by Audrey Hardy

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: September 20, 2011

You can believe it or not, but carpet removal is actually a very simple and stress free process. That is why Home Depot and Lowe's include this service in their price for carpet installation. You can walk into your local store and ask about current pricing. I say current because they have specials. If you don't have time to chat with a live person and you have a computer at home, you can go online for quotes. This alternative allows you to compare a much larger variety of companies.

There are companies that will try to take advantage of you. Charging some ridiculous price to come in with their one of a kind carpet extractor machine and fancy carpet tools. Like a car salesman or mechanic they are preying on your ignorance. Fortunately, to do-it-yourself it is a very simple process. It's also the cheapest way to get the job done and it only takes about an hour. The fancy tools you need to removal your carpet and prep for the new flooring are: a utility knife, prybar, vacuum, broom, and maybe a shot of tequila if you're tense.

You should start by vacuuming the floor to reduce some of the dust, especially if you have allergies or breathing problems. This step isn't necessary, however, being aware of what you're breathing in is a good precaution. Stopping to cough up a lung could significantly delay the carpet removal process. Next, remove the edgings or moldings around your tackless carpet. If your carpet was installed with tacks then you will need reach for the carpet tools and slide a prybar under the carpet to pry up the tacks. You will need to repeat this process along all sides of the carpet before pulling it up.

Then, cut the carpet into strips with your utility knife and remove. Cutting the carpet into controllable strips makes it easier to roll and lighter on your back to lift. Not to mention, walking out to the dumpster dragging a thick rolled up 10x12 carpet looks suspicious. However, if you have nosey neighbors it might be fun. Particularly, if the person walks over right as the pry bar suddenly slips out of your pocket.

In prepping for the new flooring, you need to also remove the underlay. You just pick it up, no carpet tools needed. Yes, you will have a burning desire to reuse it and no, it is not recyclable even if you are installing new carpet. If the old carpet was used and abused then so is the underlay. The good news is, new underlay is not very expensive. So say your good byes, break out the broom, and clean up any remaining tacks. For your own safety, you want your floor to be clean and dry.

Before you install the new flooring, use this opportunity to check out your sub flooring and secure the floorboards. The last thing you want is for your new floor to squeak. You will need a screwdriver to tighten your floorboards and 1 to 1 inch screws. That's it; just like that you've done your own carpet removal. There was no fancy carpet extractor needed and you learned something new.

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