Grinder? (no not that Grindr...) need to turn concrete into flowerbeds

[TwoYearsSince]

Hello mumsnet.

I have a concrete yard - a big one - littered with pots that are fine until there's a drought or we go on holiday.
I'd really like to let some plants get their feet into the ground but my builder isn't responding to texts and emails.

Can I hire a tool for this? Is it hard to do? Is it a grinder I need? Should I advertise locally for "man with a grinder" (hope that won't be misunderstood :)).

Most of the yard is full of cracks but the bits at the edge where I want more flowers haven't got cracks....so I can't just chisel it away.

Thanks in advance.

[Rollercoaster1920]

A jackhammer is the tool you need. Pneumatic hammering rather than grinding. Need not be done by someone called Jack.

Yours,

Finbar Saunders.

[TwoYearsSince]

:)

presumably being called Jack helps though?

thank you.

[TwoYearsSince]

is it hard to use a jackhammer?

[TwoYearsSince]

.... ok I just googled it. yes, it requires more strength than I have.....

[Chumleymouse]

It depends on how thick the concrete is ? If it’s a about 3 inch thick a 9 inch electric grinder will cut through it , if it’s thicker then a petrol cutter will be needed (bigger blade). Once you have cut concrete where you need to you should be able the break it out with a sledge hammer or lump hammer and chisel. It also depends on how hard the concrete is, if it’s a weak mix it will come out easy, but it can also be rock hard and will take more work to break it out.

[JulieChastened]

How about leaving the concrete and getting a bricklayer to build some wide 3ft high planters around the edges, then fill them with decent topsoil?

[flummoxedlummox]

Dependent on thickness you could try hiring a kango, a smaller version of a a jackhammer I think.

[CasperGutman]

If you want to break up the whole area, you need a big breaker/jackhammer like you see used at roadworks, and a compressor to drive it. If the concrete isn't too thick a smaller electric breaker might do it.

If you want to cut out specific areas to create beds while leaving most of the concrete in place, you'll need a different kind of tool - a petrol-powered disc cutter or, if the concrete is thinner, a smaller electric disc cutter or angle grinder with a suitable blade might be adequate.

Honestly though, if there's a decent amount of concrete to remove I'd pay someone to do it, most likely with a mini digger. Any tool powerful enough to break or cut up a concrete slab will be both heavy and difficuly to wield safely (I don't necessarily mean you'll cut your own foot off, but I know I wouldn't be able to break out a yard full of concrete without pulling a muscle or doing my back in!).

[TwoYearsSince]

Thank you!
Re raised beds- there is a nice stone wall behind that I don’t want to hide.

This sounds good
-

“If you want to cut out specific areas to create beds while leaving most of the concrete in place, you'll need a different kind of tool - a petrol-powered disc cutter or, if the concrete is thinner, a smaller electric disc cutter or angle grinder with a suitable blade might be adequate. “