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Why demolish your old deck?

There are several reasons homeowners may choose to tear down an existing deck. While some decks can be repaired and updated, others have reached the point where full deck removal is the safest, smartest, and most cost-effective option. Here are the most common reasons for a deck demo:

• Safety: Old decks are at risk of structural failures due to rot and insect infestation. And unfortunately, some decks were built with inferior materials or substandard installation methods. Undersized lumber, missing flashing, improper hardware and fasteners, and inadequate ledger attachments are far too common and can create serious safety risks. While some issues can be corrected, decks with widespread structural deficiencies may not be worth bringing up to current building codes and safety standards.
• Aesthetics: Some decks simply look worn and outdated. Aging wood can become faded, stained, or splintered to such a degree that applying another coat of paint or stain would be a waste of money and effort. Homeowners may also want to upgrade from traditional wood to more modern materials such as composite decking and aluminum railing for a cleaner look, longer performance and lower maintenance.
• Size and Shape: Your outdoor living habits and needs may have changed. You might want a larger footprint, multiple levels, built-in seating, or a wraparound design that better connects to your home and yard. In many cases, modifying an existing structure is more complicated than starting fresh with a new layout that fits your current lifestyle.

Do you need to demolish the whole deck?

Full demolition is typically necessary when the framing is compromised, undersized or built using improper construction methods. If the joists are sagging, the beams are undersized or the ledger was not properly flashed and fastened, rebuilding from scratch is often the safest and most reliable solution. Full demolition also makes sense if you plan to change the deck’s size, shape or elevation. Also, many modern decking materials require different framing to keep them safe and code-compliant, such as having joists 12 or 16 inches apart rather than spaced 2 feet apart.

If the ledger flashing is still functioning, the framing is properly spaced and structurally sound, and all the fasteners meet current building code requirements, you might be able to remove only the deck boards and install new decking over the existing frame. This is commonly referred to as resurfacing. During this process, inspect the joists for rot, splitting and proper spacing, and reinforce or replace any damaged framing before installing new decking.

Don’t forget about the footings. Well-built footings can last for decades, but they may need to be enlarged or supplemented with additional footings if you plan to expand the deck.

What is the best way to get rid of an old deck?

Before you start swinging that hammer, you’ll need a disposal plan. The one plan you should always avoid is burning the debris. Your deck frame, and possibly deck boards, are made from pressure-treated lumber, which can release harmful chemicals into the air and soil when burned. Instead, choose from one of the plans below:

• Rent a dumpster: This is usually the most convenient option, but it’s often the most expensive. Dumpster rental companies should be able to recommend the right size container for your project. If possible, request a container long enough to accommodate full-length deck boards so you don’t have to cut everything into shorter pieces.
• Haul it to a landfill: Taking the material to the landfill yourself is less expensive than renting a dumpster. However, you may have to make multiple trips depending on the size of the deck and the truck or trailer you use to haul it.
• Check city or county programs: Some municipalities offer free or reduced-cost waste collection. These programs may have restrictions on the type of material taken and load size, so contact your local city or county office for details before loading up.
• Repurpose or give it away: If portions of the wood are still in decent condition, consider reusing them for smaller projects such as raised garden beds, fencing, arbors, or for blocking and bracing on the new deck. You can also ask a friend or neighbor if they could use the material. Repurposing lumber when possible is an environmentally friendly approach and will save on disposal costs.

Do you need a permit to demolish a deck?

You probably don’t need a permit if you are simply removing a deck and not replacing it. However, if you plan to build a new deck, you will almost certainly need a permit for the new construction. In that case, it makes sense to contact your local building department before starting demolition. They can let you know whether a separate demolition permit is required. Regulations vary from one municipality to another, so the only way to know for certain is to ask.

How long does demolishing a deck take?

A small, ground-level deck can often be removed in half a day. Larger, elevated or multi-level decks might take a couple of people a full day or two. After you take time to assess the structure and identify any potential hazards like electrical and utility lines, the process typically follows this sequence: Remove the railing; take up the deck boards (or cut them in place as demonstrated in this project); dismantle the joists and beams; remove the ledger and finish with cleanup. 

Tools Needed for Demolishing a Deck

You could remove an entire deck with just a hammer and a drill/driver, but having the right tools will make the job faster, easier and safer. Here are the essentials:

• Hammers
• Pry bar
• Cat’s paw (nail puller)
• Reciprocating saw
• Oscillating multi-tool
• Circular saw with a demolition blade
• Drill or impact driver with appropriate bits for removing screws
• Tarp (to catch fasteners and debris)
• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Wheelbarrow

Safety gear: eye and hearing protection, gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and knee pads

Deck Demo Pro Tips

A strategic approach makes deck demolition faster and safer. These jobsite-tested tips can save time, reduce frustration and help prevent injuries.

• Plan your starting point. Begin at the house or at the point farthest from the stairs and work your way back toward them. This maintains a solid walking surface for most of the demolition and reduces the need to step across open joists.
• Remove the stairs last. If you dismantle the stairs first, you’ll spend the rest of the day climbing a ladder just to reach the deck.
• Don’t waste time unfastening screws. Screws hold better than nails, but on older decks, deck screws often pull through weathered boards during prying. If you’re not salvaging materials, leave them in place. If exposed screws on joists make handling unsafe, a sharp sideways blow from a hammer will usually snap them off cleanly. Unlike nails, screws are brittle. Just make sure you have a tarp down to capture the screws.
• Use specialty tools. One way to speed up deck board removal, especially on a large deck, is with specialty pry tools with names like Deck Demon or Bull Bars.
• Cut the deck into sections. Instead of prying up every board, you can cut the deck into sections so that the boards stay attached to one or two joists. This is the method used on this project.

Be a smart stacker. From the start, load boards into the truck or dumpster in an orderly, layered fashion (think Tetris). Tossing boards in haphazardly will waste space fast and may double your hauling trips.