How to Remove Carpet
Removing a stained and time-worn carpet is a surprisingly easy task, even if you’re new to DIY, and it takes just a few simple steps. Learn how to remove carpet in this video by The Home Depot:
For this DIY project, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Utility knife
- Flat pry bar
- Nail-puller pliers
- Dust mask
- Contractor garbage bags
- Adhesive remover (optional)
- Scraper (optional)
- Hammer (optional)
Before starting, determine whether your carpet has a tack or tack strip installation.
If your carpet was installed with tacks, use a utility knife to cut a small square from one corner of the carpet. Pull the square free, then pull up the carpet beginning in that corner until it’s free.
If your carpet was installed with tack strips:
1. Use the pry bar to remove shoe moldings or other edges.
2. Use your utility knife to cut the carpet into thin strips. Be sure to cut through the back end without hitting the floor underneath.
3. Pull carpet from the tack strips along each wall, rolling the pieces up as you go. Unless you’re saving it for scrap, dispose of the rolled carpet in large garbage bags.
4. Use your pry bar to lift and remove the tack strips all around the perimeter of the room.
5. Once your carpet is up, it’s time to remove the carpet pad. If the carpet pad was secured with staples, use pliers to pull them individually from the floor. If it was attached with adhesive, you may have to scrape it up or use a commercial adhesive remover.
