Concrete is tough by design. It’s meant to last, to resist time, traffic, and weather. But things get serious
when it’s time to replace a cracked driveway, remove a patio, or demolish a concrete wall, especially one reinforced with rebar. Knowing how to break concrete with rebar inside takes more than a sledgehammer and brute force. You need the right tools, techniques, and safety measures to do it right (and without wrecking your back, or your budget).
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to break concrete with rebar in various scenarios: driveways, patios, retaining walls, foundations, and slabs.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
Before you start swinging, make sure you’re geared up with the right tools:
Required Tools:
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Jackhammer (electric or pneumatic)
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Cut-off saw or angle grinder (with a diamond blade or metal cutting wheel)
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Bolt cutters or rebar cutters (for smaller jobs)
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Sledgehammer (for follow-up work)
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Pry bars and chisels
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Safety gear: gloves, goggles, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, dust mask
Optional Equipment:
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Mini excavator or skid steer (for larger areas or slab removal)
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Concrete Cutter (for clean edge cuts)
🧱 Understanding Concrete with Rebar
Rebar (short for reinforcing bar) is steel embedded in concrete to add tensile strength. When you see a
concrete slab that won’t crack under pressure, it likely has rebar inside. But when it’s time to demo, that steel can make the job harder.
What rebar does:
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Resists cracking and shifting
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Holds broken concrete together even after cracks form
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Makes removal more complex
1. Breaking Concrete Driveways & Patios
Step-by-Step:
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Mark Sections: Score the slab into manageable sections (3×3 ft is ideal) using a concrete saw. This prevents uncontrolled cracking.
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Start Jackhammering: Work from one corner. Use the jackhammer to break through the concrete along your scored lines.
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Expose the Rebar: As concrete chunks loosen, you’ll start to see rebar. Use the jackhammer to break around it.
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Cut the Rebar: Use a cut-off saw or rebar cutter to snip the rebar cleanly. For thinner bars, bolt cutters work fine.
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Remove Chunks: Pry up each section and haul it off. Concrete with rebar is heavier than it looks, so get help or equipment.
Pro Tip: For large slabs, rent a skid steer with a concrete breaker attachment. It’ll speed up the process dramatically.
2. Breaking a Concrete Wall (Interior or Retaining)
Concrete walls with rebar (especially retaining walls) require more finesse because they’re vertical and potentially load-bearing.
Step-by-Step:
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Check Structure: If it’s a retaining or load-bearing wall, consult an engineer. You don’t want a collapse.
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Score the Wall: Use an angle grinder or concrete saw to score the wall in sections.
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Start Low: Begin breaking from the base using a rotary hammer or jackhammer. Work upwards.
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Expose and Cut Rebar: Use a grinder to cut the rebar. In tight areas, rebar shears or a reciprocating saw work well.
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Pull Down Safely: Break wall sections gradually and use supports or braces if needed.
Safety Note: Walls can fall unpredictably. Clear the area, wear protection, and never stand under unsupported sections.
3. Breaking Foundations or Thick Slabs
Foundations are usually thicker (8–12 inches) and heavily reinforced.
Step-by-Step:
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Cut Perimeter: Use a concrete saw to outline the area for removal.
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Punch Through: Use a large jackhammer to punch through the slab.
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Break Into Chunks: Keep working until you expose the rebar.
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Cut and Remove: Cut the rebar and remove the broken pieces.
Tip: Foundations may be deeper than you expect. Be ready for surprises like wire mesh or double-layered rebar.
♻️ Disposal of Concrete and Rebar
Don’t just toss the rubble. Concrete can often be recycled. We can sort this out for you if you have no way of getting it to the right place.
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Concrete: Bring to a local construction recycler.
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Rebar: Separate and take to a metal scrap yard.
🧯 Safety Tips
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Dust control: Wet the concrete before cutting to reduce silica dust.
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Ventilation: For interior demo, make sure the space is ventilated or use a HEPA vacuum.
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Team up: Concrete removal is labour-intensive. Having an extra set of hands makes it faster and safer.
Final Thoughts
Breaking concrete with rebar isn’t just about muscle—it’s about method. Whether you’re tearing out an old patio or gutting a foundation, the right tools and prep work will save you time, money, and headaches.
Have a unique situation like breaking concrete stairs, pool decks, or footings? Drop a comment or reach out—concrete is tough, but with the right advice, you can be tougher.
Having said that, we really don’t recommend you doing this yourself but if you have gotten to the end of this article and still want to do it, we salute you!