Caleb Foster
Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners due to its modern aesthetic, low maintenance, and long lifespan. However, removing old decking can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if the previous decking was nailed down. Before removing decking, it is important to have the right tools and a plan for disposing of the debris. If the decking was installed using nails, a hammer, crowbar, or pry bar can be used to remove them. Nails should be removed gently and carefully to avoid damaging the boards. If nails are difficult to access, a plug cutter can be used to expose the nail head. Removing decking that has been installed with hidden fasteners can be tricky, and the method will depend on the type of clip used. Slim clips and 3mm clips, for example, can be difficult to access and may require removing the edging and unclipping each board.
How to remove composite decking nailed down
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removal tools | Hammer, crowbar, pliers, wrecking bar, saw, nail puller, duckbill tool |
| Removal process | Use the claw of a hammer to remove nails, insert a piece of thick fabric or a block of wood underneath the head as you pry the nail up, cut the deck boards between the joists, saw them toward the house, cut the joists into small pieces, remove stair railings and treads |
| Challenges | Leaving permanent damage to the decking frame, inaccessible screws, difficulty removing slim or 3mm clips, difficulty prying up nailed-down deck boards |
| Reasons for removal | Replacing rotten boards, resurfacing current decking, replacing wooden decking with composite material, rebuilding the deck |
| Post-removal steps | Replacing removed decking boards, securing neighbouring boards, drilling composite decking screws, inserting new decking boards, positioning boards, driving decking screws to the surface |
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What You'll Learn
Use a hammer claw or a crowbar to pry up nailed-down decking
Removing nailed-down composite decking can be a tricky and challenging process. If you're not careful, you can end up damaging the decking frame. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when using tools like a hammer claw or a crowbar to pry up nailed-down composite decking.
The claw of a hammer can be used to remove nails from decking. This method should be carried out carefully to avoid damaging the decking boards. To take extra caution, insert a piece of thick fabric or a block of wood underneath the head of the nail as you pry it up. Avoid yanking out the nails carelessly, and instead, gently lift them out.
If using the claw of a hammer proves ineffective, a crowbar or other prying tools can be used. The crowbar can provide leverage to pry up the decking boards and any fasteners. However, the traditional method of using a crowbar can be time-consuming and physically demanding, requiring you to work on your hands and knees. It is also prone to causing damage to the decking frame.
For a more efficient and ergonomic approach, a specialised deck wrecking tool like the Wrecking Claw can be utilised. The Wrecking Claw is a dual-claw rocking design tool that provides optimal leverage, allowing you to pry up decking boards and nails from a standing position without damaging the joists. This tool streamlines the deck removal process, making it faster and less physically strenuous than traditional methods.
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Remove nails with a nail puller or pliers
Removing nails with a nail puller or pliers is a common method for taking up decking. If you want to retain the decking boards and minimise damage, then the process requires extra care and precaution.
If you have nailed decking boards, you can use the claw of a hammer to remove the nails. This must be done very carefully to avoid damaging the boards. Insert a piece of thick fabric or a block of wood underneath the head as you gently pry the nail up. If the claw of a hammer does not work, you can try a crowbar or other prying tools.
Pliers are another option for removing nails and screws from decking boards. They can easily remove buried nail heads. A method that will make the removal process easier is to cut the decking boards first. This will decrease the chances of damage during the removal, and you will also be able to reuse these smaller pieces.
There are also a variety of nail pullers available on the market. For example, the Crescent nail puller can get close to obstacles that other pullers can't, and it will get under the nail head even if it is below flush. The WorkPro Pneumatic Heavy Duty Punch Nailer is another option, which punches out nails with air pressure.
If you are happy to replace the decking boards and do not mind damaging them, then a faster method is to pry up the boards with a crowbar and hammer, or a dedicated deck-board removal tool, such as the Duckbill Deck Wrecker, the Gutster Demo Bar, or the GreenTek Demo-Dek.
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Cut the deck boards between the joists
Removing nailed-down composite decking can be a challenging and time-consuming task. It is a necessary step if you want to replace your old deck with a new one. Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools and equipment, and plan how to safely remove and dispose of the debris.
If you want to retain minimal damage to the boards, you will need to take extra precautions. If you're not careful, you may damage the surrounding deck boards or even the deck frame.
One way to remove decking boards is to cut them between the joists. This can be done with a wrecking bar or reciprocating saw. You can also cut the joists and leave the boards in place, but this should be done in small pieces.
When cutting the deck boards, it is important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye and ear protection. Composite decking requires power tools, so safety is a top priority.
There are several options for the type of saw and blades to use when cutting composite decking. A power miter saw is recommended, but a table saw or circular saw with a proper blade and guide can also be used. Carbide-tipped blades are a good option as they stay sharp, and a high tooth count will provide a more accurate and fine cut.
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Remove hidden fasteners with slim clips
Removing composite decking that has been installed with hidden fasteners can be tricky and challenging. Slim clips or 3mm clips are the most popular choice for composite decking as they leave minimal gaps side-by-side and provide a seamless finish. However, they can be difficult to remove because the screw is completely hidden and usually under the decking board.
If you are unable to access the screw, one way to remove the decking boards is to simply remove the edging and unclip each board. However, this can be difficult if the board you want to access is in the middle. Another option is to cut the decking boards into pieces, which can then be reused for other DIY projects. First, measure the width of the decking boards and mark 1/3 of the measurement from both ends, making two parallel lines. Then, use a prying tool to remove the centrepiece. Next, remove the end of the board that is not attached with a hidden fastener. For the side with the fastening clip, you will need to unscrew it if you can reach it. If not, gently pry and pull it upwards until you can access the screw or it pops out. If the screw breaks, drive it flush into the wood with a hammer.
If you are using a plastic clip or ultra clip, you may be able to access the screw with a drill and drill bit. Drill along every 300mm and lift the board.
Alternatively, you can loosen the fasteners to the point that you can slide the board out. This method has been reported to work well with Trex hidden fasteners.
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Dispose of debris and plan replacement
Before you start removing your composite decking, it's important to have a plan for disposing of the debris and replacing the deck.
First, you should decide whether to hire a contractor or do the job yourself. Hiring a professional will be more costly, but they will be able to complete the job more efficiently and safely. If you plan to hire a contractor to build a new deck anyway, it makes sense to hire them to remove the old one, too. This will minimise the lag time between deck demolition and new deck construction.
If you decide to remove the decking yourself, you will need to rent a dumpster or a truck to haul the debris to a recycling facility. This can be costly, so it's worth shopping around for the best price. You should also check with your local building authority, as some places require a permit for deck demolition and may have specific rules about how and where to dispose of the old materials.
When it comes to the disposal of the debris, it's important to do so in an environmentally friendly way. Clean wood from your deck can often be recycled, but check with local recycling centres to see if they accept lumber and ensure the wood is free from paint, nails, and other contaminants. Metal components like nails, screws, and metal railings can be recycled at a scrap metal facility, which can sometimes earn you a small amount of money. Some composite decking materials can also be recycled, so contact the manufacturer or your local waste management facility to find out. If parts of your deck are still in good condition, consider donating them to local organisations or building material reuse centres.
Finally, it's important to have a plan for replacing your deck. If you're not replacing it with another deck, consider what you will put in its place, such as a garden, a shed, or a concrete or paver patio. If you do plan to rebuild the deck, consider all your options, including composite decking, which lasts longer than wood, minimises maintenance, and has other advantages.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing decking that has been nailed down can be a challenging and time-consuming task. To remove composite decking nailed down with minimal damage, you can use the claw of a hammer to remove the nails. Insert a piece of thick fabric or a block of wood underneath the head as you gently pry the nail up. If the claw of a hammer does not work, try using a crowbar or other prying tools.
Before beginning to remove decking nailed down, it is important to make sure you have the right tools and equipment. You may need a hammer, a crowbar, a wrecking bar, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, a pry bar, a nail puller, or a duckbill tool.
First, you can remove the two boards closest to the house and the last two boards at the other end. Cut the deck boards between the joists and saw them toward the house. Remove the stair railings and stair treads by unscrewing or cutting them off. Then, remove the nails holding the boards using a hammer or other tools. Finally, cut the joists into small pieces and remove them.
