An old deck can go from backyard centrepiece to safety hazard faster than most homeowners expect. Rotten boards, loose railings, sagging joists, and rusted fasteners are all signs it’s time for that deck to come down. But deck demolition is more than just swinging a sledgehammer on a Saturday afternoon. Between the physical labour, the debris volume, and the disposal challenges, it’s a project that catches a lot of London and St. Thomas homeowners off guard.
At Get R Gone, we handle deck and shed removal across London, St. Thomas, and the surrounding communities every week. Here’s an honest look at what deck demolition involves, what it typically costs, and how to decide whether to tackle it yourself or bring in a professional crew.
Signs Your Deck Needs to Come Down
Not every worn-out deck needs to be replaced right away, but there are a few clear red flags that mean removal should be the next step:
- Soft or spongy boards that flex underfoot are a sign of rot working through the wood.
- Wobbly railings or loose posts point to structural fasteners that have failed or wood that no longer holds a screw.
- Visible cracking, splitting, or splintering across a large portion of the deck surface.
- Pest damage from carpenter ants, termites, or wood-boring beetles.
- Ledger board separation where the deck meets your house, which can cause a total collapse if left alone.
- Sinking or leaning caused by footings that have shifted with freeze and thaw cycles common in southwestern Ontario winters.
If your deck is showing two or more of these issues, patch repairs usually cost more in the long run than a full teardown and rebuild.
What Does Deck Demolition Cost in London and St. Thomas?
Deck removal pricing varies quite a bit depending on the size, height, materials, and how the debris will be hauled. As a general reference for Ontario homeowners:
- Small ground-level deck (up to 100 sq ft): roughly $500 to $1,200
- Standard deck (100 to 250 sq ft): roughly $1,000 to $2,500
- Large or elevated deck (250 to 400 sq ft): roughly $2,000 to $3,500
- Multi-level or wraparound decks (400+ sq ft): $3,500 and up
Add-ons that can affect the final quote include concrete footings that need to be dug out, attached pergolas or gazebos, hot tubs that need to be dismantled first, and hard-to-access backyards that require carrying every piece of debris through a narrow side gate. If you want a more detailed look at pricing across services, our post on how much junk removal costs in London and St. Thomas breaks it down further.
The Deck Demolition Process, Step by Step
A safe, professional deck teardown follows a specific order. Skipping steps or working out of sequence is how injuries and property damage happen. Here’s what our crew does on a typical job:
1. Site Assessment and Safety Prep
Before any tools come out, we check for electrical lines running to deck lights or outlets, gas lines that may pass underneath, and any structural connections to the house. Pets are secured, patio furniture is moved, and we lay down protection for landscaping and siding.
2. Remove Railings and Stairs
Railings come off first, followed by stairs and any built-in benches or planters. Removing these lightens the load and makes the main deck structure easier to work on safely.
3. Pull Deck Boards
Deck boards are pried up one at a time. Any usable lumber gets set aside for potential reuse. Nails and screws are pulled or bent flat to prevent puncture injuries during hauling.
4. Cut Joists, Beams, and Posts
With the surface cleared, the joists and support beams are cut into manageable sections. Posts are either cut at ground level or dug out completely, depending on what you plan to do with the space.
5. Handle the Footings
Concrete footings are the trickiest part. Some can be left in place if you’re rebuilding on the same footprint. Others need to be broken up and hauled out. This is where a lot of DIY deck removals turn into weekend-long headaches.
6. Full Debris Removal and Cleanup
Every board, bracket, screw, and scrap of concrete gets loaded up and hauled away. We rake the area, sweep for stray fasteners, and leave the space ready for landscaping, a new deck build, or whatever you have planned next.
DIY Deck Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
We often meet homeowners who started the demolition themselves and ran into trouble halfway through. A typical 200 square foot deck generates one to two tons of debris. That’s more than most residential vehicles can haul, more than curbside pickup will accept, and often more than the local landfill will take in a single trip without a commercial account.
Doing it yourself also means the cost of a reciprocating saw, pry bars, safety gear, and a bin rental if you don’t have a truck. Once you add up the tool rentals, disposal fees, and the two or three days of hard labour, professional deck removal is usually close in price and dramatically easier on your back. Our post on why full service junk removal beats a bin rental covers this comparison in more detail.
What Happens to the Old Deck Material?
This is a question we get a lot, and it matters. At Get R Gone, we’re committed to keeping as much material out of landfill as possible. Sound lumber gets set aside for reuse whenever we can find a home for it, metal fasteners and railings are separated for scrap recycling, and any composite decking is handled according to the manufacturer’s take-back program where available. Pressure-treated wood does need to go to a disposal facility because it can’t be burned or repurposed, but everything else gets sorted responsibly. You can read more about our approach in our post on repurposing and recycling junk for a greener future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to demolish my deck in London, Ontario?
In most cases, a demolition permit is not required for a residential deck under a certain size, but rules vary by municipality. We recommend checking with the City of London or your local building department before scheduling. If your deck is attached to the house or involves electrical, a permit is more likely to be needed.
How long does a typical deck removal take?
A standard 200 square foot deck usually takes a two-person crew four to six hours from start to finish, including cleanup and haul-away. Larger or multi-level decks may run into a full day.
Can you remove the deck and leave the footings?
Absolutely. If you’re planning to rebuild on the same footprint, leaving sound concrete footings can save money and time. We’ll assess them on site and let you know if any are cracked or shifted and should come out.
What if there’s a hot tub on the deck?
We handle that too. Hot tubs need to be drained, disconnected, and often cut apart to remove safely. Learn more on our hot tub removal service page or read our guide on what to do when your hot tub dies.
Ready to Reclaim Your Backyard?
A tired old deck doesn’t have to be a summer-long project. Get R Gone’s team handles the heavy lifting, the debris hauling, and the responsible disposal so you can move on to the fun part, whether that’s a new deck, a patio, or just a wide open lawn. We serve homeowners across London, Ontario and St. Thomas, with same-week availability during the busy season.
Book Your Free, No-Obligation Deck Removal Quote Today
