Strip out old carpet, underlay and gripper rods safely, ready for a new floor covering.
RC-01Clear the room and gear upMove out furniture and anything breakable, and open a window for airflow — old carpets and underlay can be dusty. Wear gloves and knee pads, and a dust mask if the carpet is old or was in a smoky room. Have bin bags or a rubble sack ready for waste.
RC-02Cut the carpet into stripsStart in a corner and use a sharp utility knife to cut the carpet into strips about 500-600mm wide. Cut through the backing only, not deep into the floor below. Narrow strips are much easier to lift and carry than one huge sheet.
RC-03Roll up and remove the stripsRoll each strip up tightly, carpet side in, and carry it out. Old carpet is heavier than it looks, so lift with your knees and get help with big rolls. Stack strips outside or straight into a skip if you have one.
RC-04Remove the underlayUnderlay usually just peels up, but it may be stapled or glued down. Pull it up in sections, working slowly so it doesn't tear into small pieces that are harder to gather. Bag it separately from the carpet if your waste collection asks for that.
RC-05Lift the gripper rodsGripper rods run around the edge of the room and are nailed down every 150-300mm. Slide a flat pry bar or bolster chisel under one end and lever it up gently — the nails will pull with it. Work along the length of each strip rather than yanking one end hard, which can snap the rod.
RC-06Pull remaining staples and tacksGo around the floor and pull out any staples or tacks left behind with pincers or pliers. Check carefully by feel and eye — a stray staple is a nasty surprise for bare feet later, and can catch a new floor covering.
RC-07Bag up and dispose of the wasteBag carpet, underlay and gripper rod separately if you can — some council tips ask for this. Carpet and underlay usually go in a rubble sack or to the local tip, not the normal bin. Old gripper rod has sharp nails, so wrap it or tape the nail side before binning it.
RC-08Sweep and inspect the subfloorSweep or vacuum the bare floor thoroughly to pick up grit, dust and any missed nails or staples. Check floorboards or the screed for damage, damp patches, or loose boards while it's all on show — much easier to spot and fix now than under a new floor covering.