Remove Carpet and Padding

What happens in this clip

Begin by assessing the carpet and identifying a starting point, typically a corner or an edge where the carpet can be easily lifted. Use a utility knife to make a cut in the carpet if necessary to get a good grip, then forcefully pull the carpet up from the subfloor. Roll the carpet tightly as you go to make it easier to handle and dispose of. Once the carpet is removed, the carpet padding underneath will be exposed. Lift and roll the padding in the same manner, often finding it to be stapled or glued down in sections.

Goal: Clear the room of old carpet and padding

What's used

Tools

• Knee Pads
• Utility Knife
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Work Gloves
• Heavy-duty utility gloves

Materials

• Carpet Padding
• Old Carpet

About the full video

This project provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove old carpeting, its underlying padding, and the tack strips, preparing the subfloor for new flooring. It highlights the physical effort involved and the tools required for a thorough removal and cleanup.

Step 3 of 6: Remove Carpet and Padding

Starting at one edge, grip the carpet with pliers or a carpet knife and pull it upwards and away from the subfloor. Work in sections, peeling back the carpet. Once the carpet is removed, remove the padding beneath it in the same manner. Roll up the carpet and padding as you go to make disposal easier.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 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