Playset Removal Pricing Guide

Site assessment and photo documentation

Walk the structure before touching it. Push each post to check for rot. Photograph the playset from all four sides and document any pre-existing lawn damage, fence proximity, or overhead obstructions. This takes 5 minutes and prevents disputes about property damage later.

Most playset removal jobs cost between $150 and $500. A basic metal swing set runs $150–$250 including disassembly, loading, and scrap disposal. A mid-size wood playset with slide costs $250–$400. Large multi-level wooden fortresses with clubhouses run $400–$500+. Add $15–$30 per post for concrete footing extraction. Sandbox removal adds $50–$100. Total project cost depends on material, size, feature count, and anchoring method.

A 2-person crew completes most playset removals in 1–3 hours. Small metal swing sets take 45–60 minutes from arrival to cleanup. Mid-size wood playsets with a single platform and slide average 1.5–2 hours. Large multi-level wooden structures with concrete footings, sandbox, and attached clubhouse take 2.5–3.5 hours. Commercial playground equipment at daycares or parks can require 4–6 hours with a 3-person crew.

Yes, most junk removal companies offer concrete footing removal as an add-on service priced at $15–$30 per post. Standard residential playset footings are 8–12 inches in diameter and 18–24 inches deep, weighing 30–60 lbs each. Extraction takes 10–20 minutes per post with a digging bar. The base service typically includes cutting posts flush at ground level if you decline footing extraction.

Playsets under 5 years old with no rot, rust, or structural damage can sometimes be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStores, churches, or community organizations. However, most playsets are 8–15 years old by the time owners want them removed, and weathering makes them unsuitable for reuse. Ask the homeowner about the playset's age during quoting. If it's donatable, you save on dump fees and can still charge the same removal rate.

Standard general liability insurance for junk removal operators costs $1,200–$2,400/year and covers playset removal without additional endorsements in most cases. If your policy has a demolition exclusion, adding light-demo coverage costs an extra $15–$30/month. Workers' comp adds $3,500–$6,000/year depending on state and crew size. The most common playset-related claims are lawn damage ($300–$600) and fence panel damage ($200–$400).