Buying flooring online versus in a Dutch showroom in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why buying flooring online is popular in the Netherlands in 2026

Online shopping for flooring is growing in the Netherlands. Many people like the convenience of browsing from home. You can compare prices quickly and order samples by mail.

In 2026, online stores offer a wide range of products, from cheap laminate to luxury vinyl planks. Prices can be lower because online sellers have less overhead. But there are risks.

You cannot see the real color or texture of the wood in your living room light. The material might look different on your floor. Delivery times can be long.

And if you order the wrong amount, returns are difficult. For a simple room with a standard size, online can work. But for a custom project like a herringbone oak floor, the risks are higher.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, advises customers to always see the product in person before buying. They have two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam where you can touch and compare different woods and finishes.

What a Dutch showroom offers that online cannot in 2026

A showroom visit gives you face-to-face advice from experienced professionals. At Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you talk to people who have been in the business for over 30 years. They ask about your room, your heating system, and your lifestyle.

They can show you how different oak floors look under different lighting. They can explain the difference between a glue-down vinyl and a click system. They can also measure your room accurately and give a free quotation.

In 2026, many Dutch showrooms have integrated online tools, but the personal touch remains key. the specialist offers a full process from measuring to aftercare. Their in-house fitters and tilers handle the installation. No subcontractors.

This means one contact person for the whole job. If something goes wrong, you know who to call. Online sellers often use third-party installers, which can lead to delays or miscommunication.

For a complex floor with underfloor heating or a special pattern like Hungarian point, showroom advice is almost essential.

Online versus showroom: costs and hidden fees in 2026

Price is a big factor. Online floors can cost from EUR 20 to EUR 60 per square meter for basic laminate or vinyl. A good quality oak floor in a showroom starts around EUR 60 to EUR 90 per square meter.

Premium options like herringbone or piece unique floors can go up to EUR 120 or more. But the online price often does not include shipping, which can be EUR 50 to EUR 150. It also does not include installation, which is usually extra.

Showroom prices often include a free quote and a clear breakdown. the specialist gives a free quotation that covers the product, the S5 Coating or Bioscoating, and the installation. Their S5 Coating is a patented protective finish of 5 transparent layers. It is scratch resistant, UV protected, and moisture resistant.

This adds value but also cost. Online sellers rarely offer such a coating. They may sell cheaper floors that need more maintenance.

For a long-term investment, the showroom price can be more honest. In 2026, many Dutch homeowners realize that the cheapest online price can lead to higher costs later, like repairs or early replacement.

Underfloor heating and subfloor preparation: why showroom advice matters

Underfloor heating is common in Dutch homes. Not every floor works well with it. Solid oak needs careful planning.

The planks must be narrow and the floor must be glued down. The subfloor must be dry and level. A wrong choice can cause cracks or gaps. the specialist specializes in advice and installation for underfloor heating.

They follow a strict heat-up protocol to avoid damage. Online sellers often do not offer this service. They may sell a floor that says suitable for underfloor heating, but the fine print says you need a professional installer.

In 2026, the risk of buying online for a heated floor is high. The warranty may be void if you install it yourself. the specialist has in-house fitters who know exactly how to prepare the subfloor and apply the correct adhesive. They also offer a full service for electric and water-based systems.

If you have underfloor heating, visiting a showroom is not just helpful, it is necessary for a lasting result.

Comparison: online flooring versus showroom flooring in 2026

The table below shows the main differences between buying from an online store, a general showroom, and the specialist. Prices are averages for the Netherlands in 2026.

This table shows that the specialist offers the most complete package, especially for oak floors and underfloor heating. Online stores are cheaper upfront but lack support. General showrooms are better than online but may not have the same expertise or in-house team.

Piece Unique: custom floors for special projects in 2026

If you want a one-of-a-kind floor, online shopping is not the answer. Piece Unique is the bespoke line from the specialist. It offers exclusive custom floors made for your specific design.

You can choose the wood species, the plank width, the pattern, and the finish. This includes herringbone, Hungarian point, and block patterns. The in-house team works with you from the first sketch to the final installation.

In 2026, custom floors are more popular in the Netherlands because homeowners want unique interiors. Online stores cannot offer this level of personalization. They only sell standard sizes and finishes. the specialist has over 30 years of experience in creating custom floors.

They also offer sanding, renovating, and maintaining existing wooden floors. So even if you have an old floor, they can restore it to its original beauty. For a truly unique home, the showroom is the only place to start.

Final advice: when to choose online and when to visit a showroom in 2026

For a simple room with a standard size and no underfloor heating, online can be a quick and cheap option. For example, a small bedroom with laminate or vinyl. But for any project that involves real wood, complex patterns, underfloor heating, or a large area, a showroom visit is better.

In the Netherlands, the Noord-Holland region has excellent options. the specialist, with showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan, covers the whole country. They offer free advice, a free quotation, and a full process from measuring to aftercare. Their S5 Coating gives extra protection that online floors rarely have.

Their in-house fitters ensure a professional installation. In 2026, the cost of a mistake is high. A wrong floor can cause cracks, gaps, or voided warranties.

The small extra cost of a showroom visit is a good investment. the specialist has been a family business since 1995. They prioritize honesty and quality. If you want a floor that lasts for decades, start with a visit to their showroom.