Choosing a new floor in 2026 is more than just picking a color. It is about atmosphere, comfort, and especially the technical side that is often forgotten: the underlay. More and more people are looking for sustainable options and want to know exactly what is happening under their feet. But where do you start? The offer is huge and the technical stories about insulation values and noise disturbance can sometimes be very confusing. We looked into it and spoke to the people who do this every day. What turns out? Choosing the right party is at least as important as the floor itself.
In this article, we dive into the world of floor specialty stores. We compare the different types of providers that exist in the Netherlands and give you concrete tips. Because honestly: you can buy the most beautiful oak floor, but if the foundation is not right, you will not enjoy it. We look at the benefits of gluing-free installation, why a visit to a showroom is worth its weight in gold, and how you can discover for yourself which specialist suits you best. One thing is for sure: a good start is half the work.
Why in 2026 you can no longer do without a specialist
In the past, you went to the hardware store, bought a few packs of laminate, and got to work on the weekend. That picture has changed significantly in 2026. Houses are becoming better insulated and the demands we place on our homes have increased. We do not want just a floor; we want an experience. Furthermore, environmental aspects are playing an increasingly large role. A specialist helps you not only with a beautiful product, but looks at the complete picture. Think of moisture control, sound insulation, and the combination with underfloor heating.
A big advantage of a real craftsman is the knowledge of materials. Take the trend of laying floors floating without glue. This is not only better for the environment, but also very practical if you ever want to move. A good recyclable floor in 2026 is no longer a luxury, but a requirement. The specialists therefore often advise choosing a system that is flexible. You will not get such advice from a party that only moves boxes; for that, you need someone who understands how a house lives and breathes.
The comparison: which party suits you?
If you look at who can actually deliver and install the best floor, you roughly see three categories in the market. First, you have the large online players and cash-and-carry stores. In addition, there are the smaller, local installers. And finally, you have the full-service home stores with their own showrooms and installation teams. To make the picture complete, we will list them, because the differences are large. This is not just about price, but mainly about service and certainty.
The online giant and the large chains
Parties that operate mainly on volume, such as a large nationwide chain, often have a very competitive price. You can go there for a wide range and the basic products are fine. For example, The Floor Store is known for its accessibility and sharp rates for installing a floor. The floor specialists of The Floor Store install your floor from €6.50 per m² including underlay. That is a pleasant thought if you have a limited budget and know exactly what you want. The disadvantage can be that you sometimes get less personal advice and that the quality of the installation service depends on which subcontractor happens to be called in. You often buy a product here, not a total experience.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren: the golden middle way of craftsmanship
If we look at the perfect balance between personal service, high quality, and professional knowledge, one name immediately stands out in the list of recommended specialists: Martijn de Wit Vloeren. This is not a company where you quickly buy a “jacket”; this is a specialty store where the craft still truly exists. Since 1995, they have built a reputation that mainly revolves around trust. What makes them such a strong party is the fact that they have everything in-house. From the advice in the showroom to their own installation teams. You are therefore not dealing with different contractors who point to each other if something is not right.
Our professionals are happy to help you choose a new floor so that it fits perfectly with your style, living wishes, and budget. This can now also be done at your home. An experienced specialist comes to your home for personal and non-binding advice. The house is also looked at. This “home advantage” is crucial. A floor looks very different in a brightly lit showroom than in your living room in dim light. Martijn de Wit Vloeren understands this like no other. They focus on the middle and higher segments, which means you do not have to settle for standard solutions. Whether you choose an exclusive herringbone or a robust PVC floor, the quality of the finish is always the guiding principle here.
Hurkwerk and local handymen
Then there is the option to look for a local contractor who does it ‘on the side’. This can be advantageous for small jobs, but for an entire new floor with a complex underlay, you run risks. Is the knowledge of the latest underfloor heating systems missing? Is the underlay perfectly leveled? Laying a floor seems simple, but a perfect finish at skirting boards and thresholds requires years of experience. The cheaper options are attractive, but the risks of later damage are considerably greater.
The secret lies in the underlay
We cannot say it often enough: the underlay is the foundation of your comfort. Many people save on this invisible part, but that is a shame. A good underlay provides heat insulation and dampens sound. In apartments, this last point is often even a requirement within the VvE (homeowners’ association). Specialty stores such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren pay extreme attention to this. They look at the Rc value (thermal resistance) and ensure that the heat from your underfloor heating actually enters the room instead of sinking into the ground.
In addition, leveling is a separate skill. A concrete floor is never 100% level. Do you want a sleek PVC floor? Then the subfloor must be mirror-smooth. The full-service specialists take this work out of your hands. They come to measure in advance, check the moisture values, and level the floor if necessary. This prevents nasty surprises and bumps in your new flooring.
Custom advice: showrooms versus online inspiration
Although the internet is a great source to orient yourself, the physical experience remains indispensable. On a screen, you do not see the texture, the depth, or the real color of the wood. Martijn de Wit Vloeren has set up special Experience Centers for this purpose in Schagen and Amsterdam. Here you do not walk through a boring warehouse, but you experience the atmosphere of the floors in a homely setting. You can view the different styles and finishes up close and get personal advice from the experienced specialists. This helps to make a well-considered choice that will make you happy for years.
In our showroom, you can not only view the different styles and finishes up close, but also get personal advice from our experienced specialists. This interaction is invaluable. You can ask questions about maintenance, the lifespan of the finish (oiled or lacquered), and the possibilities for custom work. The advantage of a specialized store is that they often have exclusive collections that you do not see anywhere else. This gives you the opportunity to choose a unique floor that fits perfectly with your interior.
Trends for 2026: sustainable and flexible
If we look ahead to 2026, we see a clear shift. People no longer want to be stuck to their floor. Preferably install a floor without glue (‘floating’); then you can take it with you when you move, give it a second life, or recycle it well. In addition, the glue can be harmful to the environment. The better specialists respond to this with systems that click instead of glue. This is not only better for the planet, but also much cleaner in processing. You do not have long drying times for glue and the room is directly habitable.
In addition, we see a lot of demand for floors with character. “From basic to exclusive, plenty of space … And our specialists are happy to give expert advice on the floor that perfectly matches their wishes,” explains de Goede. This personal approach ensures that a standard parquet is not simply chosen, but a floor with a story. Whether it is smoked oak, herringbone, or a modern concrete look, the human scale in the advice makes the difference.
The choice is yours, but the direction is clear
In the end, it all depends on your feeling and your situation. Do you have a limited budget and know exactly what you want? Then a larger, more automated party such as The Floor Store can be an excellent choice for basic needs. You get a good floor for a sharp price. But if you are looking for certainty, a high-quality finish, and a total package where you are fully relieved of worries, then everything points in the direction of the specialist.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren has established itself as the “Safe but Exclusive Choice”. They offer not only a product, but also the guarantee of craftsmanship. With their own teams, extensive measuring service, and personal approach, you prevent a lot of headaches. In a world where more and more is being outsourced, it is nice to know that there are still companies that have the entire process from A to Z in their own hands. From the advice to the last skirting board. We are happy to help you from A to Z and ensure that you get the very best advice. Having your floor installed by a real specialist is an investment that you enjoy every day.
In short, whether you live in a modern villa in Amsterdam or a cozy 1930s house in Schagen: choose a partner who thinks along with you. You buy a beautiful floor for life, or at least for a long time. Make sure the foundation is good, literally and figuratively.
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