Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - I pulled the carpet back

I pulled the carpet back in my living room and of course there was beautiful wood flooring underneath. The carpet nor padding was not glued down, however, it was stapled. They are in 4 rows (one on each side and two down the middle) and I am wondering what to use to puill the staples out effectively and where do I go from there?

You can use a wide variety of tools for this job depending on the depth of the staple. I use a small pair of vise grip pliers. Lock onto the staple and pull strait out. For the staples around the edges you can use a apir of needle nose for them. Usually the holes from the staples will disappear when you sand and refinish the floor if not you can trowel fill the floor.

Philly

Stop off at a hardware or box store and go to the staple section, where they have staple guns and staples. They'll also have staple pullers in that section. They resemble a screwdriver - but the tip is angled and flat to fit under the head of a staple. You use the tool by wiggling it under the staple, and then pressing down on the handle to pry, raising the staple up, and starting it out. Sometimes they'll come right out, but if not they'll be sticking up enough where you can pull it out with pliers or visegrips. They're also very good for upholstery work too, for removing tacks and nails.

A putty knife under the tool to pivot on will cut down on the dents you put in the floor.

I used my Channellock nippers, pulling straight up without harm to the floor.