Remove Carpet Padding

What happens in this clip

The carpet padding is typically stapled to the subfloor, primarily along its perimeter. Locate an edge of the padding and pull it up using your hands. The padding should peel away relatively easily. Roll up the removed padding, similar to how the carpet was rolled, and secure it with duct tape for convenient disposal. Exercise caution as some staples might remain attached to the padding.

Goal: After the carpet is removed, pull up the carpet padding, which is usually held down by staples.

What's used

Tools

• Duct Tape
• Gloves

About the full video

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for safely and efficiently removing old, worn-out carpet and its padding. It covers techniques for detaching the carpet from tack strips, cutting and rolling it into manageable sections, removing the padding, addressing subfloor squeaks, and finally, removing the tack strips themselves. The process is designed to prepare a room for a new flooring installation.

Step 5 of 9: Remove Padding

The carpet padding is typically loose under the carpet. Reach under the edges of the removed carpet (or where it was) and pull out strips or sections of padding. If it's stapled, use a staple remover or pliers to detach it.

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

5. Step 5: Remove Padding

   • 2:46–3:43 Remove Carpet Padding (this video)
   • 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