Deck Removal Cost Calculator

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to remove a deck?

The three costs are labour, the dumpster and the disposal fee, and the disposal is the one people forget. Height matters more than you would expect: a deck more than six feet up has to come apart carefully rather than being pulled down, which adds substantially to the labour.

Can I dispose of pressure-treated wood myself?

You can take it to a landfill that accepts construction debris, but not to a yard-waste facility, and you must never burn it — the preservatives become airborne. Most transfer stations charge by weight. Call ahead, because some sites will not take treated lumber at all.

Should I remove the old footings?

Only if something new is going in the same place or the yard is being landscaped. Concrete footings left in the ground are inert and invisible once soil covers them. Digging them out is slow, awkward work and the concrete is heavy to dispose of, so it is worth avoiding unless you have a reason.

Is it cheaper to remove a deck myself?

Usually yes on cash, if you have a way to handle the debris. The demolition itself is straightforward for a low deck. What catches people out is volume — a modest deck fills a large dumpster, and the trips to a transfer station in a pickup add up faster than the rental would have.

How long does deck removal take?

A crew handles a typical ground-level deck in a day. Two people working weekends should reckon on a day per 90 square feet or so, plus time for the debris. Removing footings can easily double the schedule.