Shed Demolition and Removal: DIY vs Hiring Help

Shed Demolition and Removal: DIY vs Hiring Help

Old backyard shed rotting in the corner? It's either a $400 service call or a $150 DIY weekend. Here's how to decide which route makes sense for you.

Quick Decision Framework

DIY it if:

• The shed is smaller than 10x12 ft
• You have basic tools (hammer, pry bar, sawzall)
• You can lift 40+ lbs comfortably
• You've got a weekend free
• It's not made of suspicious materials

Hire it out if:

• It's 12x16 ft or larger
• It's on a concrete slab you also want removed
• It might contain asbestos (pre-1980 siding/roofing)
• Access is restricted (narrow gates, second-floor decks)
• You have bad knees, back, or shoulders

The DIY Approach

A standard 8x10 ft wood shed is honestly not hard. Here's the full process.

Tools you need

• Pry bar (long one — 36")
• Hammer
• Reciprocating saw (sawzall) — the key tool
• Safety glasses, gloves, dust mask
• Utility knife
• Cordless drill
• Sturdy ladder

Step 1: Empty it

Obviously. Don't forget the rafters — people stash things up there and forget.

Step 2: Remove the roof

Pull off shingles with a pry bar or sawzall under the edge. Drop them into a tarp for easy cleanup. Then pop off the roof sheathing.

Step 3: Knock down the walls

Usually there's framing every 16–24 inches. Cut the siding away from the frame, then push each wall over. Use the sawzall to cut through any stubborn nails.

Pro tip: Save the 2x4s if they're in decent shape. People will take them free for fence posts or garden beds.

Step 4: Pull up the floor

Most sheds have plywood over floor joists. Pry up the plywood, then the joists.

Step 5: Handle the foundation

• Gravel pad: Rake level, you're done
• Patio blocks: Give them away on Craigslist or reuse
• Concrete slab: If you don't need it gone, leave it. Removing a slab is a whole separate project — see my [concrete disposal guide](/blog/how-to-dispose-of-concrete).

Time required

A DIY 8x10 shed demolition takes one person 4–8 hours, or two people 3–4 hours.

Dumpster Sizing for Shed Demo

Most sheds fit comfortably in a 10-yard dumpster with room to spare. Cost: ~$350.

See size options in my [dumpster rental guide](/dumpster-rental-prices).

Asbestos Warning

If your shed was built before 1980 and has:

• Cement-board siding
• Tar-paper roofing
• Old vinyl floor tile

...there's a real chance of asbestos. Do not demolish it yourself. Get a $50 sample tested by a lab. If positive, hire a licensed abatement contractor ($1,500–$5,000). Disturbing asbestos creates a health hazard and disposal nightmare.

Hiring It Out

Junk removal service

Most junk removal crews will tear down and haul a small shed for $300–$700. Larger or reinforced structures run higher.

What you get:

• Crew of 2–3 shows up
• Tears down in 1–3 hours
• Hauls it all away
• Leaves the site raked

See my [junk removal guide](/junk-removal).

Demolition contractor

For bigger sheds (over 200 sq ft) or if there's a slab involved, a demo contractor is the right call. Expect $600–$1,800 depending on size and slab removal.

Cost Comparison

Sell the Shed Instead

This is the best-kept secret of shed removal.

Post the shed free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, "you disassemble and haul." You'll get takers within a day for anything half-decent. People will show up with trucks, tear it down, and leave you with a clean slab.

I've seen this work on sheds the owner was sure were "too old and rotted to want." Someone wanted it anyway.

Total cost: $0. Maybe even $50–$200 if you sell it as-is for cash.

Permits

Most cities don't require a permit for residential shed demo if:

• It's under 200 sq ft
• No utility disconnections needed
• No structural modifications to main home

Check your local building department to be sure. Some HOAs also require approval.

Bottom Line

A shed is the most DIY-able demolition project in your yard. A weekend, a 10-yard dumpster, and a sawzall gets the job done for under $400. If you want zero effort, $500 to a junk removal crew is fair.

And always try the "free on Craigslist" route first. You might get it hauled away for nothing.

Compare [dumpster prices](/dumpster-rental-prices) in your zip before you start.