How to remove old carpet from hardwood floors
Are you renovating and are wanting to remove the old shabby carpet to take advantage of your original hardwood floors? We’ve outlined this restoration process below:
1. Remove the carpet
Removing old carpet is a task that you can easily tackle yourself, using a utility knife (or a carpet knife), a pair of pliers (or carpet tongs), and a pry bar (or carpet kicker).
Remember: Take safety precautions while removing the old carpet, including wearing gloves and eye protection.
Cut the Carpet
Start by cutting the carpet into manageable sections. Use the utility knife to make a lengthwise cut along the edge of the room, ensuring that the cut is straight and runs parallel to the walls. Repeat this process to divide the carpet into smaller sections for easy handling.
Lift the Carpet
After cutting the carpet, use the pliers or carpet tongs to grip the corner or an edge of the cut section. Gently lift and pull the carpet away from the floor. Continue this process section by section until the entire carpet is lifted off.
Remove the Underlay
Once the carpet is removed, you'll likely find the underlay beneath it. Depending on the type of underlay, you may be able to lift it off by hand or use a pry bar to gently separate it from the floor.
Ensure you dispose of the old carpet and underlay according to your local waste disposal regulations. Consider recycling or donating your carport if possible.
2. Assess the condition of your floors
After removing both the carpet and underlay, inspect the floor for any remaining adhesive or debris using a floor scraper or a putty knife to remove any stubborn residue.
Ensure that any staples have been removed as these can be dangerous for floor sanders.
If the carpet has been installed with adhesive, you may need additional tools or solvents to dissolve and remove the adhesive.
3. Sand and polish floors
Sanding the floorboards is vital after removing the carpet as it helps to eliminate any leftover residue and smooth out any scratches or dents. Finishing the floors with a quality polish will then help to seal and protect the wood, making it more resistant to wear, stains, and moisture, helping to extend the life of your floor and maintain its appearance over time.
You can hire equipment to sand and polish your floorboards yourself, however, we recommend hiring a local professional to help handle the entire process.
If you’re looking for some advice on whether to DIY or hire a floor sander check out our article here.
Sydney’s Floor Sanding and Restoration Experts
Pittwater Eco Floor Sanding are experts at restoring timber floors to their original glory. If you have any questions about removing your old carpet, don’t hesitate to contact us.
