Blog Posted by Focus Demolition on 24 Oct 2025

Types of Demolition & When They’re Applicable

When it comes to bringing down a structure, there’s no one-size-fits-all method. In the commercial and industrial sectors, where buildings are often larger, older, and more complex, the type of demolition used needs to suit the site conditions, structural materials, timeline, and safety constraints.

At Focus Demolition, we work exclusively in commercial, industrial, and mining environments. That means our methods are shaped by scale, risk, and regulatory oversight. Below, we break down the main types of demolition used in Western Australia and when each one is applicable.

Mechanical Demolition

  • Best for: Most commercial and industrial structures
  • Method: Using excavators, high-reach machinery, and hydraulic attachments (e.g. shears, crushers, hammers) to take down a structure piece by piece.

Mechanical demolition is by far the most common method across commercial demolition services. It’s cost-effective, scalable, and suitable for everything from warehouse teardowns to multi-storey office buildings. With the right planning, it can be safely carried out in live environments where parts of the site need to remain operational.

At Focus, our fleet includes specialist equipment for tight-access and high-reach projects – ideal for staged demolitions or projects with limited laydown space.

 

Manual or Selective Demolition (Internal Strip-Outs)

  • Best for: Fit-out removals, tenancy make-goods, or live environment works
  • Method: Controlled, hands-on removal of interior non-structural elements like walls, ceilings, flooring, and services.

Internal strip-outs are frequently used in office towers, shopping centres, and government facilities where the shell of the building is retained. While this is a lighter form of demolition, it requires careful sequencing, particularly when managing shared services, asbestos risks, or adjacent tenants.

Our team is licensed for asbestos removal and trained to work in live environments with minimal disruption to surrounding operations.

 

Implosion (Explosive Demolition)

  • Best for: Large-scale, isolated structures with no nearby risk factors
  • Method: Using strategically placed explosives to cause a structure to collapse inward.

Implosion is rarely used in Western Australia due to its complexity and risk profile. Regulatory approvals are strict, and the surrounding site must be completely cleared. That said, it can be effective for outdated stadiums, silos, or tower blocks where conventional demolition would be too time-consuming or dangerous.

Focus Demolition does not typically deploy implosion methods, but we regularly engage in engineered dismantling strategies that achieve similar outcomes without the risks associated with live explosives.

Deconstruction (Reverse Construction)

  • Best for: Asset recovery or projects with strong environmental objectives
  • Method: Carefully disassembling a structure to preserve materials for reuse or recycling.

Deconstruction is slower and more labour-intensive than traditional methods but is increasingly considered in projects seeking to meet sustainability targets or Green Star certification. Salvageable materials like timber, steel, and architectural elements can be catalogued and retained.

At Focus, we assess opportunities for salvage and recycling during the planning phase to ensure cost and time implications are clearly understood. This approach aligns with our soil remediation efforts to promote environmental responsibility.

 

Induced Collapse (Pull-Down or Push-Over)

  • Best for: Redundant sheds, tanks, or unsupported structures in remote or open locations
  • Method: Weakening structural points and using mechanical force (often cables or pushing machinery) to bring the structure down in a controlled direction.

This method is often used in mining site decommissioning where remote conditions make it safer and more cost-effective to bring down redundant structures rapidly.

Focus is regularly engaged in regional and remote WA where our ability to mobilise quickly makes us a preferred contractor for this type of work.

 

Choosing the Right Demolition Method

Choosing the wrong demolition approach can increase costs, extend timelines, or introduce unnecessary risk. That’s why our process always starts with a detailed site assessment, considering:

  • Structural design and materials
  • Surrounding operations and public safety
  • Presence of hazardous materials (like asbestos)
  • Site access and logistical constraints
  • Environmental and recycling goals

Looking for expert demolition companies in WA?

Focus Demolition offers tailored commercial demolition services backed by a proven track record in complex, high-risk environments. Whether you’re managing an inner-city redevelopment or a mine site shutdown, our team brings the expertise, equipment, and speed you need.

Explore our full commercial demolition services or get in touch to discuss your project.