Remove the Carpet

What happens in this clip

Starting from the top, use a utility knife to carefully cut the carpet, especially under the nose of the landing (the overhang of the tread). Once an edge is created, use the vise-grip pliers to grab the carpet firmly and pull it free from the riser. Work your way down the stairs, gripping the carpet with both hands for balance and safety, and pulling from side to side. Cut the carpet into manageable sections as you go, and once a section is removed, roll it up, secure it with duct tape, and remove it from the worksite to keep the area clear.

Goal: Detach and remove carpet from the stairs

What's used

Tools

• Duct tape Nashua
• Leather gloves
• Utility knife and blades Husky
• Vise-grip pliers Milwaukee

About the full video

This DIY project provides step-by-step instructions on how to safely and efficiently remove old carpet and padding from stairs. It covers the removal of carpet, carpet padding, tack strips, and remaining fasteners, followed by cleaning and patching the stair surfaces to prepare them for a new finish.

Step 2 of 6: Score the Carpet Edges

Using a utility knife, carefully score the carpet along the base of the walls and where the carpet meets the stair risers. This helps to break the adhesive bond and makes it easier to pull the carpet up in manageable sections.

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 (this video)

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

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