Remove Staples and Protruding Nails

What happens in this clip

After removing the pad and tack strips, there will likely be numerous staples left embedded in the wooden stairs. To find them, use a scraper or a dustpan to sweep across the surface of the steps; you'll hear or feel when you hit a staple. Use needle-nose pliers or a nail puller to grip and extract each staple. Some staples may be too flush or stubborn, so you might need to use a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry them up from underneath before pulling them out. As you clean, you may also find a nail or two sticking up from the subfloor; use a hammer to pound these firmly back into the wood until they are flush or slightly countersunk.

Goal: Thoroughly remove all remaining staples and pound down any nails that are still sticking out from the subfloor.

What's used

Tools

• Dustpan
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Nail Puller
• Needle-Nose Pliers
• Pry Bar
• Scraper

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 2 of 11: Remove Staples and Nails

After the carpet and padding are removed, inspect the stair treads and risers for any remaining staples or nails. Use a pair of pliers to grip and pull out any visible staples. For nails, a pry bar will be most effective. Ensure all fasteners are removed to create a smooth surface for the new hardwood.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Get a Hardwood Look on Carpeted Stairs

1. Step 1: Remove Carpet and Padding

   • 0:04–0:34 Remove Old Carpet and Padding
   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

2. Step 2: Remove Staples and Nails

   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 0:13–0:38 Remove Carpet and Prep for Installation
   • 1:19–1:49 Remove Staples and Protruding Nails (this video)

3. Step 3: Inspect and Repair Stair Structure

   • 0:09–0:14 Repair and Prepare Stair Structure
   • 1:40–2:44 Prepare Surface by Filling Holes
   • 3:59–6:57 Replace Damaged Stair Treads or Risers

4. Step 4: Clean and Sand Stair Surfaces

   • 1:05–1:18 Vacuum Dust and Perform Fine Sanding
   • 0:51–0:57 Strip Old Finish from Tread Surfaces
   • 0:37–0:41 Sand the Staircase

5. Step 5: Measure and Cut Hardwood Treads and Risers

   • 6:09–11:07 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 0:43–0:52 Measure and Cut New Treads
   • 3:40–6:00 Measure and Cut Risers

6. Step 6: Install Hardwood Risers

   • 0:35–0:46 Install the Riser Boards
   • 2:49–3:19 Install Retro Risers
   • 3:55–5:35 Cut and Install Stair Risers

7. Step 7: Install Hardwood Treads

   • 10:00–11:40 Install Hardwood Treads and Risers
   • 0:49–2:35 Install the Tread and Nosing Components
   • 2:35–4:25 Secure New Stair Treads

8. Step 8: Install Stair Nosing (if applicable)

   • 4:41–5:53 Cut and Install Nosings
   • 0:37–0:41 Install Stair Nose Trim
   • 13:39–14:45 Measure and Install Stair Nosing

9. Step 9: Fill Nail Holes and Gaps

   • 16:00–16:30 Apply Wood Filler for Finishing Touches
   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

10. Step 10: Sand Repaired Areas and Final Surface

    • 2:44–3:20 Sand Surfaces and Control Dust
    • 1:21–1:35 Sand and Clean Stairs
    • 1:47–2:00 Fill and Sand Risers

11. Step 11: Apply Finish (Stain and Sealant)

    • 0:45–0:59 Apply Protective Topcoat
    • 11:09–11:34 Apply Protective Wood Top Coat
    • 2:01–2:44 Apply Polyurethane Sealer