How to Break Up a Basement Floor

If you want to replace your basement floor, you must remove the old one. Basement floors usually are concrete, so you should plan for this. If you don't want to rent or use a large, possibly dangerous pavement breaker, you can break the floor by hand. This is substantially more time-consuming and labor-intensive.

• 1

  Dress in reasonably tight, comfortable clothing with steel-capped boots. This is important because you don't want to get clothing caught in anything, nor do you want to drop concrete on unprotected toes. You also should always wear a hard hat. Concrete is not soft, and it can easily become airborne while you're breaking it.

• 2

  Contact your local government authority to determine whether you may remove your concrete. You need to know what special rules apply and whether you require a permit. You have another choice: hire a knowledgeable professional contractor.

• 3

  Use a concrete crusher if you feel confident. Start in a corner and work your way out, making sure you don't trap yourself.

• 4

  Remove pieces by hand with a crowbar. Make sure you use the crowbar correctly. Use it for leverage, not for hitting. Given the choice to hit a piece of concrete or pry it, go for prying every time.