Deck Demolition Cost in San Diego: What Homeowners Need to Know (2026)
Whether your backyard deck is rotting, outdated, or simply in the way of a new remodel, knowing what deck demolition costs in San Diego will help you plan your project and budget accurately. This comprehensive guide covers 2026 pricing for every type of deck removal across San Diego County.
Why Deck Demolition Is a Common San Diego Project
San Diego's outdoor lifestyle means decks get heavy use year-round. The combination of sun exposure, coastal moisture (in communities like Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Coronado), and general wear and tear means that wood decks in particular deteriorate faster here than in many other parts of the country. Many decks built in the 1990s and early 2000s across neighborhoods like Clairemont, Mira Mesa, and El Cajon are now reaching the end of their useful life.
At Demo Diego, our deck demolition service is one of our most popular residential offerings. We have demolished hundreds of decks across San Diego County, from small backyard platforms to large multi-level hillside structures, and we know exactly how pricing works for each type.
Below you will find detailed pricing, the factors that affect your total cost, permit requirements, and tips for saving money on your deck removal project.
Average Deck Demolition Cost in San Diego (2026)
Deck demolition in San Diego typically costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, with most homeowners paying between $1,500 and $5,000 for a complete deck removal. The wide range reflects the significant differences between a simple ground-level platform and a complex elevated or hillside structure.
| Deck Type | Typical Cost Range | Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Small Ground-Level Wood Deck (under 200 sq ft) | $800 – $2,000 | $4 – $10 |
| Standard Wood Deck (200–500 sq ft) | $1,500 – $4,000 | $5 – $10 |
| Large Elevated Wood Deck (500+ sq ft) | $3,000 – $8,000 | $6 – $15 |
| Composite Deck (any size) | $2,000 – $6,000 | $7 – $15 |
| Hillside / Multi-Level Deck | $4,000 – $12,000+ | $10 – $20+ |
| Concrete Patio Removal | $1,500 – $5,000 | $3 – $8 |
Factors That Affect Deck Demolition Costs
Deck Material
Wood decks (pressure-treated pine, redwood, cedar) are generally the easiest and cheapest to demolish because wood is lighter and easier to cut apart. Composite decking materials like Trex or TimberTech are denser and heavier, requiring more labor to remove. They also cannot be recycled as easily as natural wood, which may affect disposal costs.
Deck Height and Structure
Ground-level decks sitting on simple pier blocks are straightforward to remove. Elevated decks with deep concrete footings, heavy-duty posts, and complex framing require significantly more labor and sometimes heavy equipment. Decks over 30 inches high are considered elevated structures by San Diego building codes and may need additional safety precautions during demolition.
Hillside Decks
San Diego is famous for its hillside properties, especially in communities like Mount Helix, La Jolla, Del Mar, and Mission Hills. Hillside decks often have posts extending 10 to 20 feet or more to reach the slope below, and access for equipment is limited. These projects are the most expensive due to safety requirements, specialized rigging, and the difficulty of removing debris from steep terrain.
Attached vs. Freestanding
Decks attached to the house via a ledger board require careful removal to avoid damaging the home's exterior siding, flashing, and waterproofing. After removal, the area where the ledger was attached needs to be properly sealed and finished. Freestanding decks are simpler since there is no connection to the home to worry about.
Footing and Foundation Removal
Many decks are supported by concrete footings buried two to three feet underground. Removing these footings adds $50 to $150 per footing to the project cost. Some homeowners choose to leave footings in place if they plan to build a new deck in the same location. Our concrete removal service can handle footing extraction as part of the deck demolition.
Railing and Built-In Features
Decks with metal railings, built-in benches, pergolas, or attached hot tubs add complexity and time to the demolition. Each additional feature needs to be removed separately and may involve different disposal methods. A deck with a built-in pergola and metal railing system will cost more to demolish than a bare platform.
Do You Need a Permit for Deck Demolition in San Diego?
In the City of San Diego, you generally need a demolition permit to remove an attached or elevated deck. Ground-level platforms (under 30 inches high) that are freestanding may not require a permit, but it is always best to check with the San Diego Development Services Department before starting work.
Permit fees for deck demolition in San Diego typically range from $200 to $500. If your property is in a coastal overlay zone (common in La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Solana Beach), additional review may be required, which can add time and cost.
Demo Diego handles all permitting on your behalf as part of our deck demolition service. We pull the permits, schedule inspections if needed, and ensure everything is done to code so you do not have to deal with the bureaucracy.
How to Save Money on Deck Demolition in San Diego
- 1.Remove non-structural items yourself. Taking off railing sections, removing deck furniture, pulling out planters, and clearing the area around the deck saves labor time and can reduce your quote by $100 to $300.
- 2.Leave footings in place. If you are planning to build a new deck in the same location, leaving the existing concrete footings can save $300 to $1,000 and give your new deck a head start on its foundation.
- 3.Bundle with other services. If you need both deck demolition and concrete removal (for a patio, walkway, or pool deck nearby), combining the projects into one visit saves on mobilization costs and equipment fees.
- 4.Salvage usable wood. If your deck has good quality redwood or cedar that is still in decent condition, salvage companies or neighbors may want it. Reducing debris volume can lower disposal costs.
- 5.Get multiple quotes. Always get at least three estimates from licensed contractors. Make sure each quote includes the same scope of work: demolition, hauling, disposal, and any permit fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Demolition in San Diego
How long does deck demolition take?
A small ground-level deck can be demolished and hauled away in a single day. Standard elevated decks typically take one to two days. Large hillside or multi-level decks may take two to four days depending on complexity and access limitations.
Can I demolish a deck myself?
Small ground-level wood decks are within the ability of a skilled DIYer with the right tools (pry bar, reciprocating saw, drill). However, elevated decks and hillside structures should always be handled by professionals due to structural safety concerns. An improperly deconstructed elevated deck can collapse and cause serious injury.
What do you do with the debris from deck demolition?
Demo Diego recycles as much material as possible. Clean wood goes to wood recycling facilities, metal hardware and brackets go to metal recycling, and concrete footings are sent to concrete recycling. We aim to divert at least 60 percent of deck demolition debris from landfills.
Will deck demolition damage my landscaping?
We take care to protect your landscaping, but some impact to plants and sod immediately adjacent to the deck is unavoidable, especially if heavy equipment is needed. We discuss access routes and protection strategies before starting work, and we clean up thoroughly after the project is complete.
Should I replace or repair my deck instead of demolishing it?
It depends on the condition. If the structural posts and framing are still sound but the decking boards are worn, a re-deck may be more cost-effective. However, if the posts are rotting, the footings are shifting, or the deck no longer meets current building codes, full demolition and replacement is usually the better long-term investment.
Get a Free Deck Demolition Estimate in San Diego
Ready to remove that old deck? Contact Demo Diego today for a free, no-obligation quote. We handle everything from permits to cleanup across all of San Diego County.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Deck Demolition page to learn more about our process.