Replacing a residential deck or porch is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the country. In fact, the number of deck, porch, and patio demos increased significantly in the past 18 months because of the pandemic, as more people spent more time at home and got a close-up look at spaces and features that needed remodeling or replacement.


If you’re considering a deck or porch replacement, it’s important to demolish the existing one as efficiently as possible. This will make it easier to dispose of the waste material your demo job will produce and minimize the size of the dumpster you’ll need to remove it. So, before you start the tear-down, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how your deck is constructed and how much debris you’ll need to get rid of.


The most efficient way to take apart your existing deck or porch is to follow these steps:

  • Take off the railing
  • Remove the deck boards
  • Pull off the steps
  • Cut the deck or porch away from the house
  • Tear down decking joists and rim joist
  • Dig out supporting deck posts
  • Break up concrete post supports


The average residential deck is around 300-400 square feet, so we recommend a 30-yard dumpster as the perfect size to comfortably hold all the debris your demolition will generate. Of course, if your deck is larger, has additional features such as risers, built-in seating, or other features that create more waste material, then a larger container might be required. However, a 30-yard dumpster is typically used for the average family residence deck or small porch.


At Mitrano Removal Service, we can set you up with just the right waste container for your next home improvement or remodeling project. We’ll drop it off in a convenient location and pick it up when you’re done. Then we’ll dispose of or recycle the waste material in compliance with all applicable waste disposal regulations and in an environmentally-friendly way. All you have to do is toss the debris in and we’ll take care of all the rest!