I'm planning to dismantle my old 12x16 composite deck this weekend, which includes the deck boards, railings, and support structure. I'm wondering if a 15-yard dumpster will suffice, or if I should opt for a 20-yard one since the composite material is quite heavy. Additionally, I have a timing question: Should I get the dumpster delivered before I start the demolition on Friday, or would it be better to have it arrive on Monday after? I'm concerned about having an empty dumpster taking up space in my driveway over the weekend. Any advice from fellow DIYers would be appreciated! I'm located in Anaheim, CA.
2 Answers
It’s definitely better to have the dumpster delivered before you start taking the deck apart. You can just toss the debris directly into the dumpster as you go, rather than making a pile and having to load it later. As for size, a 15-yard dumpster should be fine, but it’s getting close to the limit since they typically hold about 1 to 2 tons, especially with those heavy composite boards. Just keep an eye on how much you’re unloading!
If you want to be more precise, you could measure the elements of your deck and calculate their volumes to ensure you get the right size. The composite boards alone are around 16 cubic feet each, so it adds up quickly! I’d suggest leaning towards the 20-yard just to avoid any stress if the 15 gets filled too fast. And definitely get the dumpster sorted ahead of time so you won’t have to worry about it sitting there empty.
That's a solid plan! It’s always better to have a little extra room than to run out.
Totally agree! And remember, you can maximize your space by stacking the pieces as neatly as possible.