How to Remove Carpet

Nip Tuck Carpet Repair has been able to help our clients save thousands of dollars when it comes to their carpets. Most carpets that people think need to be replaced can be repaired instead. But there are times when a carpet is beyond repair, or you just wish to update it. If that is where you find yourself, save yourself a bit of cash by tearing out old carpet yourself. Aside from a bit of elbow grease, it's an easy task. Here’s how to do it.

Remove Molding

If your carpet was installed under moldings and trim, carefully remove those pieces. You can do so using a pry bar or a putty knife. Get behind the board with your tool of choice and carefully work the nails out. If the trim and moldings look like they are in good condition still, save them to be installed later.

Cut Carpet into Small Strips

Without any obstacles in the way, you can begin working on the carpet. The first thing to do is cut the carpet into smaller, manageable pieces. A box cutter is ideal for this, but make sure that whatever tool you are using is sharp. Slice the carpet all the way through to the padding.

Remove and Dispose of the Carpet

Once the carpet is cut into manageable strips, begin pulling the carpet away from the tack strips. Roll the carpet pieces up and place them in a heavy-duty garbage bag and throw them away.

Before you toss all your carpeting away, think about if you could use any remnant pieces. For example, some people find it useful to keep a couple squares of carpet in the trunk of their car. That way, if your car is ever stuck, you can place the carpet squares under your tires for traction.

Remove the Tack Strips

The final step is to remove the remaining tack strips. These are glued down boards along the perimeter of a room with nails sticking up, which are designed to grab the carpet and hold it in place. Since these are very sharp, be sure to wear thick protective gloves. Using the forked side of a pry bar, work it under the tack strips. They should pop up when released from the subfloor, so wearing goggles is a good idea as well. Dispose of the tack strips when they have been completely removed.

And that’s really all there is to it! Once all your carpet has been removed, all that’s left to do is install your new flooring.

By Nip Tuck Carpet Repair 6-3-2022