How to Remove Carpet
Learn how to remove carpet with our detailed step-by-step guide. Follow our easy instructions to get it done right.
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0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Clear Room and Prepare
Step 1: Clear Room and Prepare
Remove all furniture, open windows for ventilation, wear gloves and dust mask.
Work Gloves
Heavy-duty gloves for handling carpet and tacks
Dust Mask
Respirator for protection from carpet dust (pack)
2 Step 2: Cut Carpet into Strips
Step 2: Cut Carpet into Strips
Cut carpet into manageable 3-4 foot wide strips using utility knife.
Heavy-Duty Utility Knife
Sharp knife with extra blades for cutting carpet
3 Step 3: Pull Up Carpet Strips
Step 3: Pull Up Carpet Strips
Start in corner, pull carpet off tack strips, roll up each strip for disposal.
4 Step 4: Remove Carpet Padding
Step 4: Remove Carpet Padding
Pull up padding, remove staples from subfloor with pry bar or scraper.
Floor Scraper
Tool for removing carpet staples and padding
5 Step 5: Remove Tack Strips
Step 5: Remove Tack Strips
Pry up tack strips from floor edges using pry bar, dispose carefully.
Pry Bar
Flat bar for removing tack strips from floor
6 Step 6: Clean Subfloor
Step 6: Clean Subfloor
Vacuum thoroughly, remove all remaining staples, repair any subfloor damage.
Shop Vacuum
Wet/dry vacuum for cleaning up carpet removal