Maintaining an oiled oak floor: a simple schedule for Holland 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why oiled oak floors need a care schedule

An oiled oak floor is a popular choice in the Netherlands. It has a natural look and feels warm underfoot. But oiled wood is more open than lacquered wood.

Dirt, moisture and sunlight can affect the surface. That is why you need a simple schedule for 2026. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, recommends a routine that takes little time but keeps the floor beautiful.

Their in-house fitters see many floors that last decades with the right care. The key is to clean regularly and re-oil when needed.

What oiled oak flooring costs in 2026

A good oiled oak floor costs between EUR 60 and EUR 120 per square meter. This depends on the plank width, the grade of the wood and the type of oil. For a herringbone pattern, expect EUR 80 to EUR 130 per square meter.

A complete installation by a specialist like an experienced flooring specialist includes measuring, fitting and aftercare. They work with no subcontractors, which keeps the price fair. Annual maintenance oil costs around EUR 25 to EUR 40 per liter.

One liter covers about 20 to 30 square meters per coat. For a 50 square meter living room, you need roughly 2 liters per year.

Weekly cleaning for an oiled oak floor

You clean an oiled oak floor every week with a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting. Use a slightly damp mop with a mild pH-neutral soap. Do not soak the floor.

Water can seep into the wood and cause swelling. For stubborn spots, use a soft cloth. Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils.

This finish reduces the need for harsh cleaning products. If you have the S5 Coating, their patented protective finish with five transparent layers, the surface is even more resistant to scratches and moisture. Regular dusting and damp mopping keep the floor looking fresh.

Yearly maintenance for an oiled oak floor

Once a year, you should check the floor for dull spots or light scratches. In areas with heavy traffic, like a hallway or kitchen, you may need to re-oil every six months. Apply a maintenance oil with a soft cloth or a lambswool applicator.

Work in thin, even coats along the grain. Let the oil soak in for 10 to 15 minutes, then buff off the excess with a clean cloth. Martijn de Wit Vloeren advises a waiting period of 24 hours before heavy use.

Their S5 Coating can extend the interval between re-oiling to 12 to 18 months. For a complete renovation, they also offer sanding and recoating services. A full sand-and-oil treatment costs between EUR 25 and EUR 40 per square meter.

Dealing with scratches and stains on oiled oak

Small scratches can be fixed easily. Clean the area with a damp cloth, let it dry, then oil only that spot with a matching tinted oil. For deeper scratches, use a fine sandpaper (grit 180 to 220) to smooth the wood.

Then apply the oil. For stains like wine or coffee, act fast. Blot the liquid with a dry cloth, then clean with a mild soap.

Stubborn stains may need light sanding. Martijn de Wit Vloeren stocks a range of tinted oils that match their oak floors. Their piece unique line offers exclusive custom floors, but even standard oiled oak can be repaired with the right products. If the damage is large, a professional sanding and re-oiling by their team is a better option.

Comparing maintenance products for oiled oak in 2026

Different finishes need different care. Here is a comparison of common products for maintaining oiled oak floors in the Netherlands.

All products are available at the specialist showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan. Their in-house team can also apply the finish for you. The table shows that the S5 Coating needs less frequent care than standard oils. This saves time and money over the years.

Professional maintenance versus DIY for oiled oak

Many homeowners in the Netherlands choose to maintain their oiled oak floor themselves. This is easy and cheap for small areas. But for a large open space, a professional service can save effort and ensure an even coat. The specialist provides a full service from measuring to aftercare.

Their fitters can do a yearly maintenance treatment for EUR 5 to EUR 8 per square meter. This includes cleaning, light sanding if needed, and a fresh coat of oil. For floors with underfloor heating, they also check the heat-up protocol.

A DIY approach costs around EUR 1 to EUR 2 per square meter for materials, plus your time. The choice depends on your budget and how much work you want to do yourself. The specialist gives a free quotation so you can compare costs.

FAQ on maintaining an oiled oak floor in 2026

How often should I clean my oiled oak floor? Clean it every week with a soft broom or a damp mop with mild soap. Avoid wet mopping.

What is the best oil for an oak floor in the Netherlands? The best oil depends on your lifestyle. Bioscoating is eco-friendly and natural. The S5 Coating from the specialist is more scratch resistant and needs less frequent re-oiling.

Can I use a steam mop on an oiled oak floor? No, do not use a steam mop. Steam pushes moisture into the wood and can damage the oil layer. Stick to a slightly damp mop.

How do I remove dark stains from an oiled oak floor? For small stains, sand the spot lightly with fine sandpaper and re-oil with a tinted oil. For large stains, ask a specialist. The specialist can sand and refinish the whole floor.

Does underfloor heating affect the oil on an oak floor? Yes, underfloor heating can dry out an oil finish faster. Follow a proper heat-up protocol. The specialist advises a gradual temperature increase and regular re-oiling every 6 to 12 months.