Best Deck & Fencing Removal In Missouri & Illinois – MrJunk® Since 2005

From Rotting Deck Boards to Stubborn Fence Posts, We Handle the Heavy Lifting

Last month, we got a call from a homeowner in Columbia who said, “I started taking down my deck yesterday. Today I’m sitting in my kitchen looking at what appears to be a wooden crime scene in my backyard.” We’ve heard variations of this story about a thousand times over the past 20 years.

Here’s the thing about deck and fence removal that nobody tells you upfront.

What looks like a simple weekend project turns into a multi-week nightmare faster than you can say “pressure-treated lumber.” Those boards that seemed easy to pry up? They’re held down with 3-inch deck screws that were installed by someone who apparently thought the deck might need to survive a tornado. That fence you figured would just “come right down”? It’s got concrete footings deeper than your first mortgage payment.

We get it. We’ve been there. We’ve seen homeowners in Alton start a fence removal on Saturday morning and still be picking splinters out of their hands the following Tuesday. We’ve rescued families in Lake Ozarks who thought they could demo their deck in one day and ended up with what looked like a lumber yard explosion in their backyard.

That’s exactly why Missouri and Illinois homeowners call MrJunk® when they need deck and fencing removal done right. We do all the prying, cutting, lifting, and hauling—so you don’t have to turn your weekend into an episode of “When Home Improvement Goes Wrong.”

Why MrJunk® Deck & Fence Removal Crew Is Different (And Why That Matters)

We’re not just another junk removal company that showed up yesterday with a pickup truck and optimism. We’ve been wrestling with Missouri and Illinois deck and fence removal since 2005, which means we’ve seen every type of outdoor structure disaster you can imagine. And several you probably can’t.

We’re the crew that shows up with the right tools for the job. While other companies might bring a crowbar and hope for the best, we arrive equipped with reciprocating saws, proper pry bars, and the kind of heavy-duty equipment that makes deck demolition look almost easy. Almost.

We know the difference between different types of outdoor structures. That composite decking requires different handling than pressure-treated lumber. Vinyl fencing comes apart differently than chain link. And those old aluminum awnings? They’re basically origami that fights back.

Most importantly, we actually show up when we say we will. In Columbia, we’ve become the cleanup crew for homeowners whose “other guy” disappeared faster than their enthusiasm for DIY deck removal.

Real Authority from Real Experience

Since 2005, we’ve handled deck and fence removal throughout Missouri and Illinois. From St. Charles subdivisions where every deck was built exactly the same way (until weather made them all fail differently), to historic homes in Jefferson City where the deck was added sometime during the Carter administration and held together by paint and prayer.

Down in Alton, we removed a zigzag vinyl fence that a determined dog had chewed halfway through—apparently the dog had strong opinions about property lines. Out at Lake Ozarks, we’ve pulled deck boards that lake weather had turned into something resembling very expensive driftwood. In Columbia, we’ve wrestled hundred-pound deck frames from century-old homes where the original builders apparently believed in overkill.

Licensed and insured throughout Missouri and Illinois. Because when you’re dealing with heavy timber, rusty nails, and structures that might decide to fall in unexpected directions, proper coverage isn’t optional.

Available seven days a week. Because rotted deck boards don’t wait for Monday, and that leaning fence isn’t going to get more stable over the weekend.

Can We Take This? (Yes, and Here’s How It Works)

The short answer? If it’s outdoor structure that’s making your backyard look like a construction site, we can probably handle it. The longer answer involves some specifics about what we’ve learned works best after nearly two decades of outdoor demolition.

Wooden Decks and Deck Components

We handle everything from simple platform decks to those multi-level monstrosities that someone built before they understood local building codes. Pressure-treated lumber, cedar, composite decking, deck railings, built-in planters that seemed like a good idea in 1995—all of it goes.

The tricky part? Deck screws. Lots and lots of deck screws. We’ve pulled decks apart that had more hardware than a space shuttle. But that’s why we bring the right tools and the experience to know which boards will come up easily and which ones are going to require some negotiation.

Fencing (All Types, All Conditions)

Wooden privacy fences, chain link, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron—we’ve removed them all. From property line fences that have been standing since the Reagan administration to decorative garden fencing that’s more style than function.

The stuff that makes fence removal interesting: Concrete footings that go down three feet. Posts that were installed by someone who apparently mixed their concrete with superglue. Gates that haven’t opened since the last homeowner tried to fix them “temporarily” five years ago.

Pergolas, Gazebos, and Outdoor Structures

Those backyard features that looked great in the magazine but turned out to be maintenance nightmares in Missouri and Illinois weather. We’ve removed pergolas that were basically just fancy lumber piles waiting to happen, gazebos that had become more like outdoor storage sheds, and patio covers that provided more habitat for wasps than shade for humans.

What We Don’t Take (And Where You Should Go Instead)

Here’s where we have to be honest about the limits of junk removal:

Concrete slabs and footings that require jackhammering. We can handle the posts and the above-ground parts, but if you’ve got a concrete pad that needs to go, you’ll want a concrete removal specialist. We can recommend good ones throughout our service areas.

Live electrical connections. If your deck had built-in lighting or your fence has an electric gate opener, those need to be disconnected by someone who knows which wires do what. We’re good, but we’re not electricians.

Fences that are currently involved in neighbor disputes. Look, we’ve learned to stay out of property line arguments. Get that sorted first, then call us to remove whatever’s left standing.

And yes, we won’t remove metal fencing during thunderstorms. We’re brave, but we’re not stupid. Lightning rods are for buildings, not junk removal crews.

Why Some Items Are a Bigger Deal Than You’d Think

Most people look at their deck and think, “It’s just wood. How hard can it be?” The answer is: harder than you think, heavier than you expect, and more dangerous than it looks.

The Physics of Deck Removal

A typical 12×16 deck doesn’t just weigh a lot—it weighs a lot in all the wrong ways. Those deck boards are long, awkward, and full of nails pointing in directions that seem designed to catch clothing, skin, and anything else that gets too close. The support structure underneath? It’s basically a wooden jungle gym built by someone who really, really didn’t want it to ever come apart.

We’ve seen homeowners start deck removal thinking they’ll just “pop off a few boards.” Three hours later, they’ve managed to remove exactly two boards and gained a healthy respect for whoever installed the original deck. Because apparently that person used enough screws to assemble a small aircraft.

Fence Removal Reality Check

Fences seem simple until you start trying to take them down. That wooden privacy fence in your backyard? Each post is probably set in concrete that’s been hardening for years. Those fence panels that look like they’re just sitting there? They’re connected to those posts with hardware that was installed by someone who clearly expected this fence to outlast the pyramids.

And vinyl fencing? Don’t let the “easy maintenance” reputation fool you. Vinyl fence removal requires the right technique, or you end up with a backyard full of plastic shards that look like the aftermath of a giant Tupperware explosion.

The Debris Factor

Here’s what nobody tells you about deck and fence removal: the debris. Oh, the debris. A single deck can generate enough lumber scraps to fill a small garage. Add in the old nails, screws, brackets, and random hardware, and you’re looking at a disposal challenge that makes moving look simple.

We’ve had customers in St. Louis call us after filling a 30-yard dumpster with just half their deck. That’s when they realized that professional removal might be worth the cost.

How MrJunk® Fence and Deck Removal Works (Step by Step, No Surprises)

We’ve streamlined our process based on nearly 20 years of learning what works and what turns into expensive mistakes. Here’s exactly how deck and fence removal happens when you call MrJunk®.

Step 1: We Show Up (On Time, With the Right Tools)

First, we arrive when we said we would. Revolutionary concept in the junk removal business, apparently. Our crew shows up with the tools that actually make deck and fence removal possible: reciprocating saws, pry bars, proper safety equipment, and the kind of heavy-duty truck that can handle whatever we’re about to load into it.

We’ll walk the site with you, confirm exactly what’s getting removed, and double-check any utilities or complications we need to work around. Got sprinkler lines running under that deck? We’ll spot them. Fence posts that might be supporting more than just the fence? We’ll figure that out before we start cutting.

Step 2: We Plan the Attack (Because Demolition Without Strategy Is Just Destruction)

Every deck and fence removal is different. That composite deck in Lake Ozarks requires different techniques than the pressure-treated lumber deck in Columbia. The chain link fence in Alton comes apart differently than the vinyl privacy fence in St. Charles.

We plan our approach based on what we’re dealing with: How the structure was built, what kind of access we have, where we can safely stack debris, and how to get everything removed without turning your yard into a disaster zone that’s worse than what we started with.

Step 3: The Actual Removal (Where Experience Really Shows)

This is where our 20 years of experience becomes obvious. We know which deck boards will come up easily and which ones are going to fight. We can tell by looking at a fence post whether it’s going to require surgery or negotiation. And we’ve learned to spot the warning signs that mean “stop and rethink this approach.”

Our crew works efficiently but carefully. We’re not just ripping things apart—we’re systematically disassembling structures in ways that keep everyone safe and your property undamaged. The goal is to remove what you want gone without destroying anything you want to keep.

Step 4: Clean Removal and Disposal (Because Nobody Wants a Debris Field)

After we’ve loaded everything into our trucks, we don’t just drive away and leave you with a pile of nails and wood scraps. We clean up the site, check for any debris we might have missed, and make sure your yard is in better shape than when we started.

All the wood, metal, and other materials get disposed of responsibly. Usable lumber gets donated when possible. Metal components get recycled. Everything else gets disposed of properly through licensed facilities.

What Decking & Fencing Removal Costs (We Tell You Upfront)

Here’s how we handle pricing for deck and fence removal, because nobody likes financial surprises when they’re already dealing with demolition stress.

Free Estimates (Actually Free, No Catch)

We’ll come out and give you a real, honest estimate based on what we’re actually looking at. Not a ballpark guess over the phone, not a price that mysteriously changes when the work starts. A real assessment of your specific situation.

Our estimates factor in the size of the structure, the type of materials, access challenges, and disposal requirements. That deck that’s built on a steep slope? We’ll price that appropriately. The fence that requires working around your neighbor’s prized rose bushes? We’ll figure that into the estimate.

What Affects the Price

Several factors can influence the final cost of deck and fence removal:

Size and complexity matter, obviously. A simple 10×10 deck comes down differently than a multi-level deck with built-in planters and decorative railings.

Material type affects both removal technique and disposal costs. Composite decking, pressure-treated lumber, and cedar all require different approaches.

Access challenges like steep slopes, tight spaces, or structures that require working around landscaping or other features.

Disposal requirements vary based on material type and local regulations. Some materials can be recycled, others require special handling.

Why Professional Removal Makes Financial Sense

Yes, you could rent a dumpster and try to handle this yourself. We’ve cleaned up after homeowners who tried that approach. Here’s what usually happens:

The dumpster rental costs more than expected. The disposal fees add up. The tool rental (because you definitely need tools you don’t own) gets expensive. The time investment turns what seemed like a weekend project into a month-long ordeal. And that’s if everything goes according to plan.

Factor in the risk of injury (emergency room visits aren’t cheap), potential property damage (when that deck beam falls the wrong way), and the real value of your time, and professional removal often costs less than the DIY approach.

What to Expect From MrJunk® (Because Nobody Likes Guessing)

When you call MrJunk® for deck and fence removal, here’s exactly what you can expect from start to finish.

Before We Arrive

We’ll confirm your appointment, give you a realistic time window (not one of those “sometime between 8 AM and 6 PM” situations), and let you know what to expect. If weather might affect the timeline, we’ll keep you updated.

You don’t need to do anything to prepare, but if you want to remove any plants or decorative items from the area, that’s always helpful. We can work around obstacles, but clear access makes everything faster.

During the Removal

Our crew will work efficiently but carefully. Deck and fence removal involves power tools, so there will be some noise. Your neighbors will probably watch from their windows—we’re used to being the entertainment for the block.

We’ll keep you updated on progress and let you know if we discover anything unexpected. Sometimes we find utilities that weren’t marked, or structural issues that weren’t obvious from the surface. If anything changes the scope of work, we’ll discuss it with you before proceeding.

After We’re Done

Your yard will be clean and ready for whatever comes next. We’ll haul away all the debris, clean up any nails or screws, and make sure the area is safe for normal use.

If you’re planning landscaping or construction in the same area, we can coordinate with your other contractors to make sure the timing works for everyone.

Other Ways We Can Help (While We’re Already There)

A lot of customers who need deck and fence removal are dealing with broader outdoor cleanup projects. While we’re there handling the major demolition, we can often take care of related items that are cluttering up your outdoor space.

Outdoor Furniture and Equipment

That patio furniture that’s been weathering in the elements longer than it was ever designed to last? We can haul that away too. Grills that haven’t grilled anything in years, lawn equipment that’s more rust than function, and outdoor decorations that have seen better decades.

Shed and Storage Cleanup

Many times, deck and fence removal is part of a larger backyard renovation project. If you’ve got a shed that’s storing more spider webs than actual useful items, or outdoor storage that’s become a collection of things you forgot you owned, we can handle that while we’re already on site.

Yard Cleanup and Debris Removal

Sometimes removing a deck or fence reveals years of accumulated yard debris, old landscaping materials, or construction leftovers from previous projects. We can clean all of that up in the same visit, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple service calls.

Hot Tub and Spa Removal

Decks and hot tubs often go together, and sometimes they need to go away together. If your deck removal project includes dealing with an old hot tub that’s been sitting empty longer than you care to admit, we handle hot tub removal too.

Greenhouse Removal

That backyard greenhouse that started as a gardening dream and ended up as an expensive storage shed for broken pots and garden tools? We’ve removed plenty of them. From simple hoop houses to elaborate glass structures that have seen better decades, we handle greenhouse dismantling and removal while protecting your surrounding landscaping. Because sometimes the best thing you can grow in your greenhouse is more space in your backyard.

Questions People Actually Ask Us

How long does deck and fence removal take?

Depends on size and complexity, but most residential decks can be removed in half a day to a full day. Fencing varies based on length and type, but we’re usually talking hours, not days. We’ll give you a realistic timeline with your estimate.

Can you remove just part of a deck or fence?

Absolutely. Sometimes you just need to remove a damaged section, or you’re planning a partial renovation. We can remove whatever portions you specify while leaving the rest intact.

What about permits?

In most cases, you don’t need permits for removal (permits are usually for construction). But if you’re in an area with specific regulations, we’ll help you figure out what’s required.

Do you work in all weather?

We work in most weather conditions, but we draw some sensible lines. We won’t remove metal fencing during thunderstorms (we prefer our workers unelectrified), and ice storms make everything more dangerous than it needs to be. Missouri and Illinois weather keeps us flexible.

What if my deck or fence is really old and might contain lead paint?

We handle older structures all the time and take appropriate precautions. If there are concerns about hazardous materials, we’ll discuss the best approach for safe removal.

Can you work around my landscaping?

Yes, we work around plants, gardens, and other landscaping features you want to preserve. Our crews are experienced at careful removal that doesn’t turn your yard into a disaster zone.

What happens to all the materials?

We recycle what we can, donate usable materials when possible, and dispose of everything else through licensed facilities. Wood often gets recycled into mulch or other products, and metal components go to scrap recycling.

Do you provide weekend service?

Yes, we work seven days a week. Weekends are actually popular for deck and fence removal because homeowners can be there to oversee the project.

What if I change my mind about what I want removed?

No problem. We can adjust the scope of work based on what you decide after you see the estimate. Some customers start with just the deck and decide to add the old fence. Others realize they want to keep part of the structure. We’re flexible.

How soon can you start?

Often within a few days, sometimes sooner if you need emergency removal. During busy seasons (spring and summer), it might take a bit longer to schedule, but we’ll give you an honest timeline when you call.

Ready to Reclaim Your Backyard from Broken Boards and Leaning Fences?

Whether your deck looks like it’s one step away from becoming a wooden archaeological site, your fence is leaning at angles that defy physics, or you’re just ready to start fresh with your outdoor space, we’re here to help.

From Columbia to Alton, from Lake Ozarks to St. Charles, Trevor, Dax, and Chris have wrestled more decks and fencing from Missouri and Illinois yards than we can count. Our crews show up ready to pry, cut, and haul—so you don’t have to spend your weekends fighting with splinters and stubborn screws.

We’ve been doing this since 2005. That means we’ve seen every type of deck and fence disaster you can imagine, and we’ve figured out how to handle them efficiently and safely.

We’re licensed and insured throughout Missouri and Illinois. Because when you’re dealing with heavy timber and power tools, proper coverage isn’t optional.

We give honest, upfront estimates. No surprises, no hidden fees, no charges that mysteriously appear after the work is done.

We clean up after ourselves. Your yard will be in better shape when we leave than when we arrived.

Ready to get started? Give us a call, text us a photo of what you need removed, or submit our online form. We’ll take it from there, and you can get back to planning what you actually want to do with your backyard.

(573) 886-JUNK (5865) for Columbia and Central Missouri (314) 673-JUNK (5865) for St. Louis and Illinois

Free estimates • Licensed & insured • Available 7 days a week

Serving Missouri and Illinois since 2005 Locally owned • Family operated • Community focused

When Missouri and Illinois homeowners need deck and fence removal done right, they call MrJunk®. Because life’s too short to spend it fighting with rotted deck boards and leaning fence posts.