Comments on: How to Remove Carpet Tack Strips and Staples

By: Todd

Todd — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:24:45 +0000

Ok, we have a house from 1968 with the original hardwood that we bought and are moving in to November 15th. We would like to rip up the carpet and use the original hardwood. I read this article and it is very helpful. I am concerned however that there will be so many tacks and nails in the hardwood or that the foam will have melted into the hardwood that ripping it up is not a good idea until we are prepared to not use the original hardwood, but rather to replace the carpet with a different surface all together; whether another hardwood, cement, tile, etc. What would you say to this? Any advice is appreciated.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:51:43 +0000

I also just pulled up my carpeting that was on the beautiful hardwood and the padding stuck. I think there is a glue like substance on the floor and I tried scraping it off but there is still sticky stuff on the hardwood. Some of the gum is black. Anyone know how to get that off without ruining the hardwood.

By: mark

mark — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:28:32 +0000

Excellent write up.

By: Derek Connacher

Derek Connacher — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:07:28 +0000

I have a question that I am having a hard time answering. I am working in a home that has a beautiful hardwood floor that had been covered with a heavy rug that has been on for 41 years. Most of the foam pad that was between rug and hardwood has broken down and has baked itself onto the hardwood and without some cleaning or stripping agent will take forever to remove. Any suggestions welcome Thank you.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:10:50 +0000

Therese,

Glad this could help! The way to re-attach carpeting to a hardwood floor is pretty is to attach one of those awful tack strips to your hardwood and then push the carpet down onto all those tacks that are sticking up.

I’ll warn you, though: installing carpet takes a little more skill and practice than removing it! If you want to put your carpet down the right way you’ll probably want to cut it cleanly on the edge and then stretch the carpet (there are carpet installation tools for this) just the right way to reach the tack strip.

If you just have one small spot to re-attach, then give it a shot yourself. If you have a whole room to put down then you may want to have a professional do it…

By: Therese

Therese — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:39:10 +0000

I understand the removal now and the safety involved. Fabalous thanks in advance. How do I re-attach the hallway carpet to the existing hardwood under the carpet I am about to remove? I can’t find anything online.

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 02:23:47 +0000

Good point with the cement divots… I only had a few small ones for whatever reason. They actually sell a variety of cement patching mixes and compounds that can be used specifically for basement cement floors that have holes or cracks. Generally the stuff isn’t too difficult to apply, though you will want to wear goggles and an air mask (powdered stuff is dangerous to breathe and get in the eyes)…

Good luck!

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:18:50 +0000

Great article mate. I’ve just pulled up 3 bedrooms, 2 living rooms and a hallway worth of carpet and wanted to see what the best way of doing this was. It’s always good to hear from people that so obviously know what they’re doing – the gloves and goggles will be bought tomorrow!

By: frank becker

frank becker — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:00:06 +0000

very nice article for sure, but still not sure what to fill the cement holes or divots with. maybe you can add that. but other than that its was very helpful.

By: vino

vino — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:46:54 +0000

The easiest way to remove the strip is to use a one of those scrapers one uses to get rid of the excess carpet pad where it’s glued. Just slam it against a strip and it comes right up. It’s quick and easy. The only time you wouldn’t want to do this is if you’re trying to salvage hardwood floors.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:05:48 +0000

Great “How-To” article, best I’ve read so faron removing carpet and tack strips. Am getting ready to yank out shag carpet (don’t ask). Will post how removal went.

By: paul

paul — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:33:10 +0000

after many searches on the internet about ripping up carpet which resulted with no such help , i found this site and wow ! i really enjoyed the article it was well written and set out perfectly! i just now have to continue ripping up the rest of the room ! ( cant wait )

By: Rebecca Mitchel

Rebecca Mitchel — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:14:22 +0000

This article explains the process of removing old carpet from a wooden floor in clear, easy to understand terms. Thank you for such a great resource!

By: Sherry

Sherry — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 03:17:42 +0000

Well written article. I wish I had read it before I started pulling up my carpet! :)

By: Alain

Alain — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:41:09 +0000

Thank you very much for the good advice, I will use them tomorrow, at this house I just purchased downtown Buffalo. A vey nice old house (more than 100 years old!) but the previous owners had put carpet on the first floor living and dining room. Sacrilegious! I already pulled the (ugly) carpet end padding, there are lots of staples in the hardwood flors, plus the tack strips on all sides. I will slowly take care of those ones with your advice!