Deck and Patio Demolition: What to Do With the Old Materials
Old deck and patio materials — pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, old concrete pavers — are heavier and bulkier than typical household debris, and most deck demolition projects call for a 15 or 20-yard container depending on the deck's size and what it's made of.
Wood Decking vs. Composite: Does It Matter?
Both are accepted in a standard container, but composite decking is denser and heavier per square foot than pressure-treated lumber, which can affect your weight allowance faster than the volume alone suggests. Mention the decking material when you book if you know it.
What About the Old Concrete or Paver Base?
If your patio demolition includes breaking up a concrete slab or removing pavers, that material is dense enough to need its own consideration — see our concrete and dirt disposal page, since heavy masonry material often makes more sense in a dedicated container than mixed in with wood decking debris.
Nails, Screws, and Hardware Left in the Wood
You don't need to remove every fastener from old decking boards before loading — this is normal construction debris and doesn't require that level of prep. Just avoid loading anything with large protruding hardware in a way that could be a hazard during loading.
Sizing for a Typical Deck Demolition
A small deck (under roughly 200 square feet) usually fits a 15-yard container. Larger decks, multi-level decks, or a deck-plus-patio combination project often call for a 20-yard.
FAQ
What size dumpster for a standard deck demolition?
Most single-level decks fit a 15-yard container; larger or multi-level decks often need a 20-yard.
Can old deck lumber and new construction debris go in the same container?
Yes, if you're demolishing and rebuilding in the same project window — both are standard construction/demolition debris.
Does pressure-treated lumber need special disposal?
No special handling is required for standard pressure-treated residential decking in a dumpster rental — it's accepted as normal construction debris.
Have Questions About Your Project?
Send us your info and we'll follow up with pricing once you have more details.