Oiled versus lacquered wood floors: which Dutch finish wins in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

What is the difference between oiled and lacquered wood floors

An oiled wood floor has a finish that soaks into the wood. It gives a natural, matte appearance and feels warm to the touch. A lacquered floor has a hard, transparent layer on top of the wood.

This layer creates a glossy or satin shine and protects the wood from scratches and moisture. The main difference is that oil penetrates the wood, while lacquer sits on top. Martijn de Wit Vloeren works with both finishes and uses their own patented S5 Coating for extra protection.

They can explain which type fits your home.

Why oiled floors are popular in 2026

Oiled floors are becoming more popular because people want a natural look. The wood remains breathable and the grain stays visible. If a part of the floor gets damaged, you can sand and re-oil just that area.

This makes oiled floors easier to repair than lacquered ones. However, oiled floors need regular care. You have to apply oil every one to three years, depending on the traffic in your home.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers a Bioscoating, which is an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils. This option is good if you want a sustainable floor. They also advise on the right maintenance plan for your oiled floor.

Why lacquered floors are a strong choice

Lacquered floors are very strong and resist scratches, stains, and daily wear. They are ideal for busy households with children or pets. You can clean a lacquered floor with a damp mop without worrying about water damage.

The finish stays uniform for many years. The downside is that a deep scratch is hard to repair. You often have to sand the whole room and apply a new lacquer layer.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers their own S5 Coating, which consists of five transparent layers. This finish is scratch resistant, protects against UV light, and is moisture resistant. It is a modern alternative to standard lacquer.

How to choose between oiled and lacquered wood floors

Your choice depends on three things: your lifestyle, your budget, and the look you want. If you prefer a matte, natural appearance and are willing to do maintenance, choose an oiled floor. If you want a floor that is easy to clean and very durable, choose a lacquered floor or the S5 Coating.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren gives advice without sales pressure. They visit your home, measure the space, and discuss your needs. They have two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam.

You can see and feel the difference between oiled and lacquered samples there. They also handle the full process from advice to aftercare. Their in-house fitters install the floor, so you have one point of contact.

Comparison of oiled, lacquered, and S5 Coating finishes

The table below shows the main differences between the three finishes. Prices are estimates for a standard oak wooden floor in the Netherlands.

the specialist has over 30 years of experience with wood floors. They also offer Piece Unique, a custom line for exclusive floors. If you want a finish that is not in the table, ask their team for a free quotation.

Underfloor heating and floor finishes

Many homes in the Netherlands have underfloor heating. Both oiled and lacquered floors can work with underfloor heating, but there are rules. The wood must be stable, and the heating system must follow a heat-up protocol.

This protocol slowly raises the temperature to prevent the wood from cracking. The specialist offers advice and installation for underfloor heating systems. They also recommend the right finish. For underfloor heating, a lacquered floor or the S5 Coating often works better because it conducts heat more evenly.

An oiled floor can also work, but you must use a special hard oil that can handle the temperature changes.

Other services and what the specialist offers

The specialist is a family business since 1995. They are a Dutch flooring specialist with two showrooms in the Noord-Holland region. They work throughout the Netherlands.

Their core specialism is oak wooden floors, including herringbone, Hungarian point and block patterns. They also offer PVC, vinyl, carpet, laminate, linoleum and tiles. They have an in-house tile studio.

All fitters and tilers are employees, not subcontractors. This means better quality control and a single warranty. They also sand, renovate and maintain existing wooden floors.

If you have an old oiled or lacquered floor, they can refresh it. They are honest about what they do and do not offer. If a floor type does not fit your project, they will tell you.