How to Remove Carpet from Stairs | DIY Digital Workshops

Moments in this video

1. 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet From How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs, Step 3: Pull Carpet Up and Away

   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.

2. 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet From How to Remove Carpet from a Stair Landing, Step 2: Score the Carpet Edges

   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.

3. 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet From How to Get a Hardwood Look on Carpeted Stairs, Step 1: Remove Carpet and Padding

   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.

4. 0:54–1:02 Remove Carpet Pad From How to Remove Carpet from a Stair Landing, Step 6: Dispose of Old Carpet and Padding

   After the carpet is removed, the carpet pad will be exposed. Simply pull the carpet pad away from the treads and risers. Collect the removed carpet pad and place it into a contractor-grade trash bag for easy disposal. These bags are typically more durable and can handle the bulk of the padding.

5. 1:02–1:12 Remove Tack Strips From How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs, Step 6: Remove Tack Strips

   Before removing the tack strips, put on ear protection in addition to your dust mask and safety goggles, as using a hammer can be noisy. Use a flat prybar and a hammer to carefully remove all of the tack strips. If needed, place a 3-inch putty knife under the prybar to protect the stair treads and risers from damage while prying. Once removed, carefully collect the tack strip pieces and place them into a contractor-grade bag. Be extremely cautious as the tacks are very sharp.

Guides that use this video

• How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs
• How to Remove Carpet from a Stair Landing
• How to Get a Hardwood Look on Carpeted Stairs