Old carpet holds more history than most of us want to know about. Years of dust, pet dander, spilled drinks and forgotten crumbs settle in the fibers and the padding beneath. Pulling it up is messy, loud and surprisingly satisfying. It is also one of the easiest ways to save money on a flooring project, since installers often charge extra for removal. With a few tools and a plan, you can do it in a weekend.
Before you start: a safety check
If your home was built before the 1980s, be cautious. Some old adhesives and underlayments contained asbestos, and some older floor tiles beneath carpet do as well. Disturbing them can release fibers. If you see black mastic glue or suspect old resilient tile, do not scrape, sand or break it up. Have it tested by a certified professional first. Likewise, homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on baseboards and trim, so take care when scraping near them.
Wear a dust mask or respirator, gloves, long sleeves and knee pads. Old carpet kicks up a lot of dust.
Tools you will need
A utility knife with extra blades, a pry bar, pliers, a hammer, a flat shovel or floor scraper, heavy-duty trash bags or a dumpster, and a broom and vacuum. A pair of locking pliers helps you grip the carpet edge. Have duct tape for rolling and bundling the pieces.
Step 1: Clear the room
Remove all furniture. Take off door thresholds and vent covers. Remove the baseboard shoe molding or quarter round if there is any, using a pry bar and a thin scrap of wood to protect the wall. If you plan to reuse baseboards, number them lightly as you remove them.
Step 2: Cut and roll the carpet
Use the utility knife to cut the carpet into manageable strips about three to four feet wide. Cutting from the back of the carpet gives better control. Grip a corner, peel it away from the tack strips and roll each strip tightly. Bind it with duct tape or twine so you can carry it out easily. Change blades often, since carpet backing dulls them quickly.
Step 3: Remove the pad
Under most carpet is a foam or rebond pad, often held down with staples. Pull it up in strips, roll it and discard. If the pad is stuck to the floor, scrape it with the flat shovel. Rebond foam can crumble and leave a stubborn residue, so be patient.
Step 4: Pull the tack strips and staples
Tack strips are wooden slats with sharp nails around the perimeter. Handle them with care, since the points are nasty. Use a pry bar and hammer to lift them and pull any leftover nails. Remove staples with pliers or a staple puller. Missing a few will cause trouble later, since they can snag, puncture underlayment or squeak. Run a magnet or a gloved hand lightly over the surface to find stragglers.
Step 5: Inspect the subfloor
Sweep and vacuum thoroughly. Look for stains, soft spots, mold, water damage, loose boards and squeaks. Dark stains from pet accidents can mean urine has soaked into plywood. Seal them with a stain-blocking primer or replace the damaged section. Fix loose areas by screwing the subfloor to the joists with ring-shank nails or screws. If you find mold or major rot, address the cause before installing anything new.
Step 6: Deal with adhesive or glue
If the carpet was glued down, you may find a sticky residue. Scrape it off with a floor scraper, and use an appropriate adhesive remover if needed, following label directions and ventilating the space. Avoid harsh chemicals without proper protection. Never sand old adhesive if you suspect it contains asbestos.
Step 7: Level and clean
Check the floor for high and low spots. Sand down ridges and fill dips with a floor leveling compound if your new flooring requires a flat surface. Vacuum again, and finish with a damp mop if appropriate for the material. A clean, flat, dry subfloor makes the next installation far easier.
Disposal
Check local rules on disposing of carpet and padding. Some areas have recycling programs, while others require pickup bags or a bulk-waste appointment. Do not dump it in unauthorized areas.
If you rent
Carpet is usually the landlord’s property. Do not remove it without written permission, and even then, ask what to do with the carpet and whether you will be responsible for restoring it when you leave.