Old decks, sheds, and fences are among the most common summer demolition projects for Ottawa homeowners — and the debris they generate is bulkier and heavier than most people expect. A modest backyard deck can produce more waste than a full room renovation. This guide walks through how to tear down each structure safely, what tools you'll need, how much debris to plan for, and which bin size handles the load.

Before You Start: Check for Permits and Utilities

  • Permits. Straightforward removal of a deck, shed, or fence usually doesn't require a City of Ottawa permit, but if the structure is attached to the house, over a certain size, or you're changing a property-line fence, check with the City first. When in doubt, call 3-1-1.
  • Locates. If any part of the job involves digging out posts, call Ontario One Call (or use ClickBeforeYouDig) before you dig. It's free and it prevents you from hitting a gas or utility line.
  • Property lines. For a shared fence, talk to your neighbour before removing it. A fence on the property line is often jointly owned.
  • Power and gas. Sheds sometimes have run electrical or a gas line for tools — disconnect at the source before demolition.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pry bar and a flat wrecking bar
  • Reciprocating saw (the single most useful demolition tool)
  • Circular saw for cutting deck boards to fit the bin
  • Cordless drill/impact driver for backing out screws
  • Sledgehammer
  • Claw hammer
  • Post-hole digger or a shovel for concrete footings
  • Work gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, steel-toe boots
  • Heavy-duty contractor bags for hardware and small debris
  • A magnet sweeper or rolling magnet for nails and screws in the grass

How to Demolish a Deck

  1. Remove railings first. Unscrew or pry off balusters, then the top and bottom rails, then the posts. Rails come off easier than they look.
  2. Pull up the decking boards. Start at one edge with a pry bar. Screwed boards back out faster with a drill; nailed boards come up with the pry bar. Work board by board.
  3. Take out the joists. Once the surface is off, the joists are exposed. Cut them free from the ledger and beam with a reciprocating saw.
  4. Remove the ledger board (the board bolted to the house). Unbolt it carefully — this is the connection to the structure. Patch and seal the house wall afterward.
  5. Deal with the posts and footings. Cut posts at ground level, then dig out the concrete footings if you want the ground clear. Footings are heavy — they're clean fill, not mixed waste (more below).
  6. Cut boards to length. Long deck boards waste bin space. Cut them into 3–4 foot sections so they pack flat.

How to Demolish a Shed

  1. Empty it completely and disconnect any power.
  2. Remove the roof first. Strip shingles, then remove the roof sheathing and rafters. Working top-down keeps the walls stable while you work.
  3. Take down the walls. For a wood shed, unscrew or cut the wall panels off the frame, then dismantle the framing. For a metal shed, unbolt the panels (wear cut-resistant gloves — metal edges are sharp). For a plastic/resin shed, unbolt and break down.
  4. Remove the floor. Wood-framed floors pry up in sections. A concrete slab is clean fill and often stays unless you want the ground clear.
  5. Handle the base. Gravel pads can be levelled and left, or removed if you're repurposing the space.

How to Demolish a Fence

  1. Remove the pickets or panels from the rails first.
  2. Take down the rails connecting the posts.
  3. Pull the posts. Posts set in concrete are the hard part. Dig around the footing, rock the post to break it free, and lift — or cut the post at grade and dig the concrete out separately.
  4. Separate the concrete footings. These are clean fill and should be kept apart from the wood.

How Much Debris Will This Produce?

People consistently underestimate demolition volume because a structure that stood up compactly spreads out enormously once it's in pieces. Rough planning guide:

  • Small deck (up to ~150 sq ft) or a single fence run: an 8-yard bin ($240) usually does it.
  • Average deck, a shed, or a full backyard fence line: a 15-yard bin ($260) is the safe choice — it's the size the site itself recommends for large deck and fence demolitions.
  • Large multi-level deck plus a shed, or a big property fence overhaul: consider the 30-yard bin ($350) so you do one haul instead of two.

Not sure? Our bin size guide breaks it down by project, and you can always call and describe the structure — we'll tell you which size fits.

Keep the Concrete Separate

Deck footings, fence-post concrete, and shed slabs are clean fill, not mixed demolition waste. Mixing them into a general debris bin means paying mixed-waste rates on heavy material. If your demo produces a meaningful amount of concrete, ask about a separate clean fill bin for the footings — it's cheaper for heavy inert material. Our clean fill guide explains the full picture.

What Goes in the Bin (and What Doesn't)

Deck, shed, and fence demolition debris is almost entirely bin-friendly. Base Bins bins accept lumber and wood scraps, shingles and roofing materials, and general construction debris — see the full allowed waste list. A few things to route separately:

  • Pressure-treated wood — accepted in the bin, but never burn it; the treatment chemicals are toxic.
  • Old paint or deck stain cans — hazardous waste depot, not the bin.
  • Concrete footings — clean fill stream.
  • Metal shed panels — accepted, but scrap metal has resale value if you'd rather separate it.

Safety Notes

  • Watch for nails and screws. Run a magnet sweeper over the lawn afterward — a deck can shed hundreds of fasteners.
  • Lift with your legs. Wet, pressure-treated lumber is heavy; a single soaked deck board can weigh 20+ pounds.
  • Have a helper. Walls, roof sections, and long boards are two-person jobs.
  • Check for wildlife. Old sheds and decks are homes for wasps, mice, and the occasional skunk. Look before you swing.
  • Older structures (pre-1990) may have materials worth testing before demo. If in doubt, get a professional opinion.

When to Skip the DIY and Call a Crew

Demolition is doable for a fit homeowner with a free weekend and the right tools — but it's real physical work. Consider our junk removal team if:

  • The structure is large, multi-level, or attached to the house.
  • You don't have the tools or the time.
  • You'd rather not spend a weekend prying boards and digging footings.
  • Access is tight and everything has to be carried through a narrow gate.

Our crew can demolish the structure and haul the debris in one visit. For a comparison of doing it yourself with a bin versus hiring the crew, see bin rental vs. junk removal.

How Base Bins Helps

  • Right-sized bins for demolition debris — 8, 15, and 30-yard.
  • Separate clean fill bins for concrete footings at a lower rate.
  • Full demolition + haul by our junk removal crew if you'd rather not DIY.
  • Same-day and next-day delivery across Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, Stittsville, and Barrhaven.
  • Honest pricing in writing before you book.
  • Fully insured — $2M liability, WSIB compliant.

Bottom Line

Tearing down a deck, shed, or fence is a satisfying weekend project as long as you plan the debris side before you start swinging. Work top-down, cut boards to pack flat, keep concrete footings separate as clean fill, and match the bin to the structure's size. Do that and the teardown is the easy part.

Call (613) 518-1508 or get a free quote. Tell us what you're demolishing and we'll recommend the right bin — or send a crew to handle the whole thing.

Related reads: What size dumpster do I need? · Concrete & clean fill disposal · Renovation waste tips

Disclaimer: All prices mentioned in this article are provided for general reference and informational purposes only. These prices are not fixed and may vary depending on facts, market conditions, location, time, availability, or other relevant factors. Actual prices may change without prior notice.