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 3 of 9: Pull Carpet Up and Away

Once the edge is loosened, grasp the carpet firmly with gloved hands or pliers and pull it upwards and away from the tack strips. Work your way down the riser and then across the tread, continuing to peel the carpet off the strips as you go.

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 (this video)
   • 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