Wife and I are removing our ultra ugly kitchen floor. It consists of a top layer of faux wood vinyl, 2 layers of linoleum, a layer of paper and a 1/8" thick layer of glue(?). The "glue" layer is a dark red and is a gummy/brittle.

The linoleum is attached to the floor with 1"x1/4" round staples. They are almost impossible to remove. When we pop off the linoleum, the staples stay put. We are doing this because all of our neighbors have gorgeous wood floors in their kitchens.

We are unable to get the staples out using an assortment of pliers & screw drivers.

Anyone have any suggestions on removing them?

Thanks,
Burt