Alternatively use a circular saw with a carbide tooth blade to make a plunge cut along the length of the sacrificial board and use a pry.
Tearing up hardwood floors.
You can cut each section into approximately one to two feet wide portions.
This is helpful because hardwood planks are all different lengths and make it really tough to remove quickly.
So cutting them into smaller pieces of wood makes it easier to pry up.
Then we came up with this one which.
Pry up the first few boards to give yourself room to work.
We used several techniques that we found very uncomfortable.
If necessary go over the area again with a vacuum or mop to clear away any especially fine dust remaining.
Removing hardwood floors in one of the houses we renovated.
Sweep the sawdust wood chips and other debris into small piles then use a shop vac to suction them up.
By cutting the boards into small sections removal will go faster and smoother.
Make sure to set your saw blade to the thickness of your hardwood flooring so as to not damage the sub flooring.