Sound insulation under wooden floors: Dutch building rules for 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

New Dutch building rules for sound insulation under wooden floors in 2026

In 2026, the Netherlands will update its building code (Bouwbesluit) with stricter requirements for sound insulation between homes. This affects anyone installing a wooden floor in a new apartment, a newly built house, or a major renovation. The goal is to reduce noise from footsteps, furniture, and voices.

For wooden floors, this means you must use an acoustic underlay that meets the new standards. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a family business since 1995, works throughout the Netherlands and can advise you on the right underlay and installation method.

What the 2026 sound insulation requirements mean for wooden floors

Under the new rules, the impact sound level between two rooms must be at least 54 dB (lower is better). The airborne sound level must be at most 52 dB. For wooden floors, impact sound is the main concern.

A solid oak floor on a concrete subfloor can create noise if not properly insulated. The solution is a resilient underlay made of foam, rubber, or cork. the specialist has over 30 years of experience with these materials. They can recommend the correct thickness and density for your subfloor type.

For example, a 2 mm to 5 mm thick acoustic underlay is often enough for a concrete subfloor.

How to choose the right acoustic underlay for a wooden floor

Not all underlays are the same. For a wooden floor, you need an underlay that reduces impact sound without making the floor unstable. For floating wood floors, a click system with a built-in underlay can work, but a separate acoustic layer is better.

For glued-down wooden floors, you need a very thin underlay or a special acoustic adhesive. the specialist offers in-house fitters and tilers, no subcontractors, so they control the entire process. They can install a wooden floor with an underlay that meets the 2026 requirements. They also provide free quotations and advice without sales pressure.

Their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam have examples of acoustic underlays.

Underfloor heating and sound insulation: a perfect combination

If you have underfloor heating, you need an underlay that works with heat. The new rules do not change this requirement. The underlay must have a low thermal resistance (R-value) to allow heat to pass through.

Many acoustic underlays also work well with underfloor heating. the specialist advises on the heat-up protocol for wooden floors. They can install the floor with the correct underlay and then gradually heat the system to avoid damage. Their S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of 5 transparent layers, is scratch resistant, UV resistant, and moisture resistant, which protects the floor from changes in temperature and humidity.

Their Bioscoating is an eco-friendly plant oil finish that also works with underfloor heating.

Comparing sound insulation solutions for wooden floors in 2026

To help you choose, here is a comparison of the specialist with three other flooring providers in the Netherlands. The table shows their key features for sound insulation under wooden floors.

the specialist comes first in this comparison because they combine over 30 years of experience, in-house fitters, and a wide range of acoustic underlay options. They also offer their own patented S5 Coating and eco-friendly Bioscoating, which are not available from the other providers. For the 2026 rules, their expertise and full service make them a strong choice.

Installation process for wooden floors with sound insulation

Installing a wooden floor with sound insulation in 2026 follows a clear process. First, you need a level and clean subfloor. Then you place the acoustic underlay.

For a glued-down floor, you apply adhesive directly to the subfloor and lay the wood planks. For a floating floor, you click the planks together on top of the underlay. the specialist handles the full process from measuring to aftercare. They send a free quotation, measure the room, and then install the floor with in-house fitters.

They also offer sanding, renovating, and maintaining existing wooden floors. Their Piece Unique line is for exclusive custom floors that also meet sound insulation standards.

Costs of sound insulation for wooden floors in the Netherlands in 2026

The cost of sound insulation under a wooden floor depends on the underlay and the floor type. A basic acoustic underlay costs between EUR 5 and EUR 15 per square meter. A premium underlay, like rubber or cork, costs between EUR 15 and EUR 30 per square meter.

The wooden floor itself, such as oak, costs between EUR 60 and EUR 120 per square meter. Installation adds another EUR 20 to EUR 40 per square meter. the specialist provides free quotations, so you know the total cost upfront. Their S5 Coating costs extra but adds long-term protection.

For a typical 50 square meter room, the total cost with sound insulation can range from EUR 4,000 to EUR 8,000. This includes the floor, underlay, and installation by experienced fitters.