A friend obtained a large cache of nice used longleaf pine. He wants
to install some of it in his great room, 20' X 40'. The floor
presently has 1/16" or 3/32" peel & stick tile, installed 25 yrs ago.
He's debating whether to remove the tile, before installing the pine.
I recommended he remove it.

He's thinking the tile may act as a moisture barrier, plus, he thinks
it simply doesn't matter if the tile stays or not. I don't know
enough about flooring to advise him expertly, regarding his specific
scenario. There's nothing wrong with the tile and the floor's
structure/foundation, etc. is solid. The house is on pillars.

Accommodating doors, casings & doorways, i.e., raising the floor level
vs other rooms, is not a problem, as he has enough pine to install in
some other rooms, which he's planning to do, later, also. Those other
rooms have some sort of sheet vinyl flooring.

Should the tile be removed? Recommendations, comments, criticism,
etc. welcome.

Thanks.
Sonny