Remove Old Carpet

What happens in this clip

Begin by removing the old carpet from the stairs. The presenter advises starting at the top of the staircase and working downwards for better leverage and momentum. Use pliers to get a firm grip on the carpet in a corner and pull it away from the tack strips. As you pull, the carpet should come up relatively easily. Once a section is loose, use a utility knife to cut the carpet into smaller, manageable strips for easier handling and disposal.

Goal: Completely remove the existing carpet from the stairs.

What's used

Tools

• Dust Mask (N95) 3M
• Knee Pads Kobalt
• Pliers Kobalt
• Claw hammer
• Safety Glasses
• Utility Knife
• Heavy-duty scissors
• Work Gloves Kobalt

About the full video

This DIY project provides a comprehensive guide on how to transform worn-out carpeted stairs into modern, durable stairs using a Cap-A-Tread stair renewal system. The process involves safely removing old carpet, padding, and tack strips, preparing the subfloor, precisely measuring and cutting new pre-finished treads and risers, and then installing them using construction adhesive to achieve a refreshed and updated look.

Step 2 of 9: Loosen Carpet Edges

Using a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife, gently pry the edge of the carpet up and over the tack strip at the very top of the staircase. Work across the width of the stair tread.

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 (this video)

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

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