An old deck or fence rarely comes down on its own timeline — rot, storm damage, or a landscaping project usually forces the issue. Removal costs vary more than people expect, mostly because of size, material, and what's holding the structure in the ground. Here's what actually drives the price.
Deck Removal Cost by Size
| Deck Size | Material | Typical Removal Cost |
| Under 150 sq ft | Wood | $300–$500 |
| 150–300 sq ft | Wood | $500–$900 |
| 300+ sq ft or multi-level | Wood | $900–$1,200+ |
| Any size | Composite / PVC | Add $100–$300 (denser material, harder to break down) |
| Any size | Concrete footings | Add $200–$500 for digging out and hauling |
These are demolition-and-haul-away prices — tearing the structure down and removing the debris. If you've already torn it down yourself, expect to pay closer to standard junk removal rates for hauling the pile away.
Fence Removal Cost by Linear Foot
Fence removal is priced differently — by linear foot rather than square footage, since the labor scales with the length of the run rather than an area.
| Fence Type | Typical Cost per Linear Foot |
| Wood (picket or privacy) | $3–$8 |
| Chain-link | $3–$7 |
| Vinyl | $4–$9 |
| Posts set in concrete (any material) | Add $2–$4 per post |
A typical residential backyard fence runs 100–200 linear feet, which puts most jobs in the $300–$900 range. Longer perimeter fences or fencing with concrete-set posts push toward the higher end.
What Drives the Price Up
- Concrete footings and post anchors — digging out concrete-set posts is slow, physical work, and the concrete itself is heavy to haul. This is usually the single biggest add-on cost.
- Material — composite and PVC decking is denser and doesn't break apart as easily as wood, adding labor time. Vinyl fencing is similar.
- Attached structures — railings, built-in benches, pergolas, or stairs attached to a deck add demolition time and debris volume.
- Access — a deck or fence behind a narrow gate or through a house means debris gets hand-carried instead of wheeled or loaded directly, which adds labor cost.
- Nails, screws, and hardware — debris full of embedded fasteners takes longer to sort and load safely than clean lumber.
DIY Teardown vs. Hiring It Out
Tearing down a deck or fence yourself saves on labor, but you still have to dispose of the debris — and that cost doesn't disappear. Your main options once it's down:
| Disposal Option | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dumpster rental | $300–$800 | Larger teardowns or if it's part of a bigger project |
| Self-haul to transfer station | $50–$150 per ton | If you have a truck and the debris fits in a load or two |
| Junk removal (haul-only, already demoed) | $150–$500 | One-time pickup after you've done the demo work |
| Full-service removal (demo + haul) | See tables above | Skipping the physical labor entirely |
Concrete footings are the wrinkle in most DIY plans — breaking them up requires a jackhammer or heavy manual labor, and the broken concrete is dense and awkward to move. Many homeowners tear down the wood or fencing themselves and hire a crew just for the footings.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Because deck and fence pricing depends heavily on footings and material, phone estimates are rougher than for standard junk removal. To get a tighter quote:
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Measure or estimate size
Square footage for a deck, linear footage for a fence. Round up — companies price more accurately with a slightly generous estimate than a low one that changes on-site.
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Note the material
Wood, composite, vinyl, or chain-link. Mention if you know or suspect the posts are set in concrete.
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Describe access
Is there a gate wide enough for a wheelbarrow or small equipment? Is the structure behind the house or street-accessible?
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Clarify demo vs. haul-only
Confirm whether the quote includes tearing the structure down, or just hauling debris you've already removed — this is the most common source of quote mismatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove an old deck?
Most deck removal jobs run $300–$1,200. A small wood deck (under 150 sq ft) is typically $300–$500, a mid-size deck (150–300 sq ft) runs $500–$900, and a large or multi-level deck can reach $900–$1,200+. Composite decking, attached railings, and concrete footings all push the price toward the higher end.
How much does fence removal cost per foot?
Fence removal is usually priced by linear foot, generally $3–$12 per foot depending on material and whether posts are set in concrete. Wood fencing is on the lower end; chain-link, vinyl, and fencing with concrete-set posts cost more because the posts take extra labor to break out.
Do I need a permit to remove a deck or fence?
Removal itself usually doesn't require a permit in most jurisdictions, but check with your local building department — some areas require one if the deck is attached to the house or if removal is part of a larger renovation. If you're replacing the structure, the new build may need a permit even though the teardown doesn't.
Is it cheaper to remove a deck or fence myself?
DIY teardown saves on labor but you still pay for disposal — either a dumpster rental ($300–$800) or hauling the debris to a transfer station yourself ($50–$150 per ton). Factor in tool costs, the physical work of pulling nails and screws, and disposing of any concrete footings, which are heavy and awkward to move without equipment.
What makes deck or fence removal more expensive?
The biggest cost drivers are size (square footage or linear feet), material (composite and vinyl take more effort to break down than wood), concrete footings or post anchors that need to be dug out, and access — a deck or fence in a backyard with no gate wide enough for equipment means everything gets hand-carried to the truck.
Will a junk removal company haul away deck or fence debris?
Yes, most junk removal companies handle deck and fence teardown and haul-away, and they price it the same way as other loads — by how much space the debris fills in the truck, plus any surcharge for concrete footings. Confirm whether the quote includes the demolition itself or just hauling debris you've already torn down, since some companies only do one or the other.