Remove Tack Strips and Staples

What happens in this clip

With the carpet and underpad removed, the subfloor will be exposed, revealing the tack strips around the room's perimeter and potentially many individual staples that secured the underpad. Use a pair of pliers (or a small pry bar/cat's paw) to grip and pull out the tack strips. For individual staples, the pliers can also be used to grasp and extract them. Ensure all sharp elements are removed to prepare the subfloor for new flooring. This is generally a simple DIY task that can save money on professional installation.

Goal: The final step involves removing the tack strips, which are typically nailed to the subfloor, and any remaining staples from the underpad, using pliers or a pry bar.

What's used

Tools

• Gloves
• Pliers
• Pry Bar (optional)

About the full video

This video demonstrates the step-by-step process of removing old carpet and its underpad, which are typically secured with tack strips and staples. The method focuses on cutting the carpet into manageable sections and rolling it up, followed by removing the underpad and then the tack strips and staples from the subfloor.

Step 4 of 6: Remove Staples and Tack Strips

Inspect the subfloor for any staples left behind by the carpet installation. Use a pry bar or pliers to remove them. Then, locate and carefully pry up the tack strips that were used to hold the carpet edges in place. Be sure to remove all pieces so the surface is smooth.

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

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 (this video)

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