Choosing the Right Dumpster Size for Tearing Down Your Deck

Choosing the Right Dumpster Size for Tearing Down Your Deck

When you’re tearing down your deck, choosing the right dumpster size can indeed be a bit of a puzzle, especially if you're new to this kind of project. Let's walk through it and make sure you get the right size dumpster for the job, so you can avoid both under- and over-ordering.

Estimating Your Dumpster Size for a 12x20 Deck

The first step in determining the proper dumpster size is knowing how much debris you’re going to produce. For reference, let’s assume you’re demoing a 12x20-foot deck. That's 240 square feet of material.

Most residential dumpsters come in sizes ranging from 6 to 40 cubic yards, but for a typical deck demolition, you’ll likely be looking at sizes between 12 and 20 yards. Here’s why:

• 12-Yard Dumpster: With a clean demo technique, where you cut and break down the materials into stackable, uniform pieces, this size should easily handle your 240-square-foot deck. Proper packing can leave you with extra room for the scraps from building your new deck, making it a good cost-saving option.

• 15-Yard Dumpster: This is a safe middle-ground. If you don’t want to risk overfilling, and especially if you plan on keeping the dumpster on-site for new construction debris, this size is usually perfect for a deck of this size. We’ve fit decks as large as 450 square feet into a 15-yard dumpster using careful stacking and efficient demolition techniques.

• 20-Yard Dumpster: If you’re concerned about underestimating the debris or if you’re planning to demo a larger deck, or even take out other landscaping items, this size gives you plenty of cushion. But you’ll pay more for the extra room.

Proper Demo and Packing Techniques

The secret to fitting more debris into a smaller dumpster is all in the demo technique. As I've mentioned, one tried-and-true method is cutting the deck boards along the joists, so each board is left with a manageable 15-inch piece if the joist spacing was 16 inches on center. This creates more uniform scraps that are easier to stack tightly in the dumpster.

A few additional tips for making the most of your dumpster space:

• Leave the Nails: Once the deck boards are off each side of the joists, leave the nails in the joists. It’ll save you the hassle of getting poked or scratched, and the joists can still be stacked neatly.

• Avoid Large Chunks: Demoing in large pieces might seem quicker, but large sections take up more volume. Break it down into smaller, more stackable pieces for better efficiency.

• Cut Beams and Joists: Larger framing members, like beams and joists, should also be cut down into shorter lengths. This will help you fit them tightly against the sides of the dumpster.

Final Thoughts

For a 12x20 deck, a 12-yard dumpster should suffice if you demo and stack with care. If you’re playing it safe or plan to keep the dumpster for new construction waste, bumping up to a 15-yard gives you a bit more breathing room. Going with anything larger, like a 20-yard, will usually result in wasted space, unless you’ve got extra projects or debris to toss in.

So, what’s your next move? Would you like me to research current rental costs, or would you prefer some advice on different demo techniques or trends in dumpster rentals across different regions? Let me know if you'd like me to add a bit of humor, or if you'd like me to clarify anything else!

Jacobe Palmiter @JCS Construction Services