I understand the topic of laying hardwood over tile has been addressed quite a few times before, but my situation is slightly different and it would be great to get some professional advice.

We want to install a hardwood floor in our house, on top of exsting ceramic tile (8 inch tiles, very small grout lines, smooth and flat surface).

Our first limitation is that due to the already low door frame heights in this house, it would be prohibitive for us to lay a plywood subfloor on top of the ceramic floor, and then the solid hardwood on top of that. Ideally we'd like to float the floor directly onto the tile to minimize the height.

However, our second limitation is that we live in Guatemala where material choices are limited. The easiest material to get is a local solid hardwood (mahogany or sapadillo). We haven't seen any engineered wood flooring on the market down here. The closest is a cheapish looking pergo type.

In other forums I have read that it is not advisable to float solid hardwood floors.

My local carpintero tells me that he'll float the hardwood directly onto the tile with no moisture barrier, insulation, glue, or nails. Says he's done it many times before. But you learn not to believe everything you are told down here.

So...

Does anyone have any recommendations for us?

Thank you for any advice you might be able to offer.

~James