
Concrete Removal & Replacement in Memphis is the most direct solution when your driveway, patio, or walkway is beyond repair. Cracked, sunken, or failing concrete surfaces are common across Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown due to the region's expansive clay soils and seasonal ground movement. Rather than patch a deteriorating slab repeatedly, a full removal and replacement gives you a fresh start with proper sub-base preparation and a finish built to last. Memphis Concrete has been removing and replacing residential concrete since 2016, handling everything from driveway tear-outs in Cordova to patio replacements in Hickory Hill. We handle the haul-away, manage local permits, and pour your new surface to Memphis building standards and ADA compliance where required. Get a free estimate by calling (901) 669-5337 or visiting our contact page.
Why Concrete Removal and Replacement Matters in Memphis
Memphis homeowners face unique concrete challenges. The region's clay-heavy soil expands and contracts with moisture changes, pushing up slabs and creating cracks that spread quickly. Once a concrete surface develops structural failure, patching and resurfacing only buy time. A full removal and replacement eliminates the problem at its root, removes unstable sub-base material, and gives you a new slab on proper compacted fill and reinforcement. This approach is especially important for driveways that bear vehicle weight and patios that settle unevenly on hillside lots common in Arlington and Lakeland.
- We haul away all old concrete debris and dispose of it responsibly at licensed facilities.
- We excavate and prepare the sub-base with proper grading and compaction to prevent future settlement.
- We pour new concrete to your chosen finish: standard broom finish, smooth trowel, or decorative options.
- We handle all local driveway and sidewalk permits, curb-cut approvals, and right-of-way compliance.
- We ensure ADA-compliant slopes and widths for commercial walkways and public-facing surfaces.
This comprehensive approach protects your investment and prevents the cycle of repeated repairs.
Key info: A driveway in Memphis that has settled 1 to 2 inches or shows active cracking across multiple slabs is a candidate for removal and replacement rather than leveling. Our ACI-certified team assesses whether your surface can be lifted or needs full replacement.
For more on repair options that might work for your slab, see our Concrete Repair & Resurfacing page.
Permitting and local code compliance are built into every project. The City of Memphis requires permits for driveway and sidewalk work in most residential zones. More information on local requirements is available through the Memphis Public Works Department.
How We Remove and Replace Concrete in Memphis
Our process is methodical and clean. We begin with an on-site inspection to assess the depth, condition, and surrounding landscape. We then mark utilities, obtain any required permits, and schedule the work. Removal starts with concrete saw-cutting to separate the slab into manageable sections, followed by jackhammer break-up and haul-away. Once the old concrete is gone, we grade and compact the sub-base, add reinforcement mesh or rebar where needed, and pour new concrete to your specifications. The entire process, from tear-out to curing, typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on surface size and weather conditions.
- We saw-cut the old concrete into sections to control dust and minimize impact on adjacent areas.
- We break up the concrete with pneumatic and electric equipment, then haul all debris away.
- We excavate and grade the sub-base, removing unstable soil and adding compacted fill as needed.
- We set up forms, install reinforcement, and pour concrete to the correct slope for drainage.
- We finish the surface to your choice of texture and allow proper curing time before opening to traffic.
Each step is performed to ACI standards and local Memphis building codes.
Local example: A 600-square-foot driveway in Germantown with 2-inch settlement and active cracking typically takes 4 to 5 days from tear-out to finish, including a 7-day cure period before vehicle traffic. We schedule work around weather and coordinate with homeowners to minimize disruption.
If you're considering whether your slab needs full replacement or just leveling, our Concrete Leveling & Slab Lifting page explains when each approach makes sense.
| Approach | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full Removal & Replacement | Complete tear-out of old concrete, sub-base preparation, and new pour with reinforcement and finish of choice. | Cracked, sunken, or structurally failed slabs; surfaces beyond repair; hillside lots with drainage issues. |
| Partial Removal & Replacement | Removal and replacement of a damaged section or zone while preserving adjacent stable concrete. | Localized failure, small cracks in one area, or staged work to spread costs over time. |
| Removal with Gravel Base | Tear-out and haul-away of concrete, leaving the area as graded and compacted sub-base without new pour. | Temporary removal, future development, or when replacement timing is uncertain or budgeted separately. |
| Removal with Recycled Aggregate Base | Old concrete is crushed on-site and reused as compacted base material for the new pour, reducing waste and cost. | Environmentally conscious projects, tight budgets, or when recycled base meets local soil and drainage requirements. |
Concrete Removal & Replacement Cost in Memphis: What to Expect
Pricing for concrete removal and replacement in Memphis starts at $7 per square foot as a baseline and typically ranges from $8 to $12 per square foot depending on several factors. A 600-square-foot driveway might run $4,200 to $7,200 for full removal and replacement with standard finish. Costs rise when the job involves difficult access, thick or reinforced concrete, poor sub-base conditions requiring extensive excavation, or decorative finishes such as stamped or polished surfaces. Proximity to structures, fencing, or landscaping can also increase labor and equipment time. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free on-site estimate from our team, which includes a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, disposal, and any permit fees.
Several factors move the price up or down from the starting point. Larger jobs often cost less per square foot due to equipment efficiency. Smaller patios or walkways may run higher per square foot because setup and teardown costs are spread across fewer square feet. If your existing sub-base is stable and well-compacted, removal and pour costs stay lower. If we find expansive clay, poor drainage, or settling soil, additional excavation and fill add to the total. Decorative finishes like stamped concrete or colored surfaces cost more than standard broom finish. Rush scheduling or work in tight urban lots in downtown Memphis or Collierville can increase labor costs. Travel is included in our pricing across Memphis and surrounding areas, with no separate mileage fees.
We recommend getting 2 to 3 estimates from licensed concrete contractors in your area to compare scope, materials, and warranty. Our full pricing overview provides more detail on service tiers and options. Call us at (901) 669-5337 for your free estimate, no obligation.
What to Look for When Hiring a Concrete Removal & Replacement Contractor Near Me in Memphis
Choosing the right contractor for concrete removal and replacement near you in Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, or surrounding areas protects your investment and ensures the work meets local codes. Start by verifying that the contractor is licensed and insured. In Tennessee, concrete work does not require a state-level trade license in all cases, but reputable contractors carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for proof of current insurance and a certificate of coverage before work begins. Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and local directories to see how past customers rate the contractor's communication, cleanup, and final quality. Ask for references from recent driveway or patio replacement jobs in your area, and follow up with 2 to 3 of them.
- Verify that the contractor holds a current general liability insurance policy and workers' compensation coverage for all crew members.
- Request and review a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, disposal, permits, and timeline clearly.
- Confirm that the contractor understands local Memphis building codes, permitting requirements, and ADA compliance for your project type.
- Ask whether the contractor has handled similar projects in your neighborhood and request contact information for recent clients.
- Understand the warranty or guarantee offered on the new concrete, including coverage for settlement, cracking, or finish defects.
- Check whether the contractor is ACI-certified or trained in concrete finishing standards, which signals professional competency.
A contractor who takes time to inspect your site, explain the process, and answer your questions is worth the conversation. If you have an HOA, confirm that the contractor is familiar with any architectural review or approval processes your community requires before work begins. For a free, no-obligation estimate from Memphis Concrete, contact us today. We are ACI-certified, fully insured, and ready to discuss your project in detail.
Concrete Removal & Replacement in Memphis: Pricing Guide
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Removal & Replacement (Driveway/Patio) | Starting at $7/sq ft | Tear-out, haul-away, sub-base prep, and new concrete pour with standard broom finish included |
| Decorative or Polished Finish | Starting at $10/sq ft | Stamped, colored, or polished concrete surfaces cost more due to specialized finishing labor and materials |
| Partial Removal & Replacement (Single Section) | Starting at $8/sq ft | Removal and replacement of a damaged section while preserving stable adjacent concrete, labor-intensive but localized |
| Complex Sub-Base Preparation (Poor Soil or Drainage) | On estimate | Extensive excavation, fill, or drainage work required when existing soil is expansive clay or poorly compacted |
| Travel & Permits | Included | No separate mileage or call-out fees across Memphis and surrounding service areas, permits handled as part of estimate |
| Free On-Site Estimate | Free | Detailed site assessment and written quote provided within 24 hours, no obligation to book work |
Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (901) 669-5337.