Cut and Remove Main Carpet Sections

What happens in this clip

Using the utility knife, carefully cut the carpet along the back corner where the tread meets the riser. This creates an edge to grab onto. Once a cut is made, use pliers or hands (with gloves) to pull the carpet forcefully upwards and outwards. The carpet is typically held by tack strips along the edges. The goal is to detach the carpet from these strips on the treads and risers. Note that carpet on the side stringers (the angled board running along the side of the stairs) is usually a separate piece and should not interfere with removing the main tread/riser carpet.

Goal: Score and cut the carpet at the junction of the stair tread and riser, then pull the main carpet section free from the stairs.

What's used

Tools

• Pliers
• Utility Knife
• Work Gloves

About the full video

This video provides a detailed guide on how to safely and efficiently remove old carpet and its underlying components (underpad, tack strips, staples) from stairs. The process covers cutting and pulling off carpet, detaching underpad, and carefully removing all fasteners from the treads, risers, and stringers, preparing the stairs for new flooring installations.

Step 3 of 9: Pull Carpet Up and Away

Once the edge is loosened, grasp the carpet firmly with gloved hands or pliers and pull it upwards and away from the tack strips. Work your way down the riser and then across the tread, continuing to peel the carpet off the strips as you go.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs

1. Step 1: Secure the Area

   • 0:55–1:00 Prepare and Protect Adjacent Areas
   • 0:55–1:00 Seal Off Entryways
   • 0:26–0:34 Mask and Protect Surrounding Areas

2. Step 2: Loosen Carpet Edges

   • 0:58–1:33 Loosen Carpet from Tack Strips
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

3. Step 3: Pull Carpet Up and Away

   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:58–3:40 Cut and Remove Main Carpet Sections (this video)
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

4. Step 4: Remove Carpet Backing

   • 3:40–4:20 Remove Carpet Underpad
   • 0:02–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding
   • 0:40–1:09 Remove Carpet Pad and Tack Strips

5. Step 5: Remove Padding

   • 2:46–3:43 Remove Carpet Padding
   • 1:00–1:25 Remove Carpet Pad
   • 1:33–1:40 Remove Carpet Padding

6. Step 6: Remove Tack Strips

   • 4:56–5:35 Remove Tack Strips
   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 1:02–1:12 Remove Tack Strips

7. Step 7: Clean Stair Treads and Risers

   • 0:14–0:23 Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal
   • 0:23–0:26 Clean and Prepare Stairs for Finishing
   • 1:49–2:08 Clean Up Debris

8. Step 8: Inspect and Repair Stairs

   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 7:20–7:30 Final Touches and Cleanup
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

9. Step 9: Dispose of Materials

   • 1:07–1:12 Bag Carpet Sections
   • 7:37–8:39 Roll Padding with Tack Strips for Disposal
   • 3:46–3:50 Dispose of Carpet Debris