What is the most efficient method for temporarily relocating a deck that is not attached to the house during excavation work?
Asked by Isabelle Dean 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 23, 2024
I’m in the middle of some digging and need to clear this deck for a bit. Would it be better to dismantle it or attempt to relocate it in one piece? It’s not connected to the house, so that’s not a concern.
Utilize an excavator with forks to pick up, back up, and drop the item.
Just make sure the deck isn’t attached to the building first
Use pipes or logs to roll it out of the way
Post indicated it’s not attached to the house
It would be easier with an excavator for sure
Oh man I can’t see. 😂 just double check that it’s truly disconnected. My dad and I missed a lag bolt before, caused a problem when we removed his deck.
A skid steer might be more suitable
😂Yep, could definitely fit a few into that house.
Could you grab a couple of car jacks to temporarily lift it?
I would totally just grab it and move it, haha. That’s probably why my back is hurting now. Maybe I should head over to Home Depot, pick up some 8-foot long 4″ PVC pipes, and roll the deck away across the grass.
Successfully moved a 12×16 using PVC pipe.
To move a shed across a yard, I used a cable winch, straps, and small logs placed underneath. I raised it about a foot, attached 2x8x16 ‘skies’ to prevent damage, and dragged it 80ft that way.
Make sure to provide support, add diagonal bracing, and use heavy lumber to secure the deck’s weight. round lumber can be used as skids, with a unifying support underneath the joists placed perpendicular to prevent it from falling apart.
You’re not going to move that. Let’s start taking the boards off.
If you have heavy equipment, great. If not, grab a couple of 4″x4″x8′ boards, lift one end with a jack (place a board under the jack for support), slide two boards underneath, then lift the other end and slide the last board in. Move it away from the house by sliding it across the 4x4s. Repeat as needed. You can also use a vehicle to drag it since you’re already excavating.