Humidity and your hardwood floor: ideal indoor levels for Holland in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why humidity matters for a hardwood floor in the Netherlands

Hardwood is a natural material that reacts to moisture in the air. When humidity is high, wood absorbs water and expands. When humidity is low, wood releases water and shrinks.

In the Netherlands, indoor humidity changes with the seasons. In winter, heating dries the air. In summer, rain and humidity make it moist.

This constant movement can cause problems like gaps between planks, cupping, or splitting. For a stable floor, you need to keep indoor humidity in a balanced range. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, advises customers to monitor humidity levels carefully.

Their in-house fitters can also apply the S5 Coating, a patented protective finish that adds a layer of moisture resistance. This helps reduce the impact of humidity changes on your floor.

Ideal indoor humidity levels for a hardwood floor in 2026

For most hardwood floors in the Netherlands, the ideal relative humidity is between 45% and 60%. This range keeps the wood stable and reduces the risk of damage. In 2026, climate experts expect more frequent heatwaves and wetter winters in Holland.

This means indoor humidity can swing more than before. If you live in Noord-Holland, where the climate is coastal and damp, you may need extra care. Martijn de Wit Vloeren recommends using a hygrometer to check humidity regularly.

They also suggest using a humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in summer if needed. The company has two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan, where you can get free advice on humidity control for your specific floor type.

How to measure and control humidity in your home

You can measure indoor humidity with a simple hygrometer. These devices cost between EUR 10 and EUR 50. Place one in the room where you have hardwood flooring.

Check the reading daily, especially during season changes. If the humidity drops below 45%, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. A good humidifier costs between EUR 50 and EUR 150.

If the humidity rises above 60%, use a dehumidifier. These cost between EUR 150 and EUR 400. For homes with underfloor heating, the humidity can drop faster. the specialist offers a heat-up protocol for new floors.

This protocol slowly increases the floor temperature to prevent sudden moisture loss. They also provide advice on maintaining the right humidity level throughout the year. Their in-house tilers and fitters can install your floor correctly, which helps prevent humidity-related issues.

Common problems caused by wrong humidity levels

When humidity is too low, below 45%, the wood loses moisture and shrinks. This creates gaps between the planks. In severe cases, the wood can crack or split.

When humidity is too high, above 60%, the wood absorbs moisture and expands. This can cause the floor to cup, meaning the edges of the planks rise higher than the center. It can also cause buckling, where the floor lifts off the subfloor.

In the Netherlands, these problems are common in older homes without proper insulation. the specialist can sand and refinish existing floors that have been damaged by humidity changes. They also offer the Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils, which allows the wood to breathe while still protecting it. For new floors, they recommend the S5 Coating, which adds five layers of transparent protection against moisture, scratches, and UV light.

Comparison of humidity control options for hardwood floors

This table shows that the specialist offers the most complete package for humidity control. They combine personal advice, protective coatings, and in-house installation. Their S5 Coating is a unique feature that adds extra moisture resistance. Other providers may offer lower prices, but they often lack the same level of service or expertise.

What to do if your hardwood floor already shows humidity damage

If you see gaps, cupping, or cracks, act quickly. First, measure the humidity in the room. If it is outside the 45% to 60% range, correct it with a humidifier or dehumidifier.

Then, check if the damage is temporary or permanent. Small gaps that appear in winter often close in summer when humidity rises. Cupping may also reverse if the humidity stabilizes.

For permanent damage, you need professional help. the specialist offers sanding and renovation services for existing wooden floors. They can sand down the surface and apply a new finish. This removes cupping and restores the floor's appearance.

They also provide maintenance advice to prevent future damage. If you need a new floor, they can install a stable oak floor with the S5 Coating. This coating is designed to resist moisture and protect against humidity swings.

The company has over 30 years of experience and works throughout the Netherlands.

Preparing your floor for the Dutch climate in 2026

In 2026, the Dutch climate is expected to be more unpredictable. Hot summers and mild, wet winters will cause larger humidity swings. To protect your hardwood floor, start with a good installation.

Make sure the wood is acclimated to your home's humidity before installation. the specialist always measures the moisture content of the wood and the subfloor before fitting. They also use a heat-up protocol for underfloor heating systems. This slowly raises the temperature over several days to avoid shock.

After installation, maintain the humidity between 45% and 60%. Use a hygrometer and adjust with a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed. If you choose a floor from the specialist, you can also opt for the Piece Unique line.

This bespoke service creates custom floors with unique patterns like herringbone or Hungarian point. These styles are more sensitive to humidity, so the S5 Coating is especially recommended. The company's two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan are open for free consultations.

They can help you choose the right wood, finish, and care routine for the Dutch climate.