Remove Carpet Padding

What happens in this clip

After the main carpet layer is detached, begin removing the padding. Carpet padding is typically stapled or glued to the subfloor. Grasp a section of the padding firmly and pull it upwards, separating it from the wood. For stubborn sections, carefully use the pry bar to lift the padding without damaging the subfloor. Collect removed padding sections and dispose of them properly.

Goal: Once the carpet is adequately loosened, systematically pull up and remove the old carpet padding from the stairs.

What's used

Tools

• Gloves
• Pry Bar

Materials

• Trash Bags

About the full video

This video details the safe and efficient removal of existing carpet and padding from stairs, focusing on the use of a pry bar and other tools to prepare the surface for new installation. It covers detaching carpet from tack strips, removing old padding, and extracting remaining staples and tack strips to leave a clean subfloor. The video also showcases the subsequent installation of new padding and carpet, and other flooring types in different areas, demonstrating the full transformation of the flooring.

Step 5 of 9: Remove Padding

The carpet padding is typically loose under the carpet. Reach under the edges of the removed carpet (or where it was) and pull out strips or sections of padding. If it's stapled, use a staple remover or pliers to detach it.

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
   • 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 (this video)

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