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Yes, you can remove concrete by hand with a sledgehammer if the concrete is no more than 4 inches thick. Most patios and sidewalks fit into this category. With concrete deeper than 6 inches, a jackhammer may be necessary to break it up. Only use a jackhammer if you have the proper training and safety equipment.

You should water new concrete by spraying it five to 10 times per day for the first seven days. This process of moist curing allows the concrete to become as strong as possible to prevent cracks and weak concrete. Moist-cured concrete is 50% stronger than concrete that was not sprayed with water during the first week. The only exception is if you pour concrete in the winter. Then, spraying with water is not recommended.

Thicker concrete is less likely to crack due to extreme weather changes. At a minimum, concrete slabs should be at least 4 inches, but if you’re worried about the concrete cracking under the weight of heavy machinery or from the freeze-thaw patterns of your climate, you should use even thicker concrete. A professional concrete company near you will be able to advise on the best thickness for your climate and use case.

Concrete can take up to 28 days to completely harden, depending on the type and its water content. But it dries enough for foot traffic in 24 to 48 hours. If you're curious about how long it takes concrete to dry entirely, the answer is more complex, so always check with the specific mixture instructions before adding heavy machinery or driving on new concrete.