I want to have wood floors installed over 9x9 tiles. I have been told that I cannot because they are asbestos. I have not had them tested. My home was built in 1962. The company said they couldnt because they cannot guarantee the floor. I cannot afford the added expense to remove the vinal tiles. They sugested laminate flooring or carpet.

I need the advice of a flooring expert, cuz all the DIYers I have talked to so far have been of no help. ANYhoo, I am removing the flooring from my bathroom, and found some rotted underlayment. Well the Subfloor is made up of 7" x 1/2" boards run diagonally over the joists. Then on top of that, I have the underlayment. Here is where I have my problem. I have now scraped out a 2' x 2' section of the floor to see what I am working with. The "underlayment" we'll call it, is at LEAST 4 layers thick. But each layer is at best 1/8" thick. Has anyone ever seen this style of flooring? The house was built in 1963 if that helps any. I am just wondering if I should tear it all out and start over. What would my floor thickness have to be including subfloor and underlayment?? Any help is GREATLY appreciated.