Removing Carpet Tacks Without Damaging Wood

Pry up the metal nosing and remove it if present.

Removing carpet tacks without damaging wood.

When removing the tack strip use a 1 4 piece of plywood as a buffer place it on the floor under the pry bar to protect the wood as you pry up the tack strips. For safety place each strip in a box or trash can as you remove it. To remove the staples use a screw driver and a pair of pliers or a tack puller which you can buy at any hardware store. Removing old carpeting may be necessary to save labor costs if you are having your carpet replaced.

To remove carpet from stairs start at the top. Hold the tool at about a 45 degree angle and slide it forcefully along the floor. Step 1 get started. Carpet tack strips can usually remain in place but look for rust rot or other damage.

Sweep the entire floor as soon as the tack strips have all been removed. If you are pulling up carpet from stairs. If not cut the carpet near the top of the top stair riser. Begin at the top of the stairs.

Today i am sharing how to remove tack strips without damaging the floors underneath. This will avoid damage to the hardwood floors from grit and debris trapped beneath the tack strips. The hardest part about removing carpet from stairs is starting. We got our first real experiment with it when we moved into our house.

If there s a metal nosing at the top of the stairs pry it up to remove it. When you are able to pull back old carpet and find beautiful hardwood floors underneath it is like hitting the jackpot. If the carpet is seamed to another section of carpet the installer can separate the seam without damage to the carpet that s staying in place. Joe is working on a carpet removal project now he is ready to.

After pulling up your carpet you will most likely have tack strips left around the perimeter of the room. Without damaging the wood you must reach under the carpet and pry it free. If both the treads and the risers are carpeted you may be able to slide the blade of a utility knife along an edge without scratching the wood. Grab the cut end of carpet and pull it from the stairs using gloved hands.

You may also need to remove your carpet if you have hardwood floors underneath that you would like to refinish.