Cut Up Carpet

Use a utility knife or carpet knife to slice the carpet into manageable strips and roll the strips up as you go.

Cut up carpet.

Use a utility knife with a sharp new blade to cut through the carpet backing. Using the right type of cutters for the project at hand makes it a lot more enjoyable and ensures the cuts turn out as expected. Whether you re putting it in or pulling it up knowing the finer points of cutting carpet can save you valuable time and expense. Keep both hands on the knife to avoid cutting a free hand.

To remove carpet from stairs start at the top. Whether you re ready to try your hand at carpet installation or you simply want to use an existing remnant to make your own area rug cutting the carpet is a huge part of the job. Continue pulling up carpet a few feet at a time and cutting it into easy to handle strips. One way to do this is to lift the carpet away from the floor as you cut.

If you are trying to salvage the floor underneath make sure you do not cut grooves in the floor with the knife. If there s a metal nosing at the top of the stairs pry it up to remove it. If not cut the carpet near the top of the top riser grab the cut end and pull the carpet off the stairs by hand. Roll or fold the strip secure with duct tape and remove it from the room.