How to remove carpet from your staircase
Whether you’re fully refurbishing your staircase or just updating a few stair parts, replacing its carpet is a great way to create a fresh new look and feel.
And it’s most definitely a DIY job.
But where do you start?
Here’s everything you need to know about removing carpet from your staircase.
Firstly, you might find this glossary of terms handy:
Tack strip – A thin strip of wood studded with nails used to secure your carpet.
Padding – The material underneath your carpet creates a more comfortable feel and prevents draughts from seeping through.
Tread – This is the part of your staircase you physically stand on.
Riser – Your staircase risers are the parts that connect your treads.
Removing your carpet
When removing your carpet, start from the top. This makes the job slightly more accessible on your knees, thanks to the added padding from the carpet yet to be lifted.
Step one
Grab one corner of your carpet using a pair of pliers. With some force, you should be able to pull the corner up, releasing it from the staples holding it down.
If this doesn’t work, you can cut a small hole in this corner and pull it up by hand.
Be extra careful, as there will be many sharp staples and maybe even nails to contend with. You’ll also want to avoid breaking your tack strip when ripping up your carpet – we’ll discuss what to do with this further.
Step two
Now that you’ve released one corner, you should be able to pull the carpet up from the rest of this tread and riser using sharp motions. You don’t need to rush this; some carpets may be attached more securely than others.
Step three
Your next step is to remove the padding from the step.
Carpet padding tends to get squashed over time and can’t usually be reused. However, you can remove it in sections, using a pry bar to help.
Step four
Look for any remaining staples or nails. Use your pliers to pull these out.
Step five
Move on to your next treat – you’ll have this done quickly!
Top tip
Many carpets are laid in sections; however, this isn’t always the case.
If your carpet is one big piece of material, you may find it helpful to cut it with a sharp knife every three to four steps. This will allow you to work with less loose material in your way. Plus, carpet can be extremely heavy, so this saves you from carrying and disposing of one big heavy load.
Removing your tack strips
If you’re re-carpeting your staircase, depending on their condition, you may be able to reuse your tack strips. If yours looks in good condition, be careful when ripping your carpet to avoid damaging it.
If your tack strips look damaged or are old, you should replace them to ensure your new carpet is securely fastened to your staircase.
Wedge a pry bar underneath the nail heads to remove them, then pull them up to loosen them.
This process will break the wood, so you won’t be able to change your mind once you’ve started.
Prepping your staircase
Whether you’re replacing the carpet with a new one or changing the design, you’ll now need to prepare your staircase.
This is a straightforward process that shouldn’t take too long.
Firstly, sand down your treads to ensure an even surface. Then, cover any carpet debris and dust, followed by a quick clean.
If you’re carpeting your staircase again, you can stop here. However, if you’re planning on painting or staining your staircase, you’ll need to repeat this process one final time using a finer sandpaper.
Are you looking for new stair parts?
From replacement treads and risers to statement spindles and handrails, you’ll find everything you need to update your staircase at Stair Crazy.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss revamping your staircase, why not speak to their experts? Call 01942 365 509 or fill out their online inquiry form.
