--- title: "How to Remove Carpet" description: "Pulling up carpet that’s old and worn is a simple DIY. Ready your floors for a refresh—or a refinishing—by following these easy steps." date: "2022-03-29" modified: "2022-03-29" authors: - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" - name: "Bob Vila" job_title: "Founder" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-carpet/" categories: - "Flooring" - "Interior" tags: - "Rugs & Carpeting" --- # How to Remove Carpet ![how to remove carpet]() *istockphoto.com* Even with regular vacuuming, [carpeting]() accumulates a great deal of dust, dirt, and debris. When you finally decide to [rip it up](), be sure to give the carpeting one last thorough vacuuming. Empty the room of furnishings, open the windows, don your dust mask—then get to work. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Large contractor trash bags]() - [Nail puller pliers]() - [Steel putty knife]() - [Flat pry bar (at least 15″)]() - [Tack strip remover (optional)]() - [Hammer]() - [Utility knife (or tin snips)]() - [Leather work gloves]() - [Vice grip pliers]() - [Carpet padding adhesive remover (optional)]() - [Scraper (optional)]() ## STEP 1: Take off the shoe molding, if there is any. Was your carpeting installed under [shoe molding]()? Assuming it was, the first thing to do is remove that trimwork with your putty knife and [pry bar](). Chances are, the shoe molding is full of nails, so take care when pulling it out. Check the shoe molding for damage: If it looks like it's in good shape, save it to be reused. If the molding looks a little worse for wear, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint before reinstalling it. ## STEP 2: Use a carpet cutting knife to slice carpeting into narrow strips. Now that there is no obstacle between you and the [carpeting](), use a utility knife or a sharpened pair of tin snips to cut the carpet material into three- or four-foot-wide strips. Cut all the way through the backing but stop short of the flooring beneath. Cutting carpet can be a difficult with a dull blade, so make sure your tool is sharp before you begin. Begin pulling the carpet away from the tack strips on the perimeter. Roll up the sections as you remove them, placing them into heavy-duty trash bags ready for disposal. ![how to remove carpet]() *istockphoto.com* ## STEP 3: Remove carpet from stairs. Begin at the top of the [stairway](). Cut the carpet just under the nose of the landing with the [utility knife](). Use the vice grip pliers to pull the carpet away from the riser. Grip the pulled up edge with both hands and begin ripping up carpet from the stairs, working from side to side as you move down the stairway. Periodically make cuts so you can pull the carpet up in manageable pieces. ## STEP 4: Pry up the carpet tack strips along the room’s perimeter. Begin removing carpet tack strips, which are typically nailed to the floor and have rows of staggered tacks that face up to “grab” the carpet. Because the tacks are so sharp, it’s wise to wear leather [work gloves]() for this step. Insert the hooked end of your pry bar or a specialized tack strip remover under a tack strip, then press down on the long end to lever the strip upward. Dispose of the strips within rolls of carpeting, so the tacks can’t tear through the plastic garbage bags. ![how to remove carpet]() *istockphoto.com* ## STEP 5: Remove the carpet padding and carpet staples. If the carpet padding has been installed with adhesive, laborious scraping may be necessary. An easier option is to apply a commercial [adhesive remover]() to the adhesive. If the padding has been secured with carpet staples, you can rely on [nail puller pliers]() to do the job without gouging your floor surface. Before grabbing the nails with pliers, you might first need to coax them upward a little with a putty knife. ## STEP 6: Inspect your subfloor. Check the subfloor for any signs of rot that may be the result of leaks or spills, and replace any damaged subfloor panels. Next, test the connection between each panel and the corresponding floor joists. Walk around on each panel, listening for any [creaks or squeaks]() that indicate a loose connection between the subfloor and joists. If you do locate creaks, reinforce the subfloor by adding a few ring shank nails to secure the subfloor panel. ![how to remove carpet]() *istockphoto.com* ## STEP 7: Dispose of the old carpet and padding. Disposing of your [old carpet]() may be as easy as dragging the trash bags to the curb on waste pick-up day. Check to see if your garbage disposal service has bulk pickup days and if they’ll take large qualities of carpet. If not, you’ll need to take the carpet to a waste-dropoff facility. If there is a recycling center near you that takes carpet, dispose of it there. Most carpet can actually be recycled into a broad range of products ranging from car interiors to parking barriers. ## Carpet Removal Cost If carpet disposal sounds like too big of a job, you can hire a professional to do the job for you. [According to HomeAdvisor](), the cost of carpet removal ranges from $1 to $1.50 per square foot, which includes labor and waste disposal. ## Final Thoughts By following these simple steps for how to rip out carpet, you can begin the process of upgrading to luxurious [new carpet]() or even a different type of flooring. Before installing new flooring, remember to make any necessary repairs to the subfloor so your brand new flooring doesn’t inherit the squeaks and creaks that plagued your old carpeting. ![how to remove carpet]() *istockphoto.com* ## FAQs About How to Pull Up Carpet Read on to learn about the health hazards an old carpet can pose and how to go about removing stubborn glued-on carpeting. ## Author Tony Carrick is a freelance writer who has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()