An old backyard deck can go from a weekend hangout spot to a splinter-ridden liability fast. Dry rot, wobbly railings, sun-bleached boards, and termite damage are all common across Southern California’s hot, dry climate — and once a deck is past saving, the next question is always the same: how much does it cost to tear it out and haul it away?
This guide breaks down deck removal and demolition pricing for 2026, what drives the cost up or down, and how to clear your yard without the headache.
Most Southern California homeowners pay between $1,000 and $3,000 to remove a deck, though the full range runs from about $500 for a small ground-level deck to $7,000+ for a large, multi-level structure on concrete footings.
Priced another way, deck removal typically runs $5 to $15 per square foot, demolition and haul-away included. Here’s a rough breakdown by size:
Those figures cover the labor to dismantle the deck, plus loading and dump fees. If a contractor quotes only the teardown and leaves disposal as a separate line item, factor in another $100–$500 per truckload for hauling the debris to the landfill.
No two decks demo the same. These are the factors that move your quote up or down:
Square footage is the biggest driver — more boards means more labor and more debris. Elevated and second-story decks add cost because crews work slower and more carefully when there’s a drop below.
Wood decks are the easiest and cheapest to remove. The boards are light, cut quickly, and break down fast. Composite decking (Trex and similar) and concrete-set posts take more effort and drive the price higher.
A deck floating just above grade comes out quickly. One anchored with concrete footings is a different job — busting out concrete piers requires more muscle and sometimes power tools, which is where the high end of the range comes from.
Tight side yards, landscaping, fences, and pools all slow a crew down. If debris has to be carried by hand through a narrow gate to the truck instead of dropped straight into it, expect to pay for the extra time. This is common on older lots in Pasadena, Long Beach, and the older neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
A lot of homeowners tearing out a deck are also dealing with a sagging fence next to it. Good news: it’s frequently the same crew and the same truck. For reference, fence removal runs about $3 to $10 per linear foot, depending on material:
Concrete-set fence posts add roughly $50–$150 each. Bundling deck and fence removal into one appointment almost always beats booking two separate jobs.
You can tear out a deck yourself with a pry bar, reciprocating saw, and a free weekend. But before you do, think about the back half of the job: disposal.
A torn-out deck produces a surprising volume of heavy, nail-studded, often pressure-treated lumber. That means:
For many homeowners, the math favors full-service removal: a crew demolishes the deck, loads every board, sweeps the area, and hauls it all in one visit — no dumpster sitting in the driveway for a week.
Responsible haulers don’t just run everything to the landfill. Clean, untreated lumber can often be recycled or repurposed, and metal hardware and railings are sorted for scrap. Pressure-treated and composite material goes to the proper disposal facility. Choosing a hauler that sorts and recycles keeps usable wood out of SoCal landfills — a real concern given how tight regional landfill capacity has become.
911 Junk CA handles deck removal and demolition across more than 30 cities in the LA and Orange County region, including:
Whether it’s a small patio deck or a large elevated structure with concrete footings, our crews show up with the tools and the truck to clear it in a single trip.
Most standard residential decks come out in a few hours to a single day. Large multi-level decks with concrete footings can take longer, but a professional crew almost always finishes in one visit.
Many SoCal cities require a demolition permit for attached or elevated decks, especially when removing footings. Rules vary by city — check with your local building department, or ask us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Yes. Full deck removal includes busting out and hauling away concrete piers so you’re left with a clean, clear yard ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to reclaim your backyard? Call 911 Junk CA today for a free, no-obligation quote on deck removal, fence removal, or any outdoor demolition project. We’ll give you an honest, upfront price — demolition, cleanup, and haul-away all included — and most jobs can be scheduled same-day or next-day. Don’t let a rotting deck take up another summer. Reach out now and we’ll handle the rest.
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