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Jackhammering a small concrete pad
Posted on 9/8/26 at 1:09 pm
Posted on 9/8/26 at 1:09 pm
Anyone done this? I am demoing an old deck in my back yard, and the concrete underneath is not what I hoped. It's around 12x15 ft area and a few stairs.
Is it relatively easy for someone strong and mechanically inclined?
Is 1 day enough for the rental?
This one good enough?
Is it relatively easy for someone strong and mechanically inclined?
Is 1 day enough for the rental?
This one good enough?
Posted on 9/8/26 at 1:20 pm to RonFNSwanson
As someone who has used a jackhammer as a kid with a strong back, if it was 12x15, 1000% give me a 10-20lb sledge and a 5lb maul.
People don't realize how heavy that jackhammer is.
If you had to lift 80lbs repeatedly at waist height for three hours, your back burns like hell.
You can swing a heavy sledge through and old slab pretty easily. Start in the middle, make a grid.
People don't realize how heavy that jackhammer is.
If you had to lift 80lbs repeatedly at waist height for three hours, your back burns like hell.
You can swing a heavy sledge through and old slab pretty easily. Start in the middle, make a grid.
This post was edited on 9/8/26 at 1:21 pm
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:07 pm to X123F45
I’m gonna disagree with you there. No way I’m swinging a sledge that many times to get rid of that slab. I’ll deal with the jackhammer. No offense.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:18 pm to RonFNSwanson
I would hire someone to demo that. You might think you are in shape until you start trying to run a jackhammer. You will underestimate the time you need to rent and end up spending far more on rental than you expect.
When you finally get the slab broken up, you have got all of that bullshite to load up and haul off.
Finally, you will heed to haul in and spread dirt to re-level the yard.
When you finally get the slab broken up, you have got all of that bullshite to load up and haul off.
Finally, you will heed to haul in and spread dirt to re-level the yard.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:19 pm to RonFNSwanson
The one time I did it, it ended up being 50 x harder than I imagined. A lot depends on the concrete though.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:28 pm to RonFNSwanson
Not already mentioned, but does this slab have any reinforcing wire in it. If so, that will slow down the process with having to cut that stuff loose to remove the broken up slab.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:29 pm to RonFNSwanson
What condition is the slab? If it already cracked and not that thick, you probably could break it up with a sledgehammer and a 12 pack of beer. A teenage boy or two would also be a plus. How are you disposing of the concrete?
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:33 pm to Spankum
one vote for sledge, one vote for jackhammer, one for pay someone 
I know which one I'm not going with... paying someone is 10x the cost of a rental, so even if I split it up over 2 days, I'd come out way ahead.
I might swing a hammer on the parts that are already kinda messed up and see how that goes
I know which one I'm not going with... paying someone is 10x the cost of a rental, so even if I split it up over 2 days, I'd come out way ahead.
I might swing a hammer on the parts that are already kinda messed up and see how that goes
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:35 pm to RonFNSwanson
Rent an excavator.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 2:36 pm to LSUSports247
quote:
What condition is the slab?
It's two different sections. One looks perfect and the other has cracked due to some sinking. I'll probably try the sledgehammer on that side first.
quote:
How are you disposing of the concrete?
Not sure yet, I saw a company off the interstate the other day that said they do concrete recycling. But I haven't contacted them yet.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 3:11 pm to RonFNSwanson
quote:
I'll probably try the sledgehammer on that side first.
You will quickly move to plan b or c
Posted on 9/8/26 at 4:43 pm to RonFNSwanson
once you’re done with demo and picking up all that concrete, I’ll be back to remind you that a dude with a mini ex and breaker would have had that gone and cleaned up/regraded in a couple of hours
Posted on 9/8/26 at 5:12 pm to RonFNSwanson
Just pile some dirt over the slab or hire someone to come in and bust it up and remove it
Posted on 9/8/26 at 6:23 pm to RonFNSwanson
Grab a big hammer drill and 3/4-1” concreted bits. Hit it multiple spots in the solid portions between cracks before you grab the sledge or demo hammer. My guys (young backs) make their life easier by drilling it some.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 6:43 pm to BeerThirty
This is what I was going to recommend, go to town on it with a hammer drill then try to hammer it.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 8:04 pm to RonFNSwanson
Sledgehammer votes for the jackhammer. I use a Hilti jackhammer at work once every two weeks or so. It’s not heavy and that slab would be out in no time.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 8:13 pm to RonFNSwanson
quote:
even if I split it up over 2 days, I'd come out way ahead.
You got to factor in the Tylenol & ortho Dr. visit too now baw
This post was edited on 9/8/26 at 8:13 pm
Posted on 9/8/26 at 8:27 pm to RonFNSwanson
Someone who knows what they are doing with a sledgehammer can absolutely go to town on a slab that doesn't have reinforcement in it. If it has reinforcement in it, either hire it out or just buy a new house.
Jackhammers are good for poking holes and creating channels. If you can work from an edge then its time to swing the steel like my boi John Henry.
Jackhammers are good for poking holes and creating channels. If you can work from an edge then its time to swing the steel like my boi John Henry.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 9:03 pm to RonFNSwanson
quote:
It's two different sections. One looks perfect and the other has cracked due to some sinking. I'll probably try the sledgehammer on that side first.
Idk where you're located, but price a demo guy.
My guy is 400 to come out, but that's for his min four hours.
It is shocking what he can accomplish in four hours
The problem is yours is a ten minute job
Admittedly, jackhammers may have advanced in the last 25 years. Having said that, I'll never touch another one to find out.
Posted on 9/8/26 at 10:03 pm to X123F45
quote:
give me a 10-20lb sledge and a 5lb maul.
I’d be willing to bet you had a dull or worn bit. That makes a huge difference in difficulty.
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