the jackhammer with the chisel to the concrete and activate the jackhammer's motor to begin chipping and breaking it apart. Work your way to the opposite end of the walkway. This will separate the concrete walkway into large chunks.

3. Cut any steel rebar connecting the chunks of concrete using the angle grinder and abrasive blade. Hold the angle grinder in the "ON" position and carefully cut the rebar between the concrete chunks. (Rebar is often used in concrete walkways for reinforcement, and can make disposal difficult if not cut.)

4. Use the sledge hammer to break apart any pieces of concrete that may be too heavy to lift.

5. Load the concrete chunks into the wheel barrow to transport to a dumpster or truck, or create a waste pile if you are not planning on transporting the concrete right away.

6. Call your city refuse center for concrete dumping information, directions and costs if you are disposing of the concrete yourself; otherwise, contact a waste disposal service to pick up the concrete from the walkway location.

References

• "Working with Concrete"; Rick Arnold; 2003