After the great leap day news about the stair treads, we took on the task of removing the rest of the carpet from the stairs this weekend. The first five steps that I did solo seemed to take forever. However, with Jason's help we pulled up the rest of the carpet, pad, tack boards, and staples in no time flat. In fact, I had not even finished my second cup of coffee before I realized we were carpet free! This was a pretty easy process only requiring a few tools that you most likely already have at home. We used a hammer, flat pry bar, and need nose pliers. I did spend a few extra bucks to purchase a smaller slimmer flat pry bar at Ace, as the one we had was a normal size and was a bit heavy and awkward in the small area of the stairs.
The first step was simply applying some good old elbow grease and pulling up the carpet. This reveals the carpet pad and tack boards. Next, all you have to do is pull up the carpet pad. I suggest wearing a mask, as underneath there will definitely be a thick layer of crud. I discovered this immediately as I found myself inhaling all sorts of disgusting dust and crud. I will say, that if I had any doubts on getting rid of the carpet, seeing the dust and dirt underneath solidified my decision. After removing and disposing of the carpet and pad, next come the fun part! Using the flat pry bar and hammer, remove the tack boards on the treads and risers. I found that some tack boards came up easy while others cracked and broke into pieces. I had a bucket handy (a freebie from out recent Habitat for Humanity ReStore purchase) to collect the tack boards to avoid injury. However, be prepared to take a few stabs to the hand when removing the tack boards! Even with heavy duty gloves, I can still see the potential for tack board "paper cuts."
After removing and disposing of the tack boards, the only remaining step was to pull out the staples that were formally holding the carpet pad in place. Boy, was this tedious! Each step and riser had at least 10 or more staples that needed to be removed. We discussed leaving the staples as we are just going to replace the old treads anyways, but we decided to err on the side of safety (for us and the cats) and go ahead and pull them all out. This step took the most time of the whole project, even with both of us working two sets of pliers on separate stairs.
To finish up our morning carpet removal, we hit the stairs hard with the vacuum cleaner. Jason hit the stairs hard to get all the staples, dust, and carpet debris as he is the vacuum king in our house. Here is a before and during photo for your viewing pleasure-
(Side note:In the above picture you can also see the hallway hardwood peeking its head out. I wanted desperately to pull the carpet all the way to each bedroom door, but Jason talked me out of it. One project at a time, right? I did however pull up a a few small sections to check out what lies beneath. The few spots I could see looked pretty good, which is exciting! It's added to the project list!)
To reward ourselves, we went out to dinner at Cafe Rustica on Main Street and had a yummy meal. Here's my Sauerbraten with a side of blaukraut and spaetzle. Mmmmm! It sure was delicious.
Now the second fun phase starts! Staining and double polying 15 stair treads! After chatting with my grandpa, I decided to go ahead and stain the treads and then install them, rather than the other way around. I just couldn't figure out the logistics for finishing the treads with three cats and two humans!
Today I stopped by Home Depot on the way home to compare tread prices to the one my grandpa priced at Lowes. I discovered that I will have to buy 48' pine treads and cut off the excess, as no one seems to have 36' ones. I hate the idea of wasting all that wood, but my grandpa said he could use it in his shop so at least it will have a good home. So, it will be $9.99 per tread. I'll be hopping by the Home Depot tomorrow to peck through their treads and pick out the best fifteen (those with the least amount of knots). Wish me luck!
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