Assess Existing Carpet and Secure Workspace

What happens in this clip

Begin by observing the carpeted staircase, noting how the carpet is fitted around the balusters, over the treads, and against the risers. Pay close attention to the edges and corners to anticipate how it might be secured. Clear the staircase and surrounding areas of any furniture, decorative items, or loose objects to create a safe and unobstructed workspace.

Goal: Before beginning removal, visually inspect the existing carpet on the stairs to understand its installation, especially around balusters. Ensure the area is clear of obstructions and identify any potential hazards.

About the full video

This video details the safe and efficient removal of existing carpet and padding from stairs, focusing on the use of a pry bar and other tools to prepare the surface for new installation. It covers detaching carpet from tack strips, removing old padding, and extracting remaining staples and tack strips to leave a clean subfloor. The video also showcases the subsequent installation of new padding and carpet, and other flooring types in different areas, demonstrating the full transformation of the flooring.

Step 1 of 6: Prepare the Stair Landing Area

Remove all items from the stair landing, including decorations, furniture, and any other objects. Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover walls, banisters, and the floor at the base of the stairs to protect them from dust and debris. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using fans.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove Carpet from a Stair Landing

1. Step 1: Prepare the Stair Landing Area

   • 0:00–0:58 Assess Existing Carpet and Secure Workspace (this video)
   • 0:14–0:23 Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal
   • 0:16–0:24 Clean and Prepare Staircase Substrate

2. Step 2: Score the Carpet Edges

   • 0:33–0:43 Cut Carpet into Strips
   • 2:37–4:28 Cut and Roll Carpet Strips
   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet

3. Step 3: Remove Carpet and Padding

   • 0:00–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding
   • 0:00–0:09 Remove Carpet and Pad
   • 0:01–0:40 Remove Carpet and Padding

4. Step 4: Remove Staples and Tack Strips

   • 0:55–1:00 Remove Tack Strips
   • 1:15–2:15 Remove Staples and Tack Strips
   • 3:04–4:13 Remove Tack Strips and Staples

5. Step 5: Clean the Subfloor

   • 0:12–0:14 Clean the Subfloor
   • 0:13–0:14 Clean the Subfloor
   • 0:18–0:23 Clean the Subfloor

6. Step 6: Dispose of Old Carpet and Padding

   • 0:31–0:38 Remove Carpet Padding
   • 3:40–4:43 Dispose of Old Carpet and Padding
   • 0:54–1:02 Remove Carpet Pad