How much does it cost to remove an old wood deck and replace it with composite in a Calgary neighbourhood like Kensington?

Removing an old wood deck and replacing it with composite typically costs $50-80 per square foot in Calgary neighbourhoods like Kensington, with a 300-square-foot deck replacement running $15,000-$24,000 including demolition, disposal, and new construction.

The total cost breaks down into several components that are particularly relevant in established Calgary communities like Kensington. Demolition and disposal runs $8-15 per square foot, depending on the deck's height, complexity, and access for equipment. In Kensington's mature neighbourhood with narrow lots and established landscaping, contractors often need to hand-carry materials to the street rather than using machinery, which increases labour costs. Calgary's landfill tipping fees and the distance to disposal sites add $500-1,200 to most projects.

New composite deck construction costs $40-70 per square foot for materials and installation, with premium capped composite lines like Trex Transcend or TimberTech Legacy at the upper end. The substructure (joists, beams, posts, footings) typically uses pressure-treated lumber regardless of the decking material choice. If the existing footings are properly installed below Calgary's 4-foot frost line and in good condition, they may be reusable, saving $200-500 per footing. However, many older Calgary decks have shallow or deteriorated footings that must be completely replaced.

Kensington-specific considerations include the neighbourhood's mature trees, which provide natural shade but can complicate equipment access and material delivery. The area's mix of character homes and infills means deck designs often need to complement heritage architecture while meeting current Alberta Building Code requirements. Many Kensington properties have rear lane access, which can reduce material handling costs compared to front-street-only access in some Calgary communities.

Calgary's climate makes composite an excellent choice for deck replacement. Composite decking handles the city's extreme chinook freeze-thaw cycling without the warping, splitting, and checking that destroys wood decks. At Calgary's elevation of 1,045 metres, UV exposure is intense enough to turn unprotected cedar grey within one season, while quality composite maintains its colour for decades. The chinook winds that can swing temperatures 30 degrees in hours cause rapid expansion and contraction that pops fasteners and cracks wood finishes, but composite remains dimensionally stable.

Additional costs to budget for include permit fees ($150-500 if the new deck exceeds 600mm above grade), electrical updates if adding deck lighting ($800-2,500), and potential utility line marking if new footings are required. In established neighbourhoods like Kensington, older homes may have knob-and-tube wiring or inadequate electrical service that needs upgrading before adding deck circuits.

Timing is critical in Calgary's short building season. Most deck contractors are booked by March or April for summer construction, so plan your replacement project well in advance. Demolition can begin once the ground thaws (typically mid-April), but new footing installation requires soil conditions that allow proper excavation and concrete curing. The ideal window for deck replacement is May through September when temperatures consistently stay above 10 degrees Celsius.

Professional removal and replacement is strongly recommended for any elevated deck project. Demolition involves working at height with power tools, and proper disposal of treated lumber requires knowledge of environmental regulations. New composite deck installation requires precise fastener spacing, proper expansion gaps, and manufacturer-specific installation techniques that affect warranty coverage.

Calgary Deck Contractors can match you with experienced contractors from the Calgary Construction Network who specialize in deck replacement projects in established neighbourhoods like Kensington, where access challenges and heritage home considerations require local expertise.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Calgary Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Ardco Construction
• PLATINUM Pool & Spa Services Ltd
• Allure Residential & Commercial inc
• Mayken Hazmat Solutions LTD
• Eshine Cleaning Services