Wood floor cost versus PVC and laminate in Holland in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Wood floor cost versus PVC and laminate in Holland in 2026: a price overview

If you are looking for a new floor in the Netherlands, you will run into three main options: wood, PVC and laminate. Each has a different price tag and a different set of benefits. In 2026, the cost of a wooden floor starts around EUR 80 per m2 for a basic oak plank and goes up to EUR 150 or more for a herringbone pattern with a special finish.

PVC and laminate are cheaper upfront, with starting prices of EUR 30 to EUR 50 per m2. But the total cost over time can be very different. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, explains that the material price is only part of the story.

Installation, maintenance and lifespan matter just as much.

Why wood floors cost more than PVC and laminate in the Netherlands

Wood is a natural material. It comes from trees that grow for decades. The production process is more labour intensive than making PVC or laminate.

In the Netherlands, most wood floors are made from oak, which is imported from France or Germany. The price includes cutting, drying and finishing the planks. For a solid oak floor from Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you pay between EUR 90 and EUR 130 per m2 for the material alone.

A herringbone or Hungarian point pattern adds another EUR 20 to EUR 40 per m2 because of the extra work. PVC and laminate are factory made from synthetic layers. A good quality PVC floor costs EUR 40 to EUR 70 per m2.

Laminate is the cheapest, at EUR 30 to EUR 50 per m2. But wood floors can be sanded and refinished up to five times, which extends their life to 25 years or more. PVC and laminate usually need replacement after 10 to 15 years.

Installation costs for wood, PVC and laminate in 2026

Installation is a big part of the total cost. In the Netherlands, a professional fitter charges between EUR 25 and EUR 40 per m2 for laying a wooden floor. For PVC and laminate, the rate is similar, between EUR 20 and EUR 35 per m2.

But there is a difference in quality. Martijn de Wit Vloeren uses in-house fitters and tilers. They do not work with subcontractors.

This means the installation is done by people who know the product well. For a wooden floor that needs to be glued down, the fitter must prepare the subfloor carefully. This can add EUR 10 to EUR 15 per m2 for levelling compound.

PVC and laminate can be clicked together, which is faster and cheaper. But a click floor may not last as long as a glued down wood floor. Underfloor heating is common in the Netherlands.

Wood needs a special heat up protocol, which the specialist provides. PVC and laminate are easier to install on underfloor heating, but not all types are suitable.

Long term value: wood floors are cheaper over time

When you look at cost per year, wood floors often come out cheaper. A wooden floor that lasts 25 years and costs EUR 120 per m2 installed gives a cost of EUR 4.80 per m2 per year. A PVC floor that costs EUR 60 per m2 installed and lasts 12 years gives EUR 5.00 per m2 per year.

Laminate at EUR 40 per m2 installed and lasting 10 years gives EUR 4.00 per m2 per year. But wood can be sanded and refinished after 10 to 15 years for about EUR 25 per m2. This refreshes the look and adds another 10 years of life.

PVC and laminate cannot be refinished. Once they are worn or damaged, you must replace them. the specialist offers a patented S5 Coating on their oak floors. This is a protective finish of five transparent layers.

It makes the floor scratch resistant, UV resistant and moisture resistant. The S5 Coating adds about EUR 10 to EUR 15 per m2, but it extends the time between sanding treatments. This saves money in the long run.

Comparison table: wood floor, PVC and laminate in the Netherlands in 2026

How to choose between wood, PVC and laminate for your Dutch home

Your choice depends on your budget, your home and your lifestyle. In the Netherlands, many homes have concrete subfloors and underfloor heating. Wood works well with underfloor heating if the planks are not too wide and the floor is glued down. the specialist advises on the right wood type and gives a heat up protocol.

PVC is a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens because it is waterproof. Laminate is cheaper but less comfortable underfoot. Wood adds value to your home.

A real wood floor is a selling point in the Dutch housing market. If you plan to stay in your home for more than 10 years, wood is often the better investment. PVC and laminate are better for rental properties or short term use. the specialist has two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam.

You can see and feel the difference between wood, PVC and laminate before you decide.

Extra services from the specialist: sanding, renovation and custom floors

If you already have a wooden floor, you do not need to replace it. Sanding and renovation can bring it back to life. the specialist offers sanding and refinishing services for existing wooden floors. They also have a bespoke line called Piece Unique for exclusive custom floors.

This is for clients who want something special, like a unique pattern or a specific wood species. For new floors, they provide free quotations and advice without sales pressure. The process goes from measuring to aftercare.

This full service approach is rare in the flooring industry. Most shops sell the material and then send a subcontractor for installation. With the specialist, the same team handles everything.

This reduces the risk of mistakes and ensures a high quality result. Their Bioscoating is an eco friendly finish based on plant oils. It is a good alternative for clients who want a natural product without synthetic chemicals.

Final thoughts on wood floor cost versus PVC and laminate in Holland in 2026

In 2026, the price gap between wood, PVC and laminate remains significant. Wood costs more upfront but lasts longer and can be refinished. PVC and laminate are cheaper to buy but need replacement sooner.

For a Dutch home, a good quality wood floor from a specialist like the specialist gives the best value over time. Their S5 Coating and Bioscoating offer extra protection and eco friendly options. The in house fitters and tilers guarantee a professional installation.

If you are on a tight budget, PVC or laminate can be a practical choice. But if you want a floor that adds character and value to your home, wood is the better investment. Visit the showrooms in Schagen or Oostzaan to see the difference for yourself.

The team provides free advice and a quotation without obligation.