Tearing Down a Deck/Porch - Advice?

**jmattbassplaya** · #1 06-25-2011, 02:25 PM

I'm tearing down a wooden porch that's in my back yard. A lot of the top planks have began rotting out so they're easy to get up, however, there's still a few planks (or sections of planks) that are in good condition that don't seem to want to come free from their beam no matter how hard I try to get them up.

Any advice on how to get these better conditioned planks removed? Not getting them up and working around them isn't an option.

Thanks,
James

elgecko · #2 06-25-2011, 02:27 PM

What tools have you tried so far? At least a crowbar, right?

fingerbun · #3 06-25-2011, 02:30 PM

If the whole porch is going anyway a chainsaw is a fast way to make an impression.

**jmattbassplaya** · #4 06-25-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

What tools have you tried so far? At least a crowbar, right?

I've tried using a crowbar, but it hasn't been working too terribly well.

The best luck I've had has consisted of me getting under the deck and taking a mini sledge to the section of the board right next to where its nailed in and hammering them free one at a time and section by section.

I've done about a quarter of the deck this way with little trouble, but if there's an easier way to do it then I'm all ears

**jmattbassplaya** · #5 06-25-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingerbun

If the whole porch is going anyway a chainsaw is a fast way to make an impression.

Actually, not the whole thing is going... or at least not yet.

The base of the porch is still in great condition so we're considering just removing the old top, getting new planks, and adding the new wood planks to the existing base.

Quickie · #6 06-25-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

The base of the porch is still in great condition so we're considering just removing the old top, getting new planks, and adding the new wood planks ones to the existing base.

I have always admired people who could work with wood. I am very clumsy at this skill.

elgecko · #7 06-25-2011, 02:42 PM

How about a pry bar coaxed in between the deck boards and the beam with a BFH to wedge them apart.

nogoodwithnames · #8 06-25-2011, 02:50 PM

+1 to the BFH.

I'd say the way you are doing it is the best way if you're trying to save to beams.. a lot slower progress however

Jimbob Jones · #9 06-25-2011, 02:51 PM

If the hammer isn't working, get a bigger hammer.

hover · #10 06-25-2011, 02:59 PM

This was mine last year...

YouTube - ‪porch roof coming DOWN‬&rlm;

that's one way to do it.

rr5025 · #11 06-25-2011, 03:06 PM

Call these guys

jonathan_matos5 · #12 06-25-2011, 03:10 PM

yup, BFH and a pry bar or one of these.

GRAHAM SG1 · #13 06-25-2011, 03:13 PM

Tie a rope to the porch and your car tow hook then pull it down

only joking !!

hover · #14 06-25-2011, 03:16 PM

Graham, did you watch my video? IT DOES WORK!

GRAHAM SG1 · #15 06-25-2011, 03:33 PM

Sorry I did not see it, had a look, very good job

hover · #16 06-25-2011, 03:35 PM

Hahahaha, it was pretty scary in person...

carl h. · #17 06-25-2011, 03:37 PM

Use a sawzall between the deck and the frame to cut the nail/screw, then lift off.

Might need a pry to get clearance for the saw though.

charlie monroe · #18 06-25-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl h.

Use a sawzall between the deck and the frame to cut the nail/screw, then lift off.

Might need a pry to get clearance for the saw though.

+1. Make sure you have a metal blade, not a wood blade.

This will make short work of it.

iamlowsound · #19 06-25-2011, 03:56 PM

Get a FUBAR, they make short work of any demolition job.

lowsound

96tbird · #20 06-25-2011, 04:19 PM

Run a circular saw near the beams (joists) parallel, cutting the planks into short lengths. Then use each one as it's own lever to loosen up the attached end, as in wiggle it up and down, until a prybar will easily get in there to finish the job.