Remove Carpet and Padding

What happens in this clip

Begin by removing the old carpet. If you don't intend to save the carpet, simply grab a corner with a utility knife or pliers and pull it up from the floor. Once you have a starting point, you can use your hands to continue pulling. If you wish to save the carpet, cut it into larger, manageable pieces and have someone assist you with removal. Next, pull up the carpet padding which is typically easier to remove by hand.

Goal: Clear the floor of old carpet and padding

What's used

Tools

• Pliers
• Utility Knife

About the full video

This comprehensive guide demonstrates how to prepare a room for hardwood flooring installation, from removing old carpet and its components to laying down a vapor barrier and installing the new hardwood planks. It covers techniques for removing stubborn staples and tack strips, dealing with doorways and vents, and proper nailing methods for different scenarios, including face-nailing and using a slip tongue for transitions.

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
   • 0:00–0:09 Remove Carpet and Pad
   • 0:01–0:40 Remove Carpet and Padding (this video)

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