Tearing Down a Backyard Shed

The demolition of a backyard shed is very simple, however you may not find it easy. Sheds are very heavy. An average 8ft x 10ft backyard shed weighs in at 1800 pounds!

If you are going to do shed demolition, get ready to use some muscles you have not used in a while.

Step 1: Gather Up the Tools You’ll Need

1. Small Crowbar
2. Reciprocating saw (8 inch wood and nail blades)
3. Sledge hammer (large and small)
4. Truck or dump trailer.
5. Construction Trash Bags
6. Leaf Rake
7. Coal shovel or snow shovel (works well for cleanup)
8. Extension Cord (unless you run a cordless reciprocating saw)

Step 2: Safety Equipment

1. Gloves
2. Hardhat
3. Long sleeve shirt (You will get cut by wood and nails so limit that kind of injury by wearing a long sleeve shirt)
4. Mask (I am a mouth breather so I where a mask to save myself from breathing in wood dust and other debris.
5. Long Pants
6. Good boots (steel toe if you have a pair)
7. Safety Glasses (Please where these, just one mistake will ruin your life)

The Process of Shed Demolition

After I position my truck and tools I always start with using the reciprocating saw to cut the hinges on the door removing both barn doors.

Step inside the shed and using a large sledge hammer knock the sheeting off the shed all the way around. You can have a second person on the outside using the crow bar to help pop off some of the more stubborn nails. You may be able to load these items into the truck as you take them off the shed however some of them may need cut down to fit. That is where the reciprocating saw comes in very handy.

After you have the doors and sheeting off the shed stand back and get ready for the great fall. Attach a long rope on the center top of the side you want to pull from so you can keep your distance when pulling over. Being very safety conscious and from the outside cut the 2 X 4 supports on one side including the corners. Start with the inside 2 X 4 supports on the inside of the two corners and then from the far side of each corner cut those supports. Stan back and pull on the rope until the shed is safely on the ground. You can push over the shed as well however you must be extremely careful, you really don’t want a shed to fall on you.

Once the shed is on the ground the hard cutting begins. You are much better off cutting down the roof ridge separating the two sides and then cutting down the sides in between the 2 X 4 framing to make pieces that fit on the truck much easier to load.

Now you just have a little clean up to do, using a leaf rake and construction trash bags.

Don’t forget to strap and cover your load, and I avoid the highway with a load on. It is very dangerous to have an unsecured load and if you do have something fall off your truck you are liable for all damages. It is simply not worth the potential danger to go with out straps and tarp cover.

Off to the Dump!