When Your Backyard Deck Can No Longer Hold Up

No matter where you live in North America, having a beautiful deck behind your home is often a desired amenity. However, maintaining a deck can be a chore.

And you may have had your deck for a number of years now, so the maintenance becomes more expensive and labor intensive every year. 

When You Are Finally All "Decked" Out

Almost everyone would agree that having a nice deck in the backyard can be a great addition for most any home. Even if you have a somewhat "suburban" view in your backyard, sitting above the yard, perched on a deck, makes the whole experience feel a bit more grand a little richer.

But decks need work to stay in good condition and to keep looking nice.  And they aren't forever.

While it is true that, with advent of composite deck building materials, many residential and even commercial deck structures are expected to last far longer than the traditional redwood, cedar, or treated pine or fir decking will. 

In fact, according to one timber source, the lifespans of decking material stack up this way:

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

And these lifespans assume constant cleaning and any needed sealing and coating. The truth is many decks go years and years without the proper cleaning and care required to last a decade or more.

So, while wood decks, which have been around forever, routinely come to the end of their safe and useful lives every year, we are now at the beginning of the end of composite deck lifespans.

For example, one of the best known composite deck materials, Trex®, was first being marketed 25 years ago. Which means there are some Trex® decks that either have already or will soon begin to fail. 

All of which simply means that when your deck give out - whether it's made of wood or some form of composite material - it's time to build a new (and maybe bigger) one!

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle Applies to Backyard Deck Material, Too

Sometimes, even though your old deck was past its prime, there can be a wealth of old deck material that has potential for reuse or repurposing. So, what can you do with all that old wood?

When removing an old wood deck, it's important to consider how you can minimize waste and make the most of the materials that you have on hand.

Here are some potential ways to repurpose old wood deck materials:

Construct Some Raised Garden Beds: Old wood deck materials can be used to create raised garden beds, which are an excellent way to grow plants, vegetables, and herbs. Simply cut the wood to the desired length and shape, then stack and secure the pieces to create a sturdy and functional garden bed.

Make a Compost Bin: Another way to repurpose old wood deck materials is to use them to create a compost bin. Composting is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil, and a sturdy compost bin can be constructed using old wood deck materials.

Build a Set of Birdhouses or Bird Feeders: If you enjoy bird watching, you can use old wood deck materials to build a birdhouse or bird feeder. These structures provide shelter and food for birds and can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.

Create Unique Outdoor Furniture: Old wood deck materials can also be used to create outdoor furniture, such as benches, chairs, and tables. By sanding and treating the wood, you can create a rustic and charming look that adds character to your outdoor space.

Make Firewood: If you or someone you know has a wood-burning fireplace or stove, you can use old wood deck materials as firewood. Simply cut the wood into logs or kindling and store it in a dry place until you're ready to use it.

Use it for Flooring or Walls: Old wood deck materials can be repurposed as flooring or wall paneling for an accent wall. The weathered look of old wood can create a unique and rustic look for your home, while also providing a sustainable and eco-friendly option.

Build a Pergola: Another way to repurpose old wood deck materials is to create a pergola. A pergola is a garden feature that provides shade and visual interest, and can be a great way to use up old wood deck materials while also enhancing your outdoor space.

As you can see, there are many creative and sustainable ways to repurpose old wood deck materials, from functional structures like raised garden beds and compost bins, to decorative accents like birdhouses, to stately outdoor furniture.

And, by reusing and repurposing these old building materials, you can reduce waste, save money, and even create some additional character and charm to your home and garden!

So, Whatcha You Gonna Do With All that Wood Waste?

There are few things more visually distressing and unsightly than an otherwise welcoming and pleasant outdoor space than a jumbled stack of rotting and decaying deck timbers and lumber.

But without a suitable vehicle like a pickup truck it's difficult to impossible to transport all those ugly, rotting boards. And you can't just stick them into your residential recycling bin - the crews on the waste management trucks won't take them. 

You might try to cut them all up into small pieces to dump into your trash bins, but that would take a ridiculous amount of time and work, and probably fill your bins multiple times. In other words, it would take weeks, if not months, to get rid of your waste debris and material that way. 

And that's assuming the waste management company will empty your bins with all that in them.

The problem is that, before you can replace your old deck with newer and better one you have to tear the old one down and, hopefully, dispose of all the old lumber (or other decking materials.)

Which is why Junk King Specializes in wood debris removal.

Things to Consider with Old Deck Removal

Many homeowners are quite handy with tools and know their way around home construction. But, even so, while it is possible for the average owner to dismantle their own backyard deck, doing so can not only be a somewhat complex undertaking - it presents potential hazards.

Here are five points to consider when removing an old wood deck from your backyard:

1. Safety: Ensure that you prioritize safety when removing the deck. Wear protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and sturdy shoes, and work carefully to avoid injury. Make sure the area around the deck is clear of tripping hazards, and do not attempt to remove the deck alone if it is too large or heavy.
2. Tools and Equipment: You will need the right tools and equipment to remove the deck, including a pry bar, hammer, circular saw, and reciprocating saw. You may also need a power drill, screwdriver, and a crowbar to remove nails and screws. Additionally, renting a dumpster or arranging for a hauling service may be necessary to dispose of the old wood.
3. Permits and Regulations: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a permit before removing your deck. Additionally, some areas have regulations regarding the disposal of old wood, so be sure to research and comply with any local laws.
4. Environmental Impact: Wood from old decks can be recycled or repurposed, so consider donating the wood to a local organization or reusing it for other projects if possible. If the wood cannot be recycled, be sure to dispose of it properly to minimize the environmental impact.
5. Future Plans: Finally, consider what you plan to do with the area where the deck currently stands. Do you want to plant a garden, install a new patio or deck, or simply leave it as open space? Knowing your plans will help you determine the level of cleanup and preparation required after removing the old deck.

Depending on where you live, spring and summer are likely to be the ideal times of year for this type of work. No one wants to be slogging through mud or working in snow and ice to remove an old deck! But, just as with any outdoor projects, don't forget to dress for the weather, use sunscreen, and keep hydrated.

When It's Time to Clear the Decks

Bad deck puns aside, it's a great thing to know that you have far better options for getting rid of all the old lumber, pilings, nails, screws, brackets, and other sundry debris and waste. Tearing down and dismantling an old deck is hard enough - wood debris removal shouldn't be added to your DIY chores.

The good news is that a simple call to Junk King means that your decking debris dilemma can be easily resolved. 

In fact, loading, hauling, and unloading old decking materials can actually be quite hazardous.

Because of the type and nature of decking materials, there is always the real possibility of cuts, scrapes, and gashes from jagged edges on old metal brackets and from the variety of old screws or nails protruding everywhere.  

In addition, as we mentioned already, having a truck is pretty necessary for the job and, if you do have one, just hauling and loading all that material can be dangerous. 

The bottom line is simply this: why bother?

Junk King is expert at all types of remodeling, renovation, and construction debris removal. And not only will we remove all your decking and other wood debris quickly and safely, we will be sure to reuse or recycle as much of it as possible. 

Junk King: The Best Bulk Debris Removal Service Near You

We know you can probably find some guy with a truck to do the job for you. But choosing that option can cost you more than you hoped to save if the job doesn't go well. Not to mention that you don't really know where your junk and debris will end up.

Calling Junk King, however, means you get efficient, safe, affordable, and eco-friendly junk removal and hauling service - so you don’t need to worry about how to dispose of your old deck materials or other extra-large trash items.

And, if you need junk removal services several times during a demolition or clean-up project - or just once - highly trained junk removal professionals will  make sure that all your junk and debris is out of your way.

So you can get on with enjoying your new deck or patio!

We can be at your house or property in mere minutes, so call us today! Our team is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of all your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.

And one of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle much of the material we pick-up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service.  If you have questions about what we do or what we believe, give us a call at 1-888-888-JUNK (5865).