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How to remove carpet

A person removing underlay from a floor

Overview

Removing old carpet is an easy job you can do yourself with a few simple tools. We show you how to cut your carpet and get in underneath to lift it off easily. You'll also see how to remove the underlay and what tools you should use to do the job.

Steps

1Pull up the carpet

Start by cutting a strip 4cm wide and 1m long in one corner of the carpet.

Use a flat head screwdriver and a wrecking bar to gently pry the strip off the tacks underneath.

When you can reach in under the carpet, pull up the whole corner. Then follow the edge around, pulling the carpet up and rolling it into the centre of the room.

Once the carpet is all up, get a couple of people to help you take it out.

A person removing carpet from a floor

2Remove the underlay

Once the carpet is out of the way, pull up the underlay. It's really the same process as removing the carpet, although it should be easier to start.

Pull up from the edges and roll it all into the middle of the room. Once again, you'll need help from a couple of people to carry it out.

Then use a pair of pliers to pull out the staples that hold the underlay on to the floor.

A person removing underlay from a floor

3Laying new carpet?

Check out our video on how to lay carpet. 
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.