Deck demolition produces more debris than most homeowners expect. The lumber alone can fill a 15-yard, and that’s before you account for footings.
Quick answer by deck size
- Small deck under 150 sq ft: 10-yard dumpster
- Standard deck 150 to 300 sq ft: 15-yard
- Large deck 300 to 500 sq ft: 20-yard
- Multi-level deck or 500+ sq ft: 20-yard or 30-yard
- Deck plus concrete footings: separate heavy-debris container for footings
What deck demos actually produce
A deck demolition produces three categories of debris. The decking surface itself (boards) is the most visible component. The framing (joists, beams, posts) is heavier and bulkier. Concrete footings, if you’re removing them, are the heaviest single component and often warrant their own disposal.
Volume varies by deck height and complexity. A standard ground-level rectangular deck produces roughly 1.5 to 2 cubic yards of debris per 100 square feet of deck surface. Multi-level decks, decks with built-in benches and railings, and decks with pergolas produce closer to 2.5 to 3 cubic yards per 100 square feet.
Weight estimate by deck material
- Pressure-treated lumber decking: ~3 lbs per square foot of deck
- Cedar or redwood decking: ~2 lbs per square foot
- Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech): ~3.5 lbs per square foot
- PVC decking: ~2.5 lbs per square foot
- Framing lumber (joists, beams): adds ~1.5 to 2 lbs per square foot of deck
For a 250 square foot pressure-treated deck, total weight is roughly 250 × (3 + 2) = 1,250 lbs of decking and framing. Easily within a 10 or 15-yard’s allowance.
The math changes drastically when concrete footings enter the picture. A typical deck has 4 to 8 concrete footings, each weighing 200 to 600 lbs depending on size. Removing 6 footings can add 1,800 to 3,600 lbs to your total — and that’s heavy enough to push a small dumpster over its weight allowance.
Should you remove footings?
Most deck demolitions leave the concrete footings in place. The footings stay buried with the rebar tied off below grade, and the area is filled with topsoil. This is the standard approach unless you’re rebuilding on a new footing pattern or restoring the area to lawn.
If you must remove footings, consider a separate heavy-debris dumpster for them. Concrete weighs roughly 2 tons per cubic yard, so even a small batch of footings can dominate your weight allowance. A dedicated 10-yard heavy-debris container with a 5-ton allowance often costs less than the overage on a mixed-load 20-yard.
Pressure-treated lumber disposal rules
Pressure-treated lumber (PT) is treated with chemicals that classify it as a special waste in some jurisdictions. Most landfills accept PT lumber as standard construction debris, but a few have specific rules about how it can be disposed of.
Crucial rule: never burn pressure-treated lumber. The chemicals release toxic fumes when burned. PT must go to a landfill or licensed disposal facility — not into a backyard burn pile.
Some municipalities offer PT-specific recycling programs that accept clean lumber for chipping. Mixed PT and conventional lumber typically goes to standard C&D disposal.
Common mistakes in deck demo dumpster sizing
Underestimating because lumber looks compact. Stacked deck boards take up less space than the same boards loose in a dumpster. Most deck demos generate 30 to 50 percent more loose-pile volume than the original assembled deck took up. Size based on loose volume, not assembled volume.
Forgetting railings, stairs, and built-ins. The deck surface gets the attention, but railings often add 25 to 40 percent more lumber. A deck with full railings, stairs to the yard, and built-in bench seating can have nearly double the lumber of a railing-free platform deck.
Mixing footings with lumber. As covered above, mixing concrete footings with lumber in a single dumpster usually triggers weight overage. Separate them.
Stop guessing on price Get a written quote from a verified local hauler Get free quote →Cost estimate for typical deck demo
10-yard for small deck (under 150 sq ft): $275 to $400.
15-yard for standard deck (150 to 300 sq ft): $325 to $475.
20-yard for large deck or multi-level: $400 to $550.
Add a 10-yard heavy-debris container for footings if removing: $300 to $450.
Most deck demos can be loaded in a single weekend. Plan for a 7-day rental window — gives you time for the demo plus disposal of any additional yard debris uncovered after the deck comes off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn deck lumber instead of dumping it?
Pressure-treated lumber must never be burned — the chemicals release toxic fumes. Untreated cedar or redwood can be burned in some jurisdictions but check local burn ordinances first.
Do I need to remove deck footings?
Usually no. Most demolitions leave footings in place and backfill with soil. Only remove footings if you’re rebuilding on a new footing pattern or restoring the area to lawn.
How long does a deck demo take?
A standard 250 sq ft deck takes 1 to 2 days for a 2-person team. Multi-level decks and decks with extensive built-ins can take 3 to 4 days.
Can composite decking go in a dumpster?
Yes, all common composite and PVC decking is accepted as standard construction debris. Some manufacturers (Trex specifically) offer recycling programs for their own products if you want to avoid the landfill.
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