Remove Carpet and Padding

What happens in this clip

Begin by thoroughly clearing the stairs. This involves removing any existing carpet, padding, and the tack strips (gripper) used to secure them. Use a utility knife to cut the carpet into manageable sections, a pry bar or pliers to lift the grippers, and carefully peel back the underlayment (padding). Be mindful of old staples and nails that may be left behind.

Goal: Clear the stairs of all old flooring materials

What's used

Tools

• Pliers
• Pry Bar
• Claw hammer
• Safety Glasses
• Utility Knife
• Work Gloves

About the full video

This DIY project details the process of restoring old, damaged wooden stairs by removing old carpeting and padding, securing loose elements, thoroughly sanding multiple layers of old paint and finish using various specialized tools, filling imperfections with wood putty, and finally applying a protective coating to reveal and protect the natural wood. The project aims to transform severely worn stairs into a beautiful, natural wood staircase.

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
   • 0:02–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding (this video)
   • 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