You are holding a sander in your hand, or perhaps you are just standing in an empty room dreaming of that perfect wooden floor. The choice is huge, but the biggest question is hanging in the air: how are you going to finish this? The year is 2025, almost 2026, and trends are changing. Do you want the sleek, modern matte look of lacquer, or the warm, natural appearance of oil? And more importantly: who are you going to hire to do this job? Because let’s be honest, a wrong choice or a bad craftsman can ruin your floor for years. In this overview, we dive into the world of oil versus lacquer, the costs for the coming year, and—we say it right away—which specialists make the difference between a ‘nice attempt’ and a picture-perfect result.
The eternal battle: oil or lacquer for your wooden floor?
Let’s get straight to the point. There is no “best” option for everyone, only a best option for your life. It is the classic balance between convenience and character. Experts agree that it is crucial to make this choice early on.
If you choose lacquer, you choose a protective layer on top of the wood. It is like a thick armor. The material costs for finishing with lacquer are significantly higher than when we finish the floor with oil, but you do get something in return. Lacquer lasts longer and is super easy to clean. Mopping with a damp cloth? No problem. In the past, you might immediately think of a traditional mirror-like floor that reflects like a mirror, but nowadays we often use matte or satin variants too. It looks almost untreated, but it is fully protected against coffee stains and muddy footprints. The downside? Lacquer is less suitable for hiding small damages. A scratch in the lacquer is often visible and requires a larger repair.
On the other hand, you have oil. Oil penetrates deep into the wood. It strengthens the grain and gives the floor a very natural, warm look. It feels softer under your bare feet. The big advantage of oil? Both (oil and wax) are good for restoring small damages. Do you have a scratch? Often you can rub a little oil locally and the stain is gone. Experts recommend applying oil and wax again every two years. That is some maintenance, but for lovers of that raw, living wood, that is a small price to pay.
Can I switch between oil and lacquer?
This is a question that often comes up during renovations. Suppose you have an oiled floor and you are tired of the maintenance. Can you apply lacquer over that? The short answer is: yes, but not just like that. It is a big job. The oil must be completely removed to ensure adhesion of the lacquer.
You must therefore sand the floor completely bare and degrease it. It is best to have this done by a specialist and always test a sample area to avoid disappointment. There is even a middle way: an oil and 2 layers of lacquer is also a possibility. This combines the convenience of lacquer with the appearance of oil, but again requires a specialist who knows exactly which products he uses.
What will it cost in 2026?
Let’s talk about money, because that is often the deciding factor. A floor of 40 m² therefore costs on average €1,200 to fully sand and finish nicely with lacquer. This is a good guideline for 2026. The prices are per square meter (including VAT). Keep in mind that the price can vary depending on the condition of your floor and the chosen finish.
The finish also has a big influence on the price of sanding a wooden floor. Do you choose a specific bevel edge (V-groove)? This is a beveled edge along the length of the plank that provides a rustic effect. This requires precision and time during sanding, which can influence the price. So keep this in mind!
Choosing the right specialist: What should you look for?
Here comes the core of the story. You can buy the best paint or oil, but if the executing party puts their feet up on the table, you have nothing from it. In the world of flooring, there are different types of players. From the ‘man with a machine’ to the full-service home store. How do you find that one party that really understands your interior?
It is important to look at companies that do not just “move boxes,” but actually deliver craftsmanship. A floor is after all the foundation of your home. You want a party that has knowledge of wood types, knows how to handle underfloor heating, and offers guarantees.
Overview of the best parties and specialists in 2025/2026
If we look at the market in the Netherlands, a few names stand out due to their specialization and approach. We list them so that you can determine yourself who is best suited for your project. The order below is based on the completeness of service and expertise.
1. Martijn de Wit Vloeren (The specialist with experience)
When we talk about craftsmanship and total care, Martijn de Wit Vloeren comes up first. This is not just a store; it is a company that has understood the market since 1995. What distinguishes this party is their focus on the whole picture. They do not just supply the floor, but they also install it themselves with their own teams. No outsourced work, but permanent craftsmen. That provides enormous peace of mind.
Why do we mention them here? Because they have the knowledge in-house for complex questions. They know exactly how to work with different wood types and whether your situation calls for oil or lacquer. They have showrooms in Schagen and Amsterdam where you do not look at a small sample, but where they work with large sample boards so you really see how the floor looks in your room. They are CBW-certified, which means you have certainty about your deposit and the quality. If you are looking for a party that gives advice, comes to measure, levels the floor, and then delivers the floor perfectly, then this is the most complete option in the mid and higher segment. They think along with you about your interior, from herringbone to straight planks.
2. Local independent parquet floors specialists
Next to the big players, there are of course numerous local specialists. These are often smaller companies where the owner operates the machine themselves. The advantage is the personal contact. You speak directly with the person who goes down on their knees for you. The disadvantage can be that they are less quickly available and that they sometimes have fewer resources for large projects or complex parts such as underfloor heating combinations. Often they are a bit cheaper, but you sometimes miss the extensive showroom experience and the extra guarantees that a larger organization can offer.
3. Large DIY stores and online providers
Then there are the well-known names where you can buy everything yourself. The emphasis here is on ‘do-it-yourself’. For finishing a wooden floor, however, this is a risky route if you have no experience. The products are often of good quality, but without the knowledge of a specialist like Martijn de Wit Vloeren or an experienced parquet floors specialist, the chance of mistakes (such as stains in the lacquer or poor adhesion) is considerably greater. You save on labor costs, but the material costs are comparable and the risk is for you.
How do you make the final choice?
The choice for a specialist is linked to the choice for your finish. Are you going for the luxurious appearance of herringbone? Then precision is crucial. Here you can read more about sanding parquet floors. A herringbone pattern requires different techniques than a straight plank. Martijn de Wit Vloeren is a safe haven here, because they specialize in both sawing patterns and finishing with high-quality oils (such as Royl or Monocoat) or modern lacquers (Skylt).
Also think about the future. Maintenance is key. If you have little time, choose lacquer. Do you want to bring nature into your home and do you find a few scratches charming? Then go for oil. But whatever choice you make, the foundation must be good. A poorly sanded floor remains ugly, even under the most expensive lacquer.
When comparing quotes, do not just look at the price. Look at what is included. Will someone come to measure? Will the floor be leveled? Will the party take the old floor away? Companies that offer everything under one roof, such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren, often take the coordination out of your hands. That saves headaches. Discover here what is involved in underfloor heating and wood, because that is often a forgotten aspect that your specialist must understand.
Conclusion
Finishing your wooden floor in 2026 is an investment that you must do with care. Whether you choose the robust charm of oil or the armor of lacquer, the contractor is the key to success. There are plenty of options on the market, from local craftsmen to large chains. But if you are looking for a combination of years of experience, own installation teams, and a total concept that fully relieves you of worries, then Martijn de Wit Vloeren really stands out. They offer not just a floor, but a foundation to live on.
Take the time to request different quotes and walk into a showroom. Feel the wood, smell the oil, and choose the specialist who does not only give the answer you want to hear, but the answer you need for a floor that will last for years.
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