We have bought a 1935 home with beautiful hardwood planks throughout the first floor except for the back hallway, 1/2 bath, and 13' x 9' kitchen. In those areas, the owners in 1985 laid 4" industrial strength ceramic tiles over a plywood subfloor. There isn't one crack in any of the tiles, no squeaks, a very solid floor. Unfortunately, we want to replace all the tiles with hardwood. From this board I realize that we will have to take the tile off because even though it is solid, a floating hardwood floor would add another inch to its height. From my initial inspection, it's going to be a big job to get the tiles up and then scrape off the cement used . Would you suggest that this is the way to go--get the tiles up and use something (don't know what) to get the cement up)? or somehow get the plywood floor up? (We know that there was vinyl tile put on in the '60's but don't know what it was put on.) Or other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Bemsue