Step 1: Decide Where the Deck Junk Will Go

The first step before you get carried away is to know where all that old lumber is going to go. You can’t just toss your old deck in the garbage and call it a day. Most garbage collection services aren’t going to pick up the wood from your deck. You’re going to need to either schedule construction waste disposal or rent a dumpster. In addition, it may be helpful to know:

Step 2: Get Your Tools Together

To start, you’ll need some old standbys like a hammer, screwdriver, and shovel. Next, we move into a couple of things you may not have in your toolbox, like a crowbar and a sledgehammer. Lastly, you’re also going to want a few power tools, such as a power drill and circular saw.

Because you’re going to be working with rusty nails and sending sawdust flying, it’s not a bad idea to wear sturdy gloves and safety glasses. And whatever you do, don’t try to perform deck removal in sandals. Wear closed-toe shoes or prepare to kiss your feet goodbye. You should also consider keeping a bucket around. We'll explain why later!

Step 3: Clear Off Your Deck

Obviously, it’s going to be difficult to remove your deck if you still have stuff all over it. Old grills, furniture, and any junk that may have accumulated on your deck needs to be moved somewhere out of sight and out of mind.

Step 4: Remove Your Deck From the Top

Start by pulling out all the screws and nails that may be securing the guard rails to the posts. Be careful not to just toss them anywhere. Remember the bucket we recommended? Toss your used nails and screws in that. This helps you avoid cluttering your yard with sharp objects and protects the feet of family and pets. Then, pull out the guard rails and put them in a nearby pile or toss them in your rented dumpster.

Remember, this wood can still be used for all kinds of things, whether it’s recycling, a DIY arts and crafts project, or salvaged for your new deck. It’s tempting, but don’t go full “Hulk” and start smashing everything. You’re only creating more work for yourself when it’s time to clean up.

Step 5: Pull Out the Deck Boards

Once you’re done with the railing, it’s time to move onto the deck boards themselves. Depending on when and how your deck was constructed, your boards are secured with either nails or screws. Use your hammer or power drill to remove them.

After you’ve taken out the nails and/or screws, grab your crowbar and start prying up those boards. Again, be careful not to damage the boards because you may want to reuse them later. Even if you don’t, your deck removal service can definitely find a new home for them.

Step 6: Remove the Deck Joists and the Rim Joists

When the deck joists are removed, it’s time to get to work on the rim joists. These are the joists that border the outside, or rim, of your deck. Your rim joists might be bolted to the deck posts. If this is the case, you’ll need to remove those bolts first before you can detach the rim joists.

Step 7: Pull Out the Posts

We’re in the home stretch. By now, you should have a neatly organized pile of lumber and a few posts should be all that remains of your deck. These posts are usually secured to the ground with a concrete base called a footing. How big and heavy your footings are will determine the difficulty of this part of the job.

Start with your shovel, and dig up the ground surrounding the footing. The footing may be small enough for you to lift yourself or with the help of a friend. If it’s too big to pull out, you can use your sledgehammer to break up the concrete into more manageable chunks.

Sometimes, the footings on your deck may be humongous. In this case, you might want a jackhammer or backhoe to remove the posts.

Step 8: Call Count Junkula to Haul Your Deck Debris Away

Congratulations! You have just completed your very own deck removal project. Take a minute to step back, enjoy some refreshment, and bask in your hard work. Now, look at the huge pile of wood and construction debris that’s left over. Don’t panic, the Count has you covered.

After all that effort, the last thing you want to deal with is disposing of all that deck lumber. Did you rent a dumpster at the start of the process like we suggested, or do you have everything in a giant pile? Regardless, all you need to do is call Count Junkula and your problem is solved. We'd be happy to help with all your deck removal needs. Just give the Count a call or schedule your service online and let our friendly and professional junk experts haul it away and take that old deck off your hands. Schedule your deck removal with Count Junkula today!

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