How to Install Carpet: Tips for Removing Old Carpet

MC Farland
4 min readMay 7, 2024

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You’ve decided to ditch your Tempe home’s worn-out, stained carpeting. Visions of plush new floors dance to your head, promising a fresh start for your area. But before you get swept away in the excitement of selecting the proper carpet, there is a crucial first step — casting off the old one.

Tearing out antique carpets is a truthful assignment. After all, it is simply pulling up a few clothes. While the basic procedure is simple, there are hidden nuances and potential pitfalls to remember, especially for the ones tackling DIY carpet removal in Tempe for the first time.

An expert carpet installation in Tempe, AZ, allows you to navigate this pre-installation hurdle.

Carpet Installation Service Tempe AZ

Why Proper Removal Matters: A Foundation for Success

Properly disposing of vintage carpeting is essential for a smooth and successful set-up of your new carpet. Here’s why:

  • Uneven Subfloor: Old carpet pads can flatten over time, growing an uneven subfloor. Removing them ensures a level base on your new carpet, stopping dips and bumps inside the completed product.
  • Hidden Damage: Sometimes, antique carpets mask underlying troubles like subfloor damage or moisture problems. Removing it permits for correct inspection and repairs if essential.
  • Improved Air Quality: Old carpets can trap dirt, allergens, and mould spores. Removing them promotes higher indoor air quality in your Tempe home.

Carpet removal and installation from a professional is always vital. Still, one must know the carpet installation cost in Tempe, AZ, to decide whether to go with DIY or hire an expert.

Gathering Your Arsenal: Essential Tools for Carpet Removal

Before diving in, ensure you have the critical tools for the process. Here’s a crucial checklist:

  • Utility knife: This is used to cut the carpet and pad.
  • Flat pry bar: To loosen stubborn carpet from tack strips.
  • Hammer: To assist with prying.
  • Work gloves: To protect your hands.
  • Dust mask: To minimize dust inhalation.
  • Large trash bags: For disposing of old carpet and pad.
  • Knee pads (optional): To ease discomfort while kneeling.

Pro Tip: Consider renting a carpet removal tool from your local hardware store in Tempe. These power carpet installation tools can significantly expedite the process, especially for larger rooms.

Step-by-Step Guide: Conquering Old Carpet Removal

  • Clear the Room: Remove all furniture and belongings to create a clear workspace. This will also prevent any accidental damage during the removal process.
  • Disconnect Electrical Outlets (if applicable): If your carpet is installed around any electrical outlets, turning off the power at the breaker box is crucial before proceeding. Safety always comes first!
  • Identify and Remove Baseboards (optional): In some cases, baseboards might be nailed or glued down over the carpet edges. Carefully remove them using a pry bar and hammer if necessary.
  • Locate the Tack Strips: These are typically thin metal strips with sharp edges that hold the carpet in place. Look for them along the room’s perimeter, usually near the wall baseboards.
  • Start at the Edges: Using your utility knife, carefully cut a small section of the carpet along the edge, close to a wall. Here, you should be able to locate the tack strip.
  • Loosen the Carpet: Slide the flat pry bar under the cut edge, between the carpet and the tack strip. Gently pry upwards to loosen the carpet from the tack strip.
  • Work in Sections: Continue prying and pulling the carpet up in manageable sections, working around the room. As you remove each section, roll it up for more straightforward disposal.
  • Tackle the Underpad: Once the carpet is removed, you’ll likely encounter an underpad beneath it. This layer of padding provides cushioning and insulation. Use the utility knife to cut the underpad into sections and carefully peel it away from the subfloor.
  • Dispose of the Old Carpet and Underpad: Responsibly dispose of the removed carpet and underpad by checking with your local Tempe waste management service for proper disposal guidelines.
  • Clean the Subfloor: Once everything is removed, smooth the subfloor very well. Vacuum any debris and use a moist material to wipe away any lingering dirt or adhesive residue.

Pro Tip: While it may seem easy, this behemoth task can take massive effort and care. So, hiring a professional carpet flooring service in Tempe, AZ, is essential.

Considering Carpet Installation in Tempe, AZ? Let the Professionals Handle It!

While DIY carpet elimination is viable, it can be time-consuming and physically disturbing. Recall partnering with a reputable carpet installation business enterprise in Tempe, like McFarland and Son Flooring, for a strain-free experience and guaranteed professional final results.

Here are some advantages of professional carpet installation:

  • Efficiency and Expertise: Professionals have the experience and gear to put off antique carpets quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption in your everyday routine.
  • Damage Prevention: Their expertise can help avoid unintentional harm to your subfloor or baseboards at some stage in removal.
  • Proper Disposal: They can ensure appropriate disposal of old carpets and pads, adhering to local regulations.

With the old carpet out of the way, you are ready to embark on the exciting journey of choosing and installing your new carpet! Whether you are in search of plush carpeting for your residing room, long-lasting options for high-visitor regions, or commercial carpet installation solutions for your Tempe commercial enterprise, an expert carpet

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MC Farland
MC Farland

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