Remove Carpet Pad and Tack Strips

What happens in this clip

Once the main carpet layer is removed, you will find the carpet pad underneath. The pad is typically stapled or glued down. It can usually be pulled up in a similar fashion to the carpet. Be cautious as you pull the pad, as it often has sharp tack strips along the edges of the treads and risers. Use a pry bar or a similar tool to carefully lift these tack strips. They are very sharp, so handle them with extreme care to avoid injury. Work from top to bottom, removing all pad pieces and tack strips.

Goal: After the carpet is off, remove the underlying carpet pad and the sharp tack strips, taking care due to their sharp points.

What's used

Tools

• Pry Bar
• Work Gloves

About the full video

This video provides a detailed guide on how to remove old carpeting, carpet padding, tack strips, staples, and any protruding nails from a wooden staircase. It covers the entire demolition and initial cleanup process to prepare the stairs for a new flooring installation.

Step 4 of 9: Remove Carpet Backing

After the main carpet material is removed, the carpet's secondary backing may remain adhered to the stairs. Use a putty knife or scraper to lift and peel this backing away from the treads and risers.

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
   • 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 (this video)

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