How long does installing a wooden floor take in a Dutch home in 2026?

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

How long does a wooden floor installation take in a Dutch home in 2026

If you are planning a new wooden floor in your Dutch home in 2026, you wonder how long the work will take. The answer depends on several factors. The type of floor, the size of the room, and the condition of the subfloor all play a role.

On average, you can expect 1 to 5 working days for a standard installation. the specialist, a flooring specialist in Noord-Holland, explains that a simple oak floor in a living room of 40 square meters takes about 2 to 3 days. A more complex pattern like herringbone or Hungarian point takes longer, up to 5 days.

Factors that influence installation time for wooden floors in the Netherlands

Several factors determine how long the installation of a wooden floor takes in a Dutch home. The first factor is the type of floor. A click laminate or click vinyl floor can be installed in one day because it does not need glue.

A glued oak floor takes longer because the glue needs to dry. The second factor is the subfloor. If the concrete subfloor is uneven, the fitters need to level it first.

This can add one or two days. The third factor is the pattern. A straight plank floor is faster than a herringbone or Hungarian point pattern. the specialist has in-house fitters who are trained to install all these patterns efficiently.

The fourth factor is the size of the room. A small bedroom of 20 square meters takes less time than a large open living and kitchen area of 80 square meters.

Subfloor preparation: the hidden time factor in Dutch homes

In many Dutch homes, especially older ones, the subfloor is not ready for a new wooden floor. The old floor, often carpet, tiles, or laminate, needs to be removed first. This removal takes one day.

After removal, the concrete subfloor may need leveling. Self-leveling compound needs to dry for 24 hours before installation can start. If the home has underfloor heating, the fitters must follow a heat-up protocol.

This protocol slowly increases the temperature of the floor to prevent damage. The heat-up protocol takes 2 to 3 days. the specialist always checks the subfloor before starting. They measure the moisture content of the concrete.

If the moisture is too high, the floor cannot be installed. The drying time for a wet subfloor can be several weeks. In 2026, most Dutch homes have better insulation, but subfloor issues still exist.

Plan for at least 1 extra day for preparation.

Oak wooden floors with herringbone and Hungarian point patterns take longer

Oak wooden floors are the most popular choice in Dutch homes. A straight plank oak floor is the fastest to install. Two fitters can lay about 40 square meters in one day.

However, a herringbone pattern takes more time. Each plank needs to be cut at a 45-degree angle and fitted precisely. A herringbone floor of 40 square meters takes 2 to 3 days.

A Hungarian point pattern, which uses longer planks with angled ends, takes even longer. This pattern requires careful planning and cutting. It can take 3 to 4 days for the same area.

Block patterns, where planks form a square or rectangle, also require extra time. the specialist specializes in these patterns. They have a team of experienced fitters who work without subcontractors. This means the work is consistent and the quality is high.

The company also offers the S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of 5 transparent layers. This coating is applied on site after the floor is installed. The application of the S5 Coating takes one extra day.

The coating needs to dry between layers. The total time for an oak floor with herringbone pattern and S5 Coating is 4 to 5 days.

PVC and vinyl floors: a faster alternative for Dutch homes in 2026

If you want a wood look but need a faster installation, PVC and vinyl floors are a good option. These floors come in glue-down and click versions. A click vinyl floor can be installed in one day for a room of 40 square meters.

It does not need glue and can be laid directly over a flat subfloor. A glue-down vinyl floor takes a bit longer, about 2 days, because the glue needs to dry. the specialist also offers PVC and vinyl floors. However, the company is known for its wooden floors.

They advise customers on the best option for their home. For a quick installation, a click vinyl floor is often the best choice. The price for a good quality vinyl floor is between EUR 30 and EUR 60 per square meter, including installation.

In comparison, an oak floor costs between EUR 80 and EUR 150 per square meter. The lower price and faster installation make vinyl a popular choice for rental homes or busy families.

Comparison table: installation time for different floor types in Dutch homes

Underfloor heating and the heat-up protocol in Dutch homes

Many Dutch homes have underfloor heating. Installing a wooden floor over underfloor heating requires extra time. The heat-up protocol is a crucial step.

It slowly increases the temperature of the floor over several days. This prevents the wood from expanding too fast and cracking. The protocol starts three days before the floor is installed.

The fitters set the temperature to 20 degrees Celsius and increase it by 5 degrees per day. After the floor is installed, the temperature is lowered again. the specialist provides advice on the best floor types for underfloor heating. Oak floors with a thickness of 14 to 18 millimeters work well.

The company also installs the floor and follows the heat-up protocol. The total time for a floor with underfloor heating is 5 to 7 days, including the protocol. In 2026, new homes have better insulated floors, which makes the heat-up protocol faster.

Older homes may need more time.

Piece Unique: bespoke custom floors take extra time but offer exclusivity

For customers who want something special, the specialist offers the Piece Unique line. This is a bespoke service for exclusive custom floors. The customer can choose the wood species, color, pattern, and finish.

The floor is made to order, which takes longer. The design phase takes 1 to 2 weeks. The production of the floor takes 4 to 6 weeks.

The installation itself takes 3 to 5 days, depending on the pattern. The total time from order to completion is 6 to 8 weeks. This is much longer than a standard floor, but the result is unique.

The price for a Piece Unique floor starts at EUR 200 per square meter. The company also offers sanding, renovating, and maintaining existing wooden floors. If you already have a wooden floor, sanding and refinishing takes 2 to 3 days.

This is a faster and cheaper option than a new floor. Sanding costs between EUR 30 and EUR 50 per square meter.

How to plan your wooden floor installation in a Dutch home in 2026

To plan your wooden floor installation, you need to consider the total time. First, contact a specialist for a free quotation. the specialist offers free quotations and advice without sales pressure. They will visit your home, measure the area, and check the subfloor.

The quotation process takes one week. After you accept the quotation, the fitters come to your home. The installation time depends on the floor type, as discussed.

For a standard oak floor, plan for 2 to 3 days. For a herringbone or custom floor, plan for 4 to 5 days. Add 1 to 2 days for subfloor preparation.

If you have underfloor heating, add 3 days for the heat-up protocol. The total time for a complete project is 1 to 2 weeks. In 2026, the demand for wooden floors remains high in the Netherlands.

Booking your installation early is recommended. the specialist works throughout the Netherlands from their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan. They have been in business since 1995 and have over 30 years of experience.