How to Tear Down a Deck: Complete Comprehensive Guide

Got an old deck that’s seen better days? Whether it’s rotting, falling apart, or just doesn’t suit your backyard anymore, taking it down is the first step toward something new. But deck removal isn’t always simple, it can be time-consuming, heavy, and even a little risky without the right plan.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tear down a deck, step-by-step. And if things get out of hand or you don’t have time to deal with the mess, our crew at Big Phil’s Rubbish Removal in Maple Ridge, BC is ready to step in and take it from there.

Signs It’s Time to Get Rid of Your Deck

Wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to your old deck? Here are some common signs that it might be ready to come down.

1. The Wood Is Rotting
If parts of the deck feel soft or break apart when touched, that’s a clear sign of rot. Once it starts, it spreads fast and weakens the whole thing. The lifespan of a deck, particularly a wooden one, typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, but this can vary depending on factors like the type of wood, maintenance, and environmental conditions.

2. Railings Feel Wobbly
Grab your railing. Does it move or shake? That’s not just annoying, it can be dangerous.

3. Boards Are Cracked or Warped
Deck boards should lay flat and feel firm. If they’re curling up, cracking, or sagging, it’s easy to trip or get hurt.

4. Nails and Screws Are Missing or Rusted
Rusty hardware or missing fasteners means the deck isn’t holding together like it should. That’s a sign of wear you shouldn’t ignore.

5. The Deck Feels Uneven or Sinks
If one side leans or the ground under it seems off, your deck may be sinking. That’s tough to fix and often means it’s time to start over.

6. It Just Doesn’t Work for You Anymore
Sometimes the deck is fine, but you want more space, a different layout, or just a cleaner yard. That’s reason enough to take it down.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you start swinging a hammer, take a good look at your deck and the area around it.

Check for Necessary Permits: If your deck is attached to your house, you might need permission to take it down. Some places have building rules. Call your city office to be safe.

Look for Wires or Lights: Sometimes decks have lights or electrical wires running under them. Turn everything off and unhook it before you begin.

Check the Deck’s Condition: Watch out for rotting boards, rusted nails, or wobbly fasteners. If the deck is in bad shape, take it slow or think about getting help.

Look for Connected Parts: Is your deck hooked to a fence, stairs, or the side of your house? Plan how you’ll take those apart so nothing gets damaged.

Tools You’ll Need to Tear Down a Deck

Before you start swinging or pulling things apart, gather the right tools. Having the basics nearby can save you time and help avoid injury.

You’ll want:

• A hammer and a pry bar
• A crowbar or flat bar for tight spots
• A reciprocating saw (Sawzall) for cutting through boards or nails
• An impact driver or wrench for loosening bolts
• A sledgehammer for knocking apart tough sections
• Safety gear: wear gloves, safety glasses (eye protection), ear protection, a dust mask, and sturdy boots

For the cleanup part, you’ll need a way to get rid of the junk. You can rent a dumpster—or skip the hassle and just call Big Phil’s to haul it away.

You might not need every single tool, but having most of them on hand will make the job a lot smoother.

How to Tear Down a Deck – DIY Project Step by Step

Step 1: Clear the Deck Surface

Before grabbing necessary tools, take everything off the deck chairs, planters, storage boxes, even stuff underneath. Look around for anything bolted or nailed in. Remove railings, trim, or any add-ons. Use a screwdriver or drill for fasteners. If something doesn’t budge, a pry bar can help. This step clears the way and makes the rest of the job easier.

Step 2: Remove the Deck Boards

Start at one corner and lift the boards, one at a time. You can use a pry bar, especially if the boards are nailed in. If they’re screwed down, a drill works best. Some fasteners may be rusty or stripped, so take your time. Set aside boards that are still in good shape if you plan to reuse them. Toss out any that are split, moldy, or falling apart.

Step 3: Dismantle Railings and Stairs

Now it’s time to take down the railings and stairs. First, loosen the balusters (those vertical bars). Then remove the top rail. Work your way down. If bolts or brackets hold parts together, unscrew them or cut them loose. Be careful with stair parts, they can be heavy and awkward to move. If you’ve got someone to help, this part goes faster.

Step 4: Take Down the Frame

The frame is what holds everything up. It usually includes joists, support beams, and sometimes a board that’s fastened to your house. Start by loosening or cutting the hangers and brackets. Use a pry bar to pull the frame apart, one piece at a time. Watch for old nails. The last thing to remove is the board connected to the wall if your deck had one.

Step 5: Deal with Footings and Concrete

Some decks sit on concrete blocks or support posts buried in the ground. You might be able to dig out the small ones with a shovel or metal bar. Bigger ones may need a sledgehammer or a jackhammer if things get tough. This part takes effort. If you’re stuck or don’t want to deal with it, give Big Phil’s Rubbish Removal a call. We’ve handled plenty of these.

Step 6: Clean Up and Prep the Site

After everything is taken apart, don’t leave the mess behind. Pick up nails, screws, and broken wood. Rake up anything sharp or loose. If you’re rebuilding, now’s a good time to smooth out the ground or plan your next layout. If not, you can cover the area with grass seed or clean fill to get the yard back in shape.

What to Do With the Debris

After you take your deck apart, you’ll be left with more stuff than you might expect. Boards, nails, screws, brackets, and maybe even concrete blocks, it all adds up fast. And it all has to go somewhere.

Start by sorting through the pile:

Keep the good wood

If any deck boards or frame pieces are still in decent shape, don’t toss them. Stack them in a dry spot and save them. You might use them for small jobs like garden boxes or shelves.

Watch out for treated wood

This kind of lumber has chemicals in it to help it last longer. But that also means it can’t go into yard waste or be burned. Set it aside and deal with it the right way, it needs to go to a proper disposal site.

Don’t forget the metal bits

You’ll likely end up with a pile of nails, screws, brackets, and bolts. Toss them into a bucket and drop them off at a scrap metal yard, or just let us sort it out for you when we come by.

Concrete? That’s a heavy one

If your deck was sitting on concrete footings or blocks, getting rid of them is tough. They’re heavy, awkward, and not accepted everywhere. You’ll need a strong back or a big truck or both.

You’ll also have little stuff scattered around, splinters, broken pieces, sharp nails, sawdust. That junk isn’t just annoying. It can be dangerous if someone steps on it or trips over it. And it definitely doesn’t make your yard look good.

At this point, you might be thinking, “That’s a lot to deal with.” You’re right.

That’s where Big Phil’s Rubbish Removal comes in. We’ll show up ready to work. We’ll load everything wood, concrete, sharp scraps, all of it into our truck. We’ll sort what we can recycle and take the rest to the right place. You won’t need to touch a thing.

So if the mess is growing and you just want it gone, give us a call. We’ll clear it all out, so you can move on to the next part of your deck removal project.

When to Call in the Pros

Some decks are just too much to handle alone. You may start with good intentions, but it’s easy to get stuck. Here’s how to know when it’s better to hand the job over to someone else:

• The wood is soft, rotted, or unsafe to stand on: That makes it tricky to work safely. Boards can snap, and nails can shift underfoot.
• You’re missing the tools: Without a saw or a strong pry bar, the job will take longer and feel harder than it should.
• You’re buried in debris: It doesn’t take long for scrap wood and parts to cover the yard. Add concrete footings or broken stairs, and you’ve got a real mess.
• You’re working solo: Some parts are just too big or heavy to lift alone. And trying to take apart the frame without help isn’t easy.
• You’re short on time or just want it gone: No shame in that. Not everyone wants to spend a weekend pulling nails and hauling wood.

Average Deck Demolition Prices in Maple Ridge, BC

Deck Type or Feature	Details	Estimated Price Range (CAD)
Small Deck (100–200 sq ft)	Ground-level, wood frame	$400 – $900
Medium Deck (200–400 sq ft)	Wood or composite, 1–2 feet high	$800 – $1,500
Large Deck (400+ sq ft)	Multi-level or complex framing	$1,500 – $2,500+
Concrete Slab Removal	Patio or deck foundation	$400 – $1,000
Stair and Railing Removal	Detached from the main structure	$150 – $400
Disposal Fees	Dumping, recycling, and hauling	Included in Big Phil’s quotes
Permit Handling (if needed)	Some areas may require permits	Varies – often $50–$100

What Affects Deck Removal Cost?

• Size of the deck
• Material type (wood, composite, concrete)
• Height of your deck or levels
• Debris volume
• Access to the site
• Whether stairs, railings, or footings are included

Why Pick Big Phil’s for Deck Removal in Maple Ridge?

At Big Phil’s Rubbish Removal, we don’t just tear down old decks, we do the full job, start to finish. People across Maple Ridge count on us because we show up, get it done right, and leave no mess behind.

✅ We’ve Taken Down All Kinds of Decks

We’ve removed everything from weak wooden decks to solid concrete patios. Some are falling apart, others are still standing strong. No matter what it’s made of, we know how to take it down without damaging your yard, house, or garden.

✅ We Always Work Safe

Deck demo isn’t just about swinging a hammer. There’s a right way to do it. Our crew is licensed, fully insured, and careful. We protect your home and everything around it.

✅ We Don’t Just Dump Everything

Some of the stuff we take out can be used again. We sort wood, metal, and concrete, then recycle what we can. If something’s in good shape, we might even donate it. Less trash is always better.

✅ Quick and No Mess

Most decks are gone in a single day. We come when we say we will, work hard, and clean up every scrap when we’re done. You’re left with a clear space and no mess to deal with.

✅ We Handle the Whole Job

Need help with a permit? We’ll sort that out. Got junk on the deck? We’ll clear that first. From the first call to the last sweep, we take care of every part.

✅ We Work Around Your Life

Busy during the day? No problem. We offer early mornings, evenings, and weekends. We’ll find a time that works for you, so you don’t have to shift your whole schedule.

✅ We’re a Local Team That Cares

We’re not a big company with a bunch of locations. We’re based right here in Maple Ridge. Big Phil’s is a local, family-run business, and we care about doing a great job for our neighbors.

✅ No Two Decks Are the Same

Some are built solid. Others are barely holding together. We look at what you’ve got and figure out the best way to take it apart. Every job gets the time and care it needs.

Need Help Removing an Old Deck in Maple Ridge, BC?

Tearing down a deck is tough work, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re short on time, tools, or just don’t want to deal with the mess, give Big Phil’s Rubbish Removal a call.

📞 Call 778-900-5292 or
📅 Book online today for fast, safe deck demolition done by a local team that knows the job inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions – How to Tear Down a Deck

1.What tools do I need to tear down a deck?

You’ll need a few solid tools to get the job done. A hammer, pry bar, and power drill will come in handy. For tough boards or thick framing, a reciprocating saw or sledgehammer helps a lot. Don’t forget gloves and goggles: safety precautions. A wheelbarrow or bin will help carry away the junk.

2. Can I remove a deck myself, or should I hire someone?

If the deck is small and still in decent shape, you can probably do it yourself with the right tools and some help. But if it’s falling apart, attached to your house, or just too big to handle alone, hiring someone makes the job faster and safer.

3. How long does it take to demolish a deck?

Most ground-level decks can be taken apart in one or two days. It depends on the size, how it was built, and how many people are working on it. Bigger decks or ones with concrete might take a bit longer.

4. How much does it cost to tear down a deck?

If you do it yourself, you’ll mostly pay for tool rentals and dumping fees. Hiring a crew usually costs anywhere from $400 to $2,500 or more, depending on how big the deck is, what it’s made of, and how easy it is to reach.

5. What do I do with the deck debris after tearing it down?

Once the deck’s down, you’ll have a pile of boards, nails, and maybe some concrete. You can sort out what can be reused or recycled. But if it’s a lot or too heavy to deal with, a junk removal company like Big Phil’s can come by and take it all away in one trip.

6. Do I need to contact anyone before I start tearing down my deck?
Yes. Before you start the deck removal process, it’s a smart move to check with local authorities in Maple Ridge. There may be specific regulations around demolition, waste handling, or even how close you are to your neighbor’s property line. A quick call can save a big headache later.

7. What kind of safety gear should I use when removing a deck?
Safety first, always. At the very least, throw on gloves, boots, and a hard hat especially if you’re working under raised decking. Old decks can have splinters, nails, or rotted spots that create serious safety hazards, so don’t take shortcuts.

8. Can I reuse any of the old deck materials for my next deck project?
Definitely! Many deck materials, like pressure-treated wood or even metal railings, can be reused or recycled if they’re still in decent shape. If you’re planning a new deck, it’s worth setting aside what’s salvageable before hauling the rest away.

9. Will Big Phil’s help with hauling debris after I tear down a deck?
Absolutely. We’ll even give you a free estimate before we start. Whether it’s leftover building materials or debris from the demolition process, we’ll handle the cleanup and disposal all while following local regulations and safety regulations the right way.

10. How do I handle tricky parts like the ledger board or rim board of the house?

Removing the ledger board and rim board of the house takes time and patience. They often support part of the frame, so be slow and steady to avoid damage or injury. Watch for the shifting of weight when removing these pieces.

11. What tools help make deck removal easier?

A circular saw works great for breaking down larger sections or cutting through composite decking. Smaller pry tools help pull remaining nails from the bottom rails or break up heavy boards into smaller pieces that are easier to carry.

12. Does the size of your deck change how it should be removed?

Yes. The size of your deck and square footage area affect how long it takes and how much help you’ll need. Larger posts and wider beams are heavier to move. For big decks, splitting the job into phases or using the available means like professional help can be the smart option for efficient removal.