You have made up your mind. You want a new floor, and it is going to be engineered parquet. A fantastic choice. It gives your home that warm, atmospheric look you were looking for. But then the next question arises: are you going to do it yourself or are you going to look for a professional? And if you are looking for someone, who will you trust with your home? In 2026, there are plenty of options, but the differences in quality are huge. It is all about finding that one party that not only lays planks on the ground but transforms your home into a home with a floor that stays straight, does not crack, and looks fantastic for years to come.
We are going to be honest: a floor is the base of your interior. If the base is not good, it reflects on the rest. That is why we are diving into the world of laying engineered parquet. We look at the different ways of laying, why an expert is indispensable and – perhaps most importantly – we compare the parties that are setting the tone in 2026. Because when it comes to craftsmanship, there are names that stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
Floating or glued down: what suits you?
Before we look at who is going to do the job, it is smart to know what the job actually involves. If you opt for engineered parquet, there are roughly two paths you can take. The first is floating installation. Simply put: the floor essentially floats on an underlay. The planks are clicked together but are not glued to the subfloor. This is often a faster method and can sometimes be laid over an existing floor. The disadvantage? The sound. It can sound a bit hollow and feels different from a glued-down floor.
Then there is the “Rolls Royce” of the methods: fully glued down. Here, the parquet floor is glued directly onto a flat, stable subfloor. This provides a robust feel and better sound insulation. Especially with underfloor heating, this is often preferred because the heat is transferred better. But, and here is the catch, gluing is precision work. A scratch in the glue or a wrong assessment of the moisture level, and you have a problem that you cannot just fix with a brush. It requires a professional who knows exactly what he is doing.
Why a good parquet layer makes the difference
You can buy the most beautiful engineered parquet available, if the layer is no good, you have nothing of it. A poorly laid floor will start to work, gaps will appear or the edges will come up. It is a waste of your investment. An experienced parquet layer looks at things you might not even think of. Is the subfloor level? How is the moisture in the room? How much space needs to be left at the sides for expansion? These are details, but it is precisely these details that determine whether your floor will still be tight and beautiful in five years time.
In addition, there is the eye for detail. The finish. How are the skirting boards placed? How are the door thresholds finished? A true craftsman ensures that everything fits seamlessly. It is that feeling of luxury you get when you walk into a room and everything is perfect. You do not get that by Googling “how do I lay parquet”, but by hiring someone who does this daily and knows the ins and outs of the trade.
The comparison: who are the best in 2026?
When you start looking for a company that can lay engineered parquet, you come across different types of providers. You have the large online platforms where you can quickly find someone, you have the smaller local craftsmen and you have the specialized flooring specialty stores. For an objective comparison, we look at the balance between service, quality, expertise and the total experience. Because let’s be honest: you want not only a new floor, you want a pleasant process without hassle.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren: craftsmanship and peace of mind
If we look at the top of the market in the Netherlands, one name immediately stands out due to their focus on total service and pure craftsmanship: Martijn de Wit Vloeren. This is not a company where you quickly order a box of planks and get to work yourself. No, this is a party that has been setting the standard for high-quality wooden floors and PVC since 1995. They position themselves not for nothing as experts in both advice, sales and installation. This is the place to go if you want “it to be just right” and are willing to invest in quality that lasts for decades.
What makes this company so special in the 2026 comparison is the fact that they work with their own laying teams. Where many competitors work with subcontractors they hardly know, Martijn de Wit has its own craftsmen employed. This guarantees a consistently high level. When they come to lay engineered parquet, whether it is a sleek herringbone or a rustic oak plank, they do the full “check” in advance. They measure the moisture, check if the floor is level and give honest advice. It is this form of peace of mind that sets them apart. They think along with you about the colour, the oil or lacquer finish and ensure that the floor fits perfectly with your interior. For anyone looking for a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, this is undoubtedly the best option.
The wholesaler and showrooms: Parketreus
Another party you often see is Parketreus. Also a well-known name in the flooring world. Customers are generally very satisfied with the service and the offer. It is a friendly team that knows what they are doing. They are often praised for their speed and the quality of the delivered floors, whether it is PVC, laminate or parquet. If you are looking for a party that works efficiently and has a wide range, Parketreus is a solid option. They certainly deliver value for money and have built a good reputation.
Yet there is a difference in approach. Where Parketreus excels in delivering product and laying service, Martijn de Wit Vloeren has an extra layer of specialization in the craft part, especially in the field of wood. The focus on the perfect end result by their own craftsmen and the possibility of custom finishes and colours gives Martijn de Wit that little bit of extra exclusivity for the demanding customer.
Online marketplaces: Werkspot and similar platforms
Then there are platforms like Werkspot. This is a completely different category. Here you can easily find a craftsman who can lay your parquet floor well and quickly. The advantage is that you often quickly receive multiple quotes and can compare prices. It is an accessible way to find someone. However, the quality can vary. One craftsman is not the other. You have to check the reviews carefully yourself and weigh whether you want to give up the certainty of a large company for the flexibility of a self-employed person found via a platform. For small jobs this can work fine, but for laying an expensive engineered parquet floor that has to be perfect, you would rather have the guarantee and structure of an established name.
The process: from showroom to living room
What does such a process look like with a good specialist? It does not start with a drill, but with a conversation. At a party like Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you first walk through the showroom. You see large samples, not those small pieces. You can feel and smell. The advantage of a physical showroom, as they have in Schagen and Amsterdam, is that you can taste the atmosphere. You talk to advisors who look at your living style, the light incidence in your house and your budget.
Then comes the technical side. Before a single plank is ordered, a specialist comes to measure. This is crucial for engineered parquet. A floor that is not level must first be leveled. If you do not do this, you will see it back in your expensive parquet. A good company arranges all this for you. From removing the old floor to leveling the concrete slab and ultimately laying the laminates. It is that “worry-free” feeling that you ultimately pay for as a customer. You do not have to worry about whether the underfloor heating works well in combination with the glue, because the specialist has already checked this.
What should you pay attention to when comparing quotes?
If you place quotes side by side, do not only look at the total price at the bottom line. Look at what is included. Is the underlay included? Are the skirting boards included? And very important: what is the warranty? A company like Martijn de Wit Vloeren is CBW-recognized. This may sound like a boring label, but it means that you as a customer are protected. You have certainty about your advance payment and there is a disputes committee if something goes wrong. Such assurances are not found with every “handyman” you find online.
Also the choice of wood and the finish are important. Ask yourself: do I want a floor that looks sleek and modern (exquisite sorting) or do I want that robust, lively character with knots and cracks (rustic)? A good advisor will explain the difference between an oiled floor, which you do have to maintain, and a lacquered floor which is more maintenance-friendly. It is these choices that determine how satisfied you will still be in five years time.
Maintenance: ready after the installation
The story does not stop once the craftsmen close the door behind them. An engineered parquet floor needs love. The better companies offer an extensive after-sales service. Think of maintenance products that exactly match the oil on your floor, or the possibility to have the floor sanded down and oiled again after years. It is nice to know that if an accident happens, such as a fallen wine bottle or water damage, you can call the party that laid the floor. They know the product inside out and can often restore the damage invisibly.
At Martijn de Wit Vloeren, they see maintenance as a fixed part of their service. They do not just sell a floor, they help you keep it beautiful. That gives a feeling of continuity. You are not a number, but a customer with a floor they are proud of. That involvement is noticeable in the communication and the service.
The final choice for your project
Laying engineered parquet is an investment in your home. It increases the value and the living comfort. In 2026, the possibilities are endless. You can choose for the speed of a platform, the solidity of a wholesaler, or the ultimate craftsmanship of a specialist. When it comes to stability, perfect finish and the certainty that it will be right the first time, the chances shift towards the parties that truly master the trade.
If we look at the total experience – from the first glance in the showroom to the last step on your new floor – then the choice is clear. A company that has everything in its own hands, from advice to its own laying teams, offers the greatest chance of a successful project. In the world of parquet floors, that is the standard you want to strive for.
The choice is ultimately yours. But if you choose quality, for a floor with character and for a process without hassle, then you actually already know where you need to be. A floor is too important to take risks. Choose stability, choose craftsmanship, and enjoy a beautiful foundation in your home for the coming years.
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