Ripping out your old concrete patio to replace it with attractive paver stones doesn't necessarily require professional help. You may be able to do it for yourself if you are relatively confident with power tools and home projects. The following guide will help you choose the most necessary tools to complete the process.
Choose your primary demolition method
Old patio slabs can vary in depth and strength, depending on their age and the aggregate materials in the concrete. Before rushing out to rent equipment, take a few solid whacks at the concrete with a sledgehammer. If the slab breaks without too much difficulty, you may be able to skip the jackhammer and do it with brute strength.
On the other hand, sturdy slabs that are hard to crack are much easier to remove with the help of an electric jackhammer. You can rent these smaller jackhammers at most construction rental stores, and they are appropriately sized for small projects. They aren't as large or powerful as pneumatic jackhammers, which make them easier to control for the novice homeowner. Make sure the rental company walks you through basic safety and usage for the model before you take it home.
Consider a concrete saw
In some cases, you may need to leave some of the concrete in place and undamaged, such as if the patio joins with a sidewalk that you intend to leave as-is. You don't want to use a jackhammer or sledgehammer too near the concrete surface you plan to save. Instead, rent a concrete saw. This power saw hooks up to a hose and pumps water over the surface as you cut, which keeps down dust and prevents the concrete from overheating and crumbling under the friction of the masonry cutting blade.
Don't forget the small stuff
As you work, you may find yourself in need of a few more tools. Pry bars are helpful for levering the broken up slabs out of the ground, for example. A mattock is also helpful for prying up slab chunks. One end is pointed so you can drive it into a concrete crack to lift up and separate a chunk. If the concrete has reinforcing wire in it, you will also need bolt cutters to cut apart the chunks as you break up the slab.
Look into haul-away help
It's no secret concrete is heavy – chances are your usual wheelbarrow won't be up to the challenge. Fortunately, you can rent a powered wheelbarrow to move big loads. This is helpful if your patio is located in an area where you can't simply back a truck up to it for loading the old slabs. Simply turn on the engine and use the hand controls on the wheelbarrow to drive through the back gate and to the patio. The engine does all the heavy hauling, so all you need to do is load it.
Contact a construction rental store (such as LAX Equipment Rental) in your area to find all the patio removal tools that you need.
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