I'm preparing to gut my kitchen / den and will be installing a new floor in the process. I've explored most of the options but am still puzzled about what to do. The floor is currently a 1960 subfloor covered with tile (see photo) with mastic underneath. I dread the thought of using chemicals to scrape off the mastic.

Laying ceramic tile directly over the existing floor is not an option since it would not adhere and would come up over a period of time. Placing DuRock underlayment over the existing tiles is not an option per my flooring contractor. I’m told the only solutions that I have at this point are to have a general contractor that is licensed in abatement rip the tile out, and then install Durock followed by ceramic.

Another option: install a floating engineered hardwood or laminate (either wood or tile look).

Someone suggested Edge Flooring - not an option after reading reviews of the product.

I don't want to replicate wood since I already have natural hardwood floors in the rest of the house. My first choice is ceramic or porcelain. Any thoughts on bamboo? Any suggestions or ideas most welcome.