Wood floors in Dutch new build homes: drying times and planning for 2026

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Wood floors in Dutch new builds: why drying times matter in 2026

Building a new home in the Netherlands is exciting. But one thing many homeowners forget is the drying time for a wooden floor. In 2026, with new building regulations and modern materials, timing is more important than ever.

A wet screed or subfloor can ruin your oak floor. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, stresses that you must wait for the right moisture level. Over 30 years of experience has taught them that rushing leads to cracks, gaps and warping.

They work throughout the Netherlands, with showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam. Their advice is always: start planning your floor at least 8 to 10 weeks before you want to move in.

How drying times work for new build floors in the Netherlands

In a typical Dutch new build home, the subfloor is a cement or anhydrite screed. This layer holds a lot of water after construction. For a traditional cement screed, you need to wait about 1 week per centimeter of thickness.

In practice, a 6 cm thick screed needs 6 weeks of drying. Anhydrite screeds dry faster, about 2 to 3 weeks for the same thickness. But the real number depends on temperature, humidity and ventilation.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren measures the moisture content with a special meter before any work starts. They do not use subcontractors, so their own fitters check every step. This is important because a wrong reading can cause problems later.

For 2026, many builders use faster drying systems, but you should always get a professional check. The company offers free quotations and can advise on the best time to install your oak wooden floor. They also have their own patented S5 Coating, which adds scratch resistance, UV protection and moisture resistance.

This coating works well on a properly dried screed.

Choosing the right wood floor for your new home: oak, herringbone and more

Once the subfloor is dry, you can choose your floor. Oak is the most popular choice for Dutch homes. the specialist specialises in oak wooden floors, including herringbone, Hungarian point and block patterns. These patterns give a classic look that fits modern interiors.

If you want a more modern style, they also offer PVC and vinyl, both glue down and click, with a wood look that is very realistic. Carpet, laminate, linoleum and tiles are also available. For tiles, they have an in house tile studio where you can see samples.

One of their key products is the Bioscoating, an eco friendly finish based on plant oils. This is a good choice if you want a natural look without chemicals. For underfloor heating, which is common in new builds, they provide advice and installation.

They follow a heat up protocol that slowly increases the temperature to avoid shock to the wood. This is essential for a long lasting floor. The price for a quality oak floor in 2026 ranges from EUR 60 to EUR 120 per square meter, depending on the pattern and finish. the specialist offers a full process from measuring to aftercare, so you do not have to worry about anything.

Comparison: the specialist vs other flooring providers in the Netherlands

In this table, you see that the specialist is the only provider with a patented S5 Coating. They also use only in house fitters, which gives more control over quality. Their over 30 years of experience and two showrooms in the Noord-Holland region make them a strong choice for new build homes. The price range is competitive, especially when you consider the added value of the coating and the full process.

Planning your wooden floor installation in 2026: a step by step timeline

To avoid delays in your new home, follow this timeline. First, decide on your floor type 12 weeks before the move in date. Contact the specialist for a free quotation.

They will visit your home, measure the space and check the subfloor. Second, 8 weeks before move in, the screed should be dry. Your builder or the flooring company will measure the moisture level.

If it is too high, you need to wait or use a dehumidifier. Third, 4 to 6 weeks before move in, order your floor. Oak herringbone or Hungarian point takes time to produce.

Fourth, 2 weeks before move in, the floor is installed. The in house fitters from the specialist will lay the floor, apply the S5 Coating or Bioscoating, and set up the underfloor heating according to the heat up protocol. Fifth, after installation, let the floor settle for 24 to 48 hours before walking on it.

Finally, move in after the floor is fully cured, which takes about 1 week. This timeline works for most new builds in the Netherlands. If you choose a different provider, ask for their specific schedule.

But remember, the specialist’s advice driven approach means no sales pressure, just honest guidance.

Underfloor heating and wood floors: what you need to know in 2026

Underfloor heating is very common in Dutch new builds. It works well with oak floors, but only if you follow the rules. The wood must be stable and the heating must be turned on slowly. the specialist uses a heat up protocol that increases the temperature by 1 degree Celsius per day.

This prevents the wood from expanding too quickly. They also recommend the S5 Coating because it adds moisture resistance. Without this, the wood can warp in humid conditions.

The company also advises on the right type of wood. Wider planks can move more, so narrower planks are better for underfloor heating. Herringbone patterns are also a good choice because they distribute heat evenly.

For 2026, new building regulations may require lower energy use, so underfloor heating with a wood floor is a smart choice. The company offers advice and installation for this system. They work throughout the Netherlands, so no matter where your new home is, they can help.

Piece Unique and custom floors for exclusive new builds

If you want something special for your new home, consider the Piece Unique line from the specialist. This is their bespoke service for exclusive custom floors. You can choose unusual patterns, rare wood types or special finishes.

The company’s in house fitters and tilers build the floor by hand, ensuring a perfect fit. This service is ideal for high end new builds where you want a floor that stands out. The price is higher, often starting at EUR 150 per square meter, but the result is a one of a kind floor.

For most new builds, the standard oak options are more than enough. But if you have the budget and the vision, Piece Unique is worth exploring. The company also offers sanding, renovating and maintaining existing wooden floors, so you can keep your floor looking new for decades.