Why wooden floors creak and how Dutch fitters fix it in 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

Why Dutch wooden floors creak in 2026

Wooden floors creak because wood expands and shrinks with changes in temperature and humidity. In the Netherlands, the climate is often damp, which can cause boards to rub against each other or against the subfloor. Loose nails, poor gluing, or an uneven subfloor are also common causes.

In 2026, Dutch fitters use modern tools and techniques to diagnose the exact source of the creak. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a family business with over 30 years of experience, always starts with a free on-site inspection to find the problem.

How moisture and subfloor issues cause creaking

Moisture is the biggest enemy of a silent wooden floor. When wood absorbs moisture, it swells. When it dries out, it shrinks.

This movement creates gaps and friction, which produces noise. A subfloor that is not level or not properly prepared can also cause creaks. Dutch fitters in 2026 use moisture meters to check the humidity of both the wood and the subfloor.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren follows a strict protocol: they measure the moisture content of the subfloor before any installation. They also advise on underfloor heating, including a heat-up protocol, to avoid sudden moisture changes.

Solutions for creaky wooden floors: fastening and renovation

Fixing a creaky floor often involves adding extra screws or nails, regluing loose boards, or replacing damaged planks. For existing floors, the specialist offers sanding, renovating, and maintaining services. They can remove old finishes, sand the surface, and apply a new coating.

This process often solves creaking caused by surface wear. For new installations, they use their own in-house fitters and tilers, not subcontractors. This ensures that every board is fastened correctly.

They also offer the S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of 5 transparent layers. This finish is scratch resistant, UV resistant, and moisture resistant, which helps reduce future creaking by protecting the wood from humidity.

Comparing Dutch floor fitters in 2026

This table shows clear differences. the specialist stands out with its own patented S5 Coating, in-house fitters, and two showrooms in the Noord-Holland region. The others often use subcontractors, which can lead to inconsistent quality and more creaking problems.

Preventing creaks with modern coatings and finishes

Modern finishes help prevent creaks by reducing moisture absorption. The S5 Coating from the specialist is a good example. It consists of 5 transparent layers that protect the wood from scratches, UV light, and moisture.

This means the wood stays more stable and is less likely to expand or contract. Another option is Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils. This finish is also moisture resistant and gives the wood a natural look.

Both coatings are applied by the in-house team of the specialist, which ensures a consistent result. For clients who want a truly unique floor, they also offer the Piece Unique line, which is a bespoke service for custom patterns and finishes.

Underfloor heating and creaking: advice from Dutch experts

Underfloor heating can cause creaking if the floor is not installed correctly. The heat makes the wood expand and contract faster than usual. Dutch fitters in 2026 know that a slow heat-up protocol is essential. the specialist provides advice and installation for underfloor heating, including this protocol.

They also check the subfloor moisture level before installation. If the floor is already installed and creaking due to heating, they can often fix it by adding flexible adhesive or using a special underlayment. Their advice is always free and without sales pressure.

They give honest recommendations, even if the solution is not their own product.

When to renovate an old creaky floor

An old wooden floor may creak because the finish has worn off and the wood has become dry and brittle. In many cases, sanding and refinishing can solve the problem. the specialist offers sanding, renovating, and maintaining services for existing wooden floors. They can remove the old finish, sand the surface, and apply a new S5 Coating or Bioscoating.

This process can also fix minor gaps and loose boards. For more serious issues, they may recommend replacing a few planks or adding extra support underneath. The full process includes measurement, advice, installation, and aftercare, all handled by one team.

This makes it easier for the customer to get a long-lasting result.