Is an oak floor worth it in a Dutch home? Pros and cons for 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Oak floor pros for a Dutch home in 2026

An oak floor brings warmth and character to any Dutch home. It is a natural product that lasts for decades, often 30 years or more with proper care. In 2026, the trend in the Netherlands is still toward authentic materials, and oak fits perfectly. the specialist, a family business since 1995, supplies oak floors in many styles, including herringbone and Hungarian point.

The wood can be sanded and refinished several times, which means you can change the colour or repair damage without replacing the whole floor. This makes oak a cost-effective choice over the long term. Oak also works well with underfloor heating, which is common in modern Dutch homes.

The key is to choose the right width and thickness, and to follow a proper heat-up protocol. the specialist offers this advice and carries out the installation with their own fitters, so you avoid common mistakes.

Oak floor cons for a Dutch home in 2026

The main drawback of an oak floor is the price. In 2026, you can expect to pay between EUR 60 and EUR 120 per m2 for the materials, plus installation costs that add another EUR 30 to EUR 50 per m2. This is more expensive than laminate or PVC, which start around EUR 30 per m2.

Oak is also sensitive to moisture. In the Netherlands, with its humid climate, the wood can expand and contract, leading to gaps or cupping. A professional installation is essential to manage this. the specialist uses their own patented S5 Coating, which adds five transparent layers for moisture and scratch protection.

This helps reduce the risks. Another point is that oak is a hard wood, but it can still dent or scratch. If you have heavy furniture or pets, you may need to be careful.

Finally, oak requires maintenance. You need to clean it with the right products and avoid standing water.

How to choose an oak floor: solid, engineered, or herringbone

Your choice depends on your home and budget. Solid oak planks are thick, about 20 mm, and can be sanded many times. They work best on a concrete subfloor with glue-down installation.

Engineered oak has a top layer of oak on a plywood base. It is more stable for underfloor heating and costs EUR 50 to EUR 100 per m2. Herringbone and Hungarian point patterns add a classic look but require more skill to install. the specialist specialises in these patterns and offers a bespoke line called Piece Unique for custom designs.

They also provide PVC and vinyl options if you want a wood look at a lower price, but for a true oak floor, their core focus is on solid and engineered oak. In 2026, the Dutch market sees a rising demand for wide planks, which can be up to 300 mm wide. These look modern but need careful installation to avoid movement. the specialist advises on the best width for your specific room and heating system.

Cost comparison: oak versus other floor types in 2026

To help you decide, here is a comparison of oak with other popular floor types in the Netherlands. Prices include materials and installation for a standard room of 50 m2.

the specialist stands out because they use their own in-house fitters and tilers, so you get a consistent quality. They also offer a free quotation and a full process from measuring to aftercare. Their S5 Coating adds extra value by protecting the oak from scratches and moisture, which is not always included with other suppliers.

Underfloor heating and oak floors: what you need to know in 2026

Underfloor heating is very common in new Dutch homes and renovations. Oak can work with it, but you must follow guidelines. The water temperature should not exceed 27 degrees Celsius.

The floor must be glued down, not floating, to ensure good heat transfer. The oak planks should be narrow, ideally up to 120 mm, to reduce movement. the specialist has experience with this and offers a heat-up protocol that slowly increases the temperature over several days. This prevents the wood from cracking or warping.

They also use their Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils, for a natural look that breathes with the wood. In 2026, many Dutch homeowners want sustainable options, and Bioscoating is a good choice. If you already have an oak floor and want to add underfloor heating, the specialist can sand and renovate the existing floor first to ensure a smooth surface.

Maintenance and longevity of oak floors in the Netherlands

Oak floors need regular care to stay beautiful. You should sweep or vacuum weekly to remove grit that can scratch the surface. For cleaning, use a damp mop with a wood-specific cleaner, not too much water.

The S5 Coating from the specialist makes maintenance easier because it is resistant to moisture and stains. In 2026, many Dutch homes have high humidity in winter from drying laundry, and low humidity in summer. Oak can handle this if the indoor humidity stays between 40 and 60 percent.

A simple humidifier or dehumidifier helps. The lifespan of an oak floor is 30 years or more, and you can sand it every 10 to 15 years to refresh the top layer. the specialist also offers sanding and renovation services for existing wooden floors. This is a good option if you buy an older home and want to restore the original oak floor.

Their free quotation includes an assessment of the floor condition and a cost estimate.

Why choose a Dutch specialist for your oak floor in 2026

Installing an oak floor is a big investment. You want a company that understands the local climate and building practices. the specialist has been a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, with over 30 years of experience. They have two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam, and they work throughout the Netherlands.

Their approach is advice-driven, with no sales pressure. They offer a free quotation and a full process from measuring to aftercare. All their fitters and tilers are in-house employees, not subcontractors.

This means you get consistent quality and accountability. They also offer a bespoke line called Piece Unique for exclusive custom floors, and they can install PVC, vinyl, carpet, laminate, linoleum, and tiles if you need other rooms done. In 2026, the Dutch market is full of options, but choosing a specialist like the specialist gives you confidence that your oak floor will be installed correctly and last for decades.