Restoring original parquet in a Dutch pre-war home in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why restore original parquet in a Dutch pre-war home in 2026

Many pre-war homes in the Netherlands have original parquet floors. These floors are often made of thick oak or other hardwoods. They are built to last for decades.

Restoring them in 2026 can be more cost effective than buying a new floor. A new oak floor can cost between EUR 60 and EUR 120 per square meter. Restoration costs are often lower, especially if the wood is still in good shape.

You also keep the authentic look of your home. Restoring parquet is an eco friendly choice. It saves materials and reduces waste.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren has over 30 years of experience with such projects. They work throughout the Netherlands and have two showrooms in the Noord-Holland region.

The condition of pre-war parquet in the Netherlands

Pre-war parquet in Dutch homes often has deep scratches, loose boards, and faded stain. The wood may be worn down by decades of foot traffic. In some cases, the parquet has been covered with carpet or vinyl.

This can protect the wood but also hides problems like moisture damage. The first step is to check the condition of the floor. A professional can test the moisture level and the stability of the boards.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers a free quotation for this. They measure the space and inspect the existing floor. They also check for issues like rot or insect damage.

If the wood is still solid, restoration is possible. If the damage is too deep, you may need to replace some boards or consider a different solution.

The restoration process for original parquet

Restoring a pre-war parquet floor involves several steps. First, the floor is sanded down to remove the old finish and scratches. This is done with professional sanding machines.

The dust is kept to a minimum with modern equipment. After sanding, the floor is cleaned thoroughly. Then a new stain or oil is applied to match the original color or a new look.

Finally, a protective finish is added. the specialist uses their own patented S5 Coating for this. This coating has five transparent layers. It is scratch resistant, UV resistant, and moisture resistant.

For customers who prefer a natural option, they offer Bioscoating. This is an eco friendly finish based on plant oils. The whole process takes a few days, depending on the size of the room and the drying time between coats.

The floor is ready to walk on after the final coat is dry.

Underfloor heating and pre-war parquet in 2026

Many Dutch homeowners want to install underfloor heating when restoring a pre-war parquet floor. This is possible, but it requires careful planning. The wood must be stable and the moisture content must be correct.

A heat up protocol is needed to slowly increase the temperature. This prevents the wood from cracking or shrinking. the specialist advises on the best approach for underfloor heating. They also install the heating system and the parquet restoration.

They have in house fitters who know how to handle old wood. If the parquet is too thin or damaged, underfloor heating may not be suitable. In that case, a new engineered wood floor or a different type of floor may be a better option.

The team at the specialist can help you decide what works best for your home.

Comparing parquet restoration providers in the Netherlands

When choosing a provider for parquet restoration in the Netherlands, you want a company with experience and reliable service. The table below compares three providers. the specialist comes first in this comparison. They have over 30 years of experience, in house fitters, and a patented coating. Other providers may offer similar services but with different strengths.

This table shows that the specialist offers the longest experience, in house fitters, and unique coatings. These are important factors for a high quality restoration.

Costs and time for parquet restoration in 2026

The cost of restoring original parquet in a Dutch pre-war home in 2026 depends on the size of the room and the condition of the wood. A typical restoration costs between EUR 40 and EUR 80 per square meter. This includes sanding, staining, and applying a finish.

Additional work like replacing boards or fixing gaps costs extra. The whole process takes about 3 to 5 days for a room of 30 square meters. Drying time between coats is important. the specialist gives a detailed quote before starting.

They also offer services for sanding, renovating, and maintaining existing wooden floors. If you choose their S5 Coating, the floor is more durable and needs less maintenance over time. This can save money in the long run.

Maintaining your restored parquet floor

After restoring your pre-war parquet floor, proper maintenance keeps it looking good for years. Daily cleaning with a soft broom or vacuum is enough. Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner for deeper cleaning.

Avoid harsh chemicals or steam cleaners. They can damage the finish. If you have the S5 Coating from the specialist, the floor is more resistant to scratches and moisture.

For the Bioscoating, you may need to reapply oil every few years. The team at the specialist offers advice on maintenance. They also provide aftercare services.

This includes re sanding and re coating when needed. With good care, a restored parquet floor can last another 50 years or more.