My husband wants to convert a space in our basement into a home office by December. We were told it contained cinder blocks put in 30 years ago to act as a heat collector from the fireplace to the return air system. It never worked. So we cut into the wall and rocks poured out. Does anyone have a faster way to get these rocks out other than the bucket brigade we are using? We are talking floor to ceiling tons of rock. Thank you

Just when you think you've seen it all......

Work backwards from where you are putting the rock. odds are that the bucket brigade or several wheelbarrows is going to be the only way. Things to consider are:

1. How far do you need to move the rock?
2. What size door?
3. Uphill? Downhill? Level ground?
4. How far from the pile to the door?

With that much heavy stuff inside about the only way I can see to make it easy is to get a Bobcat with a bucket to park right outside the door - do the bucket thing to fill the Bobcat and then dump it wherever it is going.

Whatever method yo use I would strongly suggest contacting your nearest High School for some strong, young bodies. If you get enough buckets, wheelbarrows and shovels and 6 to 8 17-year olds who would jump at the chance to earn $10 per hour you will be amazed at how fast you can clear that pile out. I bet you could get it out of there for under $400.

I didn't think of that. I'll mine the kids friends for helpers. Thanks for the suggestion.

Wow. That is a LOT of rocks.

Don't know if this would help:
Have you considered possibly going through a window with the rocks (if this were in fact closer than basement stairs?)

There's no window. I put down carpet protector and we are carrying buckets out to the yard.Thanks for the suggestion though.

I was assuming all this area was unfinished but if you do have some finished space that you have to go through then pick up a few sheets of 1/4" OSB to protect the floors. Only costs about $6 a sheet and will protect better and be easier to walk / roll on than plastic.

That's a good idea as the plastic won't last as long. It's slowly moving along. Thanks

Glad it's moving along for you.
I was going to mention:
Pizza, Caffine, People and Buckets.
If it was a huge project, i would rent a conveyor belt which handles dirt and convey it out.

Just seen the picture.
Yep conveyor rental totally.
I have roofer knees.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JB Builder,

Thanks. We have gotten it down a bit but it's just a slow and steady process. Even the high school boys are balking at the job. Where's the work ethic these days? Thanks again.

I saw a half line with a great suggestion. rent a conveyor belt machine. there are units with rubberized belts that have material catch cleats, used by roofers.