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About Dave Coil
Expertise
I can help. I have installed wood, laminates, tile, marble, ceramics, vinyl, and painted applications. I have done some stone work, but that is seldom used anymore.

Experience
My first work was in flooring and interior designs. My first job... every room of the house was a different color of walls and carpet. It can work...

You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > Removing carpet from hardwood floors

Flooring and Carpeting - Removing carpet from hardwood floors

Expert: Dave Coil - 11/1/2009

Question
I want to remove 38 year old carpet that is covering hardwood floors. After checking under part of the carpet, the hardwood floors seem to be in good condition. I am hoping not to put carpeting back down. I want to clean them up and make them shine. The old carpet padding was stapled down. Are there any tricks to ensure staple removal with the least amount of damage to the hardwood floors.

Answer
For the least possible damage...use a putty knife on the floor, and a screwdriver under the staple. You will pry down on the putty knife instead of the flooring. If you need pliers in some areas...same condition...use the putty knife on the floor under your tool.

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