What is the best way to remove carpet from stairs?

Mary
by Mary
I need to remove the carpet from my stairs. It's very old. What is the best way to do this?

Mary Ann.
  4 answers
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jun 05, 2017

    You can use large steamer,(such as a wall paper remover steamer) will loosen the old glue. Then you can just pluck it up with a putty trowel. You may also want to try to use a belt or rotary sander to gently sand away the old glue residue just mind the wood treads of the stairs, if you over-sand ,you can always use wood filler to repair. Hope this helps!!

  • Cheryl Damon Cheryl Damon on Jun 05, 2017



    If the carpet is tacked on just lift at a corner and keep pulling to remove. You may need a crow bar to lift it if you cannot pull easily near the staples.

  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on Jun 05, 2017

    Either way mentioned above , you'll need a razor knife to get started . Cut along the edge , close to riser and pull it up to find out how it's attached to the staircase . You can decide the next step from there.

  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 05, 2017

    Hello Mary, I don't know if you have trim down at the base board. If you do, I would pull that up first. Most times you can just nail it back in place afterward. I agree with everyone else as far as grab a corner and pull. I recommend wearing a dust mask when you do this. If your carpet is old, I'm sure there might be a fair amount of dust under it. Hope this helps. Good luck.