How to Remove Pavers: Step-by-Step Guide

Do yourself a favor—remove that paver

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C.E. Larusso
Written by C.E. Larusso
Contributing Writer
Updated Mar 6, 2026
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
$10–$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Wire cutters
  • Chisel (for broken pavers)
  • Hammer (for broken pavers)
SUPPLIES
  • Wire hangers

With proper care and maintenance, pavers can last 25 years or more—making them an excellent and versatile option for patios and walkways. However, over time, individual pavers may crack, shift, or degrade and need replacing. Fortunately, replacing a paver is a simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few hours, using items you likely already have at home. Read on to learn how to replace pavers and keep your patio looking its best.

  1. Make a Paver Puller

    Using tool to clean pavers
    Photo: Maryana Serdynska / iStock / Getty Images

    While you could buy a paver puller at a hardware store, you likely already have the materials necessary to make one yourself. Using wire cutters, cut two 8-inch pieces from a wire clothing hanger. With pliers, bend a 1-inch-long section 90 degrees on the ends of each cut piece of wire. Do the same on the other ends, with the bent section pointing away from the middle section—this should create two “handles” on your wire piece.

  2. Loosen the Paver

    Loosening the paver from its position will help you to lift it easily. Using a pry bar or flat shovel, gently disconnect the paver from the adjacent ones. Do this on all sides of the paver until there is a small gap.

  3. Lift the Paver

    Pave a sidewalk with precast pavers
    Photo: Im Yeongsik / iStock / Getty Images

    Slide one end of the wire “handles” into the sand alongside the loosened paver. Twist the handles underneath the paver while holding the handles on the other end. Pull up with even strength on the handles to lift the paver away from its setting. If the paver doesn’t lift easily, gently work around the edges to loosen it further—do not attempt to force it out of its position.

  4. Continue with Adjoining Pavers

    If your pavers are set in rows, start working to remove other pavers row by row. If your pavers are set in a circular fashion, you should work inward-out.

Removing Damaged Pavers

If you need to remove cracked or otherwise damaged pavers, you should start by breaking them into smaller pieces—a chisel and hammer can help you do this. Once the paver is broken up, you should then remove the small pieces individually, being careful not to damage any adjacent pavers. Before replacing the broken paver with a new one, clean out any remaining debris.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

If your goal is to remove and replace a paver, you can save some money on labor and tackle this project yourself—the cost for patio repair, including paver replacement, can be $35 per hour, not including supplies and the cost of the new paver. 

That said, a local concrete patio company can help check your patio for any structural damage that might be contributing to cracked or broken pavers, and ensure that the placement of a new paver is done to guarantee stability and longevity. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you wish to break up a cracked or broken paver for removal, you can use a hammer or mallet and a chisel to fragment the paver. As you’re working, be careful not to disturb surrounding pavers; the key is to work slowly and steadily and remove the broken pieces gently. You should also wear a mask and goggles to ensure that no dust gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth as you work.

The average cost to install a 280-square-foot paver patio is around $3,800, with typical prices ranging from $2,400 to $7,000. On a per-square-foot basis, you can expect to pay between $8 and $50. The final cost depends on several factors, including the patio's size, the type of paver material, and the complexity of the design. For example, a small 60-square-foot patio might cost between $480 and $1,500, while a large 900-square-foot project could range from $7,200 to $22,500. Additional costs to consider include site preparation, excavation, add-ons like lighting, and materials such as crushed gravel and drainage equipment. Intricate designs with curves or specific patterns can also increase labor costs.

Pavers and hardscaping services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH

5.0★ avg. • 8 total reviews
  • Peggy B.
    5.0
    06/2026

    I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...

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    5.0
    10/2025

    This company does it right. Firstly, I want to say that Landan was a joy to work with. He was so kind, transparent, and had everything under control. His entire team showed up ready to work and they were all very respectful of the fact that we were in an office space. A little backstory – we...

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    5.0
    04/2024

    D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision

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  • John G.
    5.0
    03/2024

    I'm a repeat customer of All Star Paving & Sealing and I appreciate the service that all start paving has done for me in the past. I just recently had them out for an estimate and things couldn't have gone better. The staff that they send out to do the estimates are very knowledgeable. The...

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  • Emily L.
    5.0
    10/2023

    Supreme Brick & Chimney did an excellent job restoring the brick and mortar joints on my home. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and completed the work on time. I highly recommend them and will hire them again in the future! Thanks!

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  • Heather M.
    5.0
    01/2023

    On time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.

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  • Ryan B.
    5.0
    01/2022

    They are very reliable and available. They the drains all the time

    Logo for The WaterworksThe Waterworks
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  • Lisa M.
    5.0
    07/2021

    Mary cleaning service does an amazing job cleaning my home. They go over and beyond the cleaning services that I have had in the past. They are very punctual and thorough with cleaning my home, I’m extremely happy with the service they provide and I highly recommend them.

    ,Mary cleaning services LLC
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  • Locke M.
    5.0
    07/2021

    We had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....

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  • Rob B.
    5.0
    04/2021

    Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.

    ,Calvillo Roofing, LLC
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Learn more about our contributor
C.E. Larusso
Written by C.E. Larusso
Contributing Writer
A professional content writer, C.E. has written about all things home, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. A third-generation Los Angeleno, she is always looking for ways to make the most of the sun, whether it be building an urban garden or decorating with the help of some low-maintenance, air-purifying plants.

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