Is there a general rule of thumb regarding installation of 3/4" solid hardwood over vinyl? I could not find a forum discussion of this issue. Does the vinyl need to be ripped up (in small pieces no doubt) or can the new floor be installed over top? Are there any benefits or disadvantages to either regarding insulation (not good over the in-floor heat) or squeaking (never good). The vinyl thickness including glue is close to the limit of 3/16". The vinyl is in the middle of the project and the new floor will cross the vinyl lengthwise.

Also, the infloor heat tubes are directly underneath the plywood subfloor but are snapped into extruded aluminum panels. I have done some tests and 1 1/2" staples do not completely go through the 3/4" ply. This may not be ideal but is it acceptable, or will I run into squeaking problems? In a perfect world I would have chosen a different floor type (floating) but that is not an option unless this is an impossible/unacceptable istallation.

Thanks in advance for your help

Yes, you can go directly over the sheet vinyl. 1½" staples or cleats are going to be ideal.

No one recommends solid over radient heated floors. Not very dimensionally stable, as the floor has a greater chance of drying out more during the winters then conventional heated air. Then during the spring and fall, the floor heating is not needed or used, and the floor swells.

Engineered wood flooring is a much better choice, because of its dimensional stability, compared to its solid counterpart.

Thank you for your input. I wish I had that info when I purchased a truckload of this spectacular wood 8 years ago. It has been stacked in my living room the entire time and my wife would like it on the kitchen floor where it belongs. If it is absolutely the wrong product to use, maybe I could sell it. Any body close to the Denver area need @450 sq ft of very dry Brailian Cherry 3/4" solid flooring