Out with the old and in with the new
A gorgeous deck is a focal point of any outdoor space, but these structures break down over time, succumb to mold and rot, and get, well, unsightly. However, deck removal of a worn-out or broken structure opens up new opportunities.
What’s more? Doing deck demolition yourself saves some serious coin which you can put toward building a new deck, installing a swimming pool, or whatever else suits your backyard fancy. Here are the deck removal steps to properly demolish and remove an outdoor deck.
There are several prep steps to consider before breaking out the demolition tools. First, prepare to dispose of a whole lot of waste. The deck waste will likely exceed the limitations of your trash setup, so many people opt to rent a dumpster to make clean-up easier. Additionally, if your deck is in decent shape, salvage some of the materials to use in your next project or reach out to a local salvage shop that buys these types of materials. Building a new deck costs $7,900 on average, so selling off usable materials is never a bad idea.
Finally, gather up the appropriate safety gear. Learning how to remove decking is a hands-on project that carries a bit of risk, so have protective eyewear, gloves, a face mask, and knee pads ready.
Learning how to remove a deck takes a lot of work, and decks are bigger than you think. Sure, there are obvious framing boards to remove, but plenty of hidden components and waste materials require attention.
Before starting the tear-down, measure your deck and consider enlisting a friend or two (or three) to assist you with the project. Create a plan for waste, like renting a dumpster, so your yard is not overtaken by random pieces of debris.
Your first mission is to remove the railing surrounding the deck. Use a screwdriver to remove nails throughout the handrail or a hammer if it is affixed with nails. Start at one end and work your way around the deck, pulling out nails or screws as you go. Once finished, detach the handrail components and set them aside or put them in your waste receptacle.
Move onto the balusters, the vertical beams connected to the handrail. Remove the screws with a screwdriver or the backside of a hammer. Loosen each baluster by rocking them gently back and forth, removing them once loosened. Once the balusters are gone, disconnect the bottom rail like you dismantled the top rail.
Now that the railing is gone, let’s move on to learning how to remove deck boards. Start at one end of the deck and go through each board, removing screws or nails. Use a screwdriver for the screws, the backside of a hammer, or a pry bar for the nails.
After removing the screws or nails, lift and remove each board with a pry bar. If the boards are too big to handle in one go, break out the hand saw to cut them into manageable pieces. Once you remove all the boards, bring them to the dumpster or waste receptacle area to finish this step.
Building deck stairs is a big undertaking, but removing them is a much easier project. The process is similar to the rest of the deck. Go up and down the stairs removing any nails or screws with a screwdriver, hammer, or pry bar. Use the pry bar to lift and remove the treads. Cut the risers and stringer into small pieces with the hand saw. Finally, carry the removed components to the dumpster or dedicated receptacle.
This optional step is only required if the deck is attached to your home. Start from one end and use the hand saw to cut the frame from the ledger board fastened to the house. Work slowly and carefully here as you move to the other side.
As you cut, the weight of the remaining deck components will pull away from the house until completely removed. Once the frame is fully detached, remove the ledger board.
You are getting there, slowly but surely. Now it’s time to remove the rim joists and standard decking joists. Pry the decking joists away from the frame with a pry bar after removing associated screws or nails.
Repeat this step with the rim joists. If any large and cumbersome joist gives you trouble, pound it loose first with a sledgehammer.
This is it; the last step before your deck is officially gone. The support posts must go. Dig up the soil around these posts with a shovel to loosen them up. You will eventually reach a concrete support slab at the base of each post.
Break apart these slabs with a sledgehammer. Once each base is loose, remove the support posts and the various chunks of concrete. Take them to the dumpster or related waste receptacle.
The cost to remove a deck is affected by the following factors:
Deck size: Your deck’s size directly impacts the cost of removal. Larger decks typically cost more to be removed. Most professional decking companies charge a fixed price per square foot for removal.
Deck material: Higher quality materials, such as natural hardwood or composite, are more expensive to remove due to the elevated disposal cost. In comparison, pressure-washer-treated lumber would be far more affordable.
Deck design: The complexity of your deck’s design determines how time-consuming and challenging it is to remove the structure. Multi-level decks or decks with various built-in functionalities can significantly increase the labor needed to remove the structure, resulting in more expenses.
Landscaping: If plants or trees are in the way, your crew will need to remove those first. Complicated landscaping and harder access to the deck can increase the cost of removal.
Standard labor rates: Hourly rates can differ significantly between companies. Larger corporation construction companies tend to charge a higher rate than your neighborhood general contractor. The hourly rate also varies depending on where you live.
When looking for a deck contracting pro, conduct ample research and shop around to find the best deal without compromising job quality.
Depending on the size of your deck and its overall design, deck removal can be an extremely cumbersome and time-consuming project. Consider hiring a local deck repair service to run point on this project, ensuring that the job is done quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, deck professionals will help remove the various waste materials and components, saving you from paying a dumpster rental fee. Finally, professionals have plenty of contacts in the industry, so they can help find a buyer for any materials you choose to sell, thus offsetting some of the removal costs. Deck removal costs typically range between $600 to $1,000, depending on the deck size and amount of damage.
Now that you have removed your old deck, it is time to think about replacements. The first thing to consider would be material. Some popular decking material options include:
Responsibly sourced hardwood: Hardwood decks can be sustainable as long as you work with a company that follows responsible sourcing practices. These companies only source from regularly replenished and managed forests While minimizing the negative impact hardwood harvesting has on the surrounding environment.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular new decking material. It is lightweight and naturally waterproof.
Composite: Composite wood often uses upcycled material. The panels come in various colors and are much less maintenance than natural wood.
Another aspect to consider when replacing your deck is accessibility. If you live with elders or someone who struggles with mobility issues, making your deck wheelchair accessible could be a good option. Consider installing a wheelchair ramp or a vertical wheelchair for your deck.
Finally, if your budget permits, you can consider implementing a more complicated design, such as a multi-level deck or a deck with additional functionality built in.
In the majority of cases, you don’t need regulatory permission or permits to remove decking components and materials. However, the exception is if you live in or near a wildlife conservation area, which could require permits and consent prior to beginning the demolition. Check with a local regulatory agency for more information.
Yes, transforming a deck into a sunroom is an absolute possibility. Building a sunroom involves framing in the deck area with walls, adding windows, and affixing a roof. This project is not an easy task, but it does provide a stylish addition to your house. Not all deck designs support this type of renovation project, so consult a professional deck builder before beginning.
Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies—structures with their own support beams. You can build a deck yourself and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don’t have to cut the deck away from the home.
