5 Things to Know Before Ripping Up Carpet Yourself

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carpet removal

In case you’re a true professional with knowledge in flooring, especially carpet, then you might want to put your carpet removal ideas on hold. Specifically, until you know a little more about it.

Back in the day, the wall-to-wall carpet was the hip flooring option. With this in mind, flooring trends are constantly evolving. For a while now, I have been very curious to discover what lies beneath this stained, old carpet.

Can you imagine the possibilities? Many people dream of hardwood floors. Now, that would be a beautiful surprise, wouldn’t it? In the event that carpet removal doesn’t reveal a nice subfloor, I can always install a new carpet. At this point, I decide this is a task I can handle myself. I mean, I’ve seen plenty of DIY shows where they pull up the carpet. It looks simple enough to me. 

But hold up buttercup. There’s more to the process than you think. So, let’s discuss five things we need to know before embarking on this project. This is what they don’t show you on tv. In this case, they certainly fooled me into thinking this was easy. With attention to these details, you can handle a DIY carpet removal successfully.

1. Removing Carpet isn’t a One-Step Process

At first, I really believed that to remove your carpet, you just need to pull it up and rip it out. Boy, was I wrong. In order to get rid of old carpeting, you will follow specific steps.

What Tools Do I Need for Carpet Removal?

Before you can get rid of the carpet, you’ll need the following safety equipment and tools:

  • Dust Mask
  • Protective Gloves
  • Knee Pads
  • Flat Pry Bar
  • Sharp-Bladed Floor Scraper
  • Duct Tape
  • Utility Knife
  • Pliers

To Accomplish Carpet Removal 

  1. Clear the space and put on your protective gear.
  2. Remove the carpet from the tack strip.
  3. Cut the carpet into strips.
  4. Rip out the carpet pad.
  5. Remove the tack strips.

This is just a simple guideline for the removal steps. This process is actually much more in-depth. So, it’s important to read up a bit on the specific details. But, you get the idea. 

2. Choosing the Right Carpet to Install

It’s important to realize that picking out carpet is about more than color options. Check out the carpet samples at a home improvement store. Find inspiration for your floor. Ultimately choosing the right carpet and the right carpet pad is crucial. This can be a tough task for those of us who aren’t professional flooring installers. 

The most common mistake is when we are trying to save a couple of bucks with our DIY project. Basically, we purchase the nicer, more expensive carpet but believe we can use the budget-friendly carpet pad beneath it. It’s important to note that this is a BAD IDEA! Never cut corners with cheap padding. What you pay for, is what you get. A cheap carpet pad will wear out quickly and no longer support your carpet.

You must consider your carpeting needs. How do you want the carpet to feel beneath your toes? Schedule a home consultation to get a look and a feel of your new carpeting. It’s also important to realize that if you own a cat or dog, then a carpet pad with antimicrobial properties will offer a greater benefit. 

3. New Carpeting Measurements Must Be Precise

Math has never been my best subject. And measurements for your space must be accurate. 

 Determine the Amount of Carpet You Will Need:

  1. Figure out the room’s square footage.
  2. Consider how many rolls of carpeting you will need to cover the space.
  3. Keep in mind carpet comes in rolls, usually 12 feet in width. If your floor is larger than that, you will need more than one piece of carpet.
  4. Remember: Measurements must be precise. However, you can still leave a little extra wiggle room.
  5. Arrange the individual pieces of carpet in a way that suits you and covers the entire space. 
  6. Be sure that all of the carpeting is installed facing the same direction. This gives it a continuous appearance. 

Would you rather have a unique carpet with a pattern? To make this happen, determine the extra carpeting you’ll need.  For patterns, the carpet pieces need to match. If there is a break in the pattern, it’s not going to look good.

For this reason, the help of a professional is very beneficial. Don’t challenge your brain with mathematical equations. They will ensure accuracy. With this in mind, they leave no room for mistake in carpeting measurement for your space.

4. Problems From Seams Between the Carpet Pieces

When it comes to projects we have no experience with,  we need to understand the instructions and follow them precisely. When it comes to the carpet seams, the most complicated tasks is making sure the seams are consealed. In order to do that, the carpet pieces have to attach just right. If not, the end result will be a seam that sticks out like a sore thumb! But that’s not the only thing you have to worry about if the pieces don’t align. There will be a weak area in the carpeting. And as time goes by, the carpet is going to start coming apart at the seams. Talk about a waste of time and money. 

It’s important to realize that the ideal carpeting removal and installment are a result of expertise and knowledg. Plus, this project is going to involve using special equipment that not your “everyday Joe” has just sitting around the house. 

5. It Can Be Difficult to Cut the Carpeting Down to the Right Size

Every home is made a bit different from the next. So it’s no suprise that the floors in the rooms of homes are not going to be the same size or shape.  In fact, there may be many built-in obstacles to think about. Unfortunately, the room is not a perfect square. This is why it’s better for someone with skill to handle these challenges. They will able to cut the carpet to precisely go around the built-in barricades easily. Furthermore, carpeting has to be stretched to have that professional look. That requires a carpet stretcher that most homeowners don’t have a way of finding these on their own. Plus, only professionals really know how to use this tool. 

Final Thoughts

While it may sound like an easy way to save a few bucks, it’s certainly not the best approach if you want quality results that will last.  Unless you are sure that you have what it takes to get the job done right.     

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