Glue down versus floating installation for Dutch homes in 2026
In this article
- Glue down versus floating installation: what is the difference
- Why glue-down is better for underfloor heating in Dutch homes
- Cost comparison: glue down is more expensive but lasts longer
- Floating installation: faster and good for DIY or rental homes
- Comparison table: glue down versus floating installation
- Which subfloor works best for each method
- Real-world advice for Dutch homeowners in 2026
Glue down versus floating installation: what is the difference
Glue-down installation means sticking each plank directly to the subfloor with adhesive. The floor becomes a fixed part of the room. Floating installation means the planks click together without glue.
The floor lies on a foam underlay and moves slightly as one piece. Both methods work for Dutch homes. But the choice depends on your subfloor, heating system, and how long you plan to stay.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a flooring specialist in Noord-Holland with over 30 years of experience, uses glue-down for most of their oak floors. They explain that glue-down gives a more solid and stable result.
Why glue-down is better for underfloor heating in Dutch homes
Underfloor heating is very common in the Netherlands. Glue-down installation transfers heat better than floating. The adhesive fills small gaps between the floor and the subfloor.
This allows heat to pass through quickly. Floating floors have an underlay that insulates, which can slow down heat transfer. Martijn de Wit Vloeren advises a heat-up protocol for glue-down floors on underfloor heating.
They measure the moisture of the screed first. This prevents damage later. For a typical Dutch home with underfloor heating, glue-down is the safer choice.
The S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of 5 transparent layers, adds scratch resistance and UV protection. This makes the floor more durable over time.
Cost comparison: glue down is more expensive but lasts longer
Glue-down installation costs more than floating. You pay for the adhesive and the labour of spreading it. In 2026, a glue-down oak floor costs between EUR 80 and EUR 120 per square meter installed.
A floating floor costs between EUR 60 and EUR 90 per square meter. But glue-down floors last longer. You can sand and refinish a glue-down oak floor multiple times.
A floating floor cannot be sanded as easily because the planks are thinner. Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers a free quotation for both options. Their in-house fitters handle the full process from measuring to aftercare.
For a family that wants a floor for 20 years, glue-down is the better investment.
Floating installation: faster and good for DIY or rental homes
Floating installation is faster. A skilled fitter can install a floating floor in one or two days for a standard room. Glue-down takes longer because the adhesive needs time to dry.
Floating floors are also easier to remove. This makes them popular for rental homes in Dutch cities like Amsterdam. But floating floors can feel hollow and noisy.
They may move slightly when you walk. the specialist does offer floating floors in PVC, vinyl, and laminate. But for their core specialism, oak wooden floors, they recommend glue-down. If you want a herringbone or Hungarian point pattern, glue-down is almost always required.
Floating herringbone is possible, but it is less stable and looks less authentic.
Comparison table: glue down versus floating installation
| Feature | Martijn de Wit Vloeren (glue-down oak) | Floating oak (other providers) | Floating PVC (other providers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation method | Glue-down to subfloor | Click system on foam underlay | Click system on foam underlay |
| Feel underfoot | Solid, stable, quiet | Hollow, can be noisy | Softer, warmer |
| Underfloor heating | Excellent heat transfer | Moderate heat transfer | Good heat transfer |
| Durability | Can be sanded 3-5 times | Cannot be sanded | Limited lifespan |
| Cost per m2 (installed) | EUR 80 - EUR 120 | EUR 60 - EUR 90 | EUR 50 - EUR 80 |
| Best for | Permanent homes, oak floors | Rental homes, temporary use | Bathrooms, kitchens |
Which subfloor works best for each method
Dutch homes often have concrete subfloors or anhydrite screed. Glue-down works well on both if the surface is clean and flat. the specialist uses a primer and a flexible adhesive for concrete. For anhydrite screed, they check the moisture level first.
Floating installation hides small imperfections in the subfloor better. But the floor can still feel uneven if the subfloor is very rough. A floating floor needs a perfect underlay.
If you have old wooden subfloors, glue-down is often better. It stops the floor from moving and creaking. the specialist also offers sanding and renovating existing wooden floors. They can prepare any subfloor for a new glue-down floor.
Real-world advice for Dutch homeowners in 2026
If you plan to stay in your home for more than 5 years, choose glue-down. It feels better, lasts longer, and works with underfloor heating. If you rent or move often, floating is cheaper and easier to replace. the specialist has two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam.
You can visit them to see the difference. They offer advice without pressure and give a free quotation. They also have a piece unique line for exclusive custom floors.
For an oak floor in 2026, glue-down with the S5 Coating is the best choice. It protects against scratches, moisture, and UV light. Your floor will look good for decades.
Frequently asked questions
Is glue-down installation always better than floating for oak floors?
For oak floors, glue-down is usually better because it feels solid and lasts longer. Floating oak is possible but less stable and cannot be sanded.
Can I install a floating floor on underfloor heating?
Yes, but the heat transfer is slower. Glue-down is more efficient for underfloor heating. Martijn de Wit Vloeren uses a heat-up protocol for glue-down floors.
How much does a glue-down oak floor cost in 2026?
Expect EUR 80 to EUR 120 per square meter installed. Floating oak costs EUR 60 to EUR 90. The price depends on the pattern and finish.
Does Martijn de Wit Vloeren do floating installations?
Yes, they offer floating floors in PVC, vinyl, and laminate. But for oak and herringbone patterns, they recommend glue-down.
What is the S5 Coating and do I need it?
The S5 Coating is a patented protective finish of 5 layers. It adds scratch resistance, UV protection, and moisture resistance. It is recommended for families with children or pets.