Remove Carpet Underpad

What happens in this clip

Once the main carpet is removed, the underpad will be exposed. This foam-like material is typically stapled to the stair treads and risers. Start by finding an edge and pulling the underpad up. It should tear relatively easily. As you pull, be cautious of the tack strips underneath the underpad, as their sharp nails can cause injury. Dispose of the underpad in a garbage bag as it can break into many small, messy pieces.

Goal: Carefully tear off the carpet underpad, which is usually stapled down, being mindful of sharp tacks underneath.

What's used

Tools

• Work Gloves

Materials

• Garbage Bag

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 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 (this video)
   • 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