Removing carpet is a relatively easy project that takes only a few hours. However, not many homeowners know how to remove carpet. Fortunately, learning how to pull out carpet is simpler than you think.Do you have an old or worn-out carpet? You can revamp your space by pulling out your carpet yourself. All you need is the right tools along with some know-how.This step-by-step guide will walk you through safely removing your carpet.
Reasons to Pull Up Carpet
You may have several reasons to remove carpet in your home. Some common reasons include:
Foul odor on carpet: Your carpet might have developed an unpleasant odor over time, lowering your home’s air quality. While some homeowners might want odor removal, others might opt for a fresh start by removing their carpet.
Old age: A carpet can last for years with proper maintenance. However, the carpet will gradually age and need replacing.
Allergens: You or someone in your household might be allergic to your carpet’s fibers. Replacing the carpet should resolve the problem.
Dirt and stains: Your carpet may have collected various stains and grime over the years. Some of these stains might be impossible to remove.
Outdated style: Some homeowners replace their carpets to modernize the look and feel of their homes. You may also want to refresh your space by removing your carpet.
Must-Have Tools and Items for Tearing Up Carpet
Before tearing up carpet, you must have the right tools for the job. You should collect the following tools:
Duct tape
Hammer
Vacuum cleaner
Heavy gloves and knee pads
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Locking pliers
Flat pry bar
Utility knife
Sharp-bladed floor scraper
Ring shank nails
Fortunately, acquiring these items is straightforward. Once you have them, you’re ready to learn how to remove carpet.
Easy Steps to Pull Out Carpet
These steps will teach you how to rip up carpet:
Step 1: Clear the Area and Put on Your Safety Equipment
Clear your working area and put on all your safety equipment. This equipment includes safety glasses, protective gloves, knee pads, and a dust mask.
Step 2: Take out the Baseboards
With the area clear and your safety gear on, vacuum the carpet thoroughly. Carpet removal brings up dust and debris including dried mold and mites. After vacuuming, you can proceed to take out the baseboards.
Step 3: Remove the Carpet
When removing the carpet, start pulling it from one corner, ensuring you avoid the tack strips around the edges. If the carpet doesn’t budge, use your utility knife to cut a small square from the corner. Then, pull on the larger section.
Step 4: Cut the Carpet into Strips
Use your utility knife or a carpet cutter to cut the carpet into strips. Make sure the strips are sizes you can roll up easily.
Step 5: Get Ready to Take out the Carpet
After cutting, roll the cut section and use duct tape to keep it from unrolling.
Step 6: Remove the Tack Strips
Tack strips are narrow pieces of wood that a carpet installer nails to the subfloor. Use your flat pry bar to remove them.
Step 7: Remove the Padding
Most padding attaches the subfloor with stapling. So, removing it can be as easy as grabbing a seam and ripping.
Step 8: Remove the Adhesive
Use your scraper to remove the adhesive from the carpet.
Step 9: Remove the Carpet and Padding and Dispose of Them
Take the rolled-up carpet and padding to your disposal area.
Step 10: Make the Floor Shiny
Clean and buff the floor, preparing it for the new carpet you plan to install.
Need Any Professional Assistance?
Now you know how to tear up carpet. However, you may wonder whether you should remove it yourself or if you should get professional assistance.Either option has its pros and cons. For instance, removing the carpet yourself saves you money but exposes you to potential risks. You could get hurt by the tack strips, damage the subfloor, or expose yourself to mold.Alternatively, professional assistance costs more money. However, professional installation guarantees quality results.
You’re Going to Love the Way Your Carpet Looks with Carpet To Go
If you opt for professional assistance, enjoy the quality results you deserve by contacting Carpet To Go.Carpet To Go is the leading flooring provider in Bellevue, WA. We offer many flooring options including tile, laminate, and Marmoleum. We deliver top-quality floor removal, installation, and refinishing services.Knowing how to remove carpet is a valuable skill. However, our team’s expertise allows us to deliver unmatched results. Call Carpet To Go at 425-441-3658 to learn more.
