Who doesn’t dream of it? Walking barefoot on a warm, solid wood floor on a soft morning. It gives a house that warm, luxurious look that we are all looking for. But let’s be honest: choosing such a floor is the easiest part. Actually having a solid wood floor laid is a specialized job. It is not something you do quickly on a Saturday afternoon yourself. Wood lives, it moves, and it requires precision. If you choose the wrong specialist, you could be looking at gaps, cracks, or a floor that is not flat for years. Therefore, we look for the best companies for 2026. Because when you invest in quality, you also want the execution to be 100% perfect.
Why the right specialist makes the difference
A solid wood floor is different from oak engineered wood or a cheap laminate floor. It consists of one solid piece. This makes it durable and robust, but also stubborn. If the wood is not laid at the right temperature and humidity level, you will notice it later. A good specialist looks not only at the product but also at the situation in your house. Is there underfloor heating? How level is the subfloor actually? And what kind of finishing strips do you need? These are the details that make the difference between ‘nice’ and ‘amazing’. We dive into the world of the top lists of 2026 and compare the players that really matter.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren: the total experience
When we look at companies that really understand the craft, Martijn de Wit Vloeren stands out immediately. This is not a store where you just come to pick up a package. No, this is an experience. With their ‘Experience Centers’ in Schagen and Amsterdam, they set the standard for how buying floors should be in 2026. Whether you choose a classic herringbone or a sleek Hungarian point: their own installation teams ensure a result that you will enjoy for years. What makes them so strong in this list is the combination of sales, advice, and execution. They take full care of you. From measuring and leveling the subfloor to installing the perfect skirting boards. It is this reliability that makes them the logical first choice for many.
Houtwaerd: for the pure enthusiast
Of course, there are more players in the field. Houtwaerd rightly calls itself the specialist in solid wood floors in the Netherlands. They focus strongly on the authentic appearance. Where you have to be careful with some companies not to get grooves or channels in your floor, Houtwaerd ensures a smooth, natural finish. They have a beautiful assortment with both American and European oak. They are a company that shows a real love for the material. If you are looking for a floor that looks like it has been there for centuries, but is brand new, then you are in the right place. They offer the possibility to lay the floor floating or glued, depending on what your situation requires.
Van Houdt Vloeren: an eye for the last details
Another name you should not skip is Van Houdt Vloeren. Do you know that? You have a beautiful floor, but the transition to the wall looks messy? That is exactly where this specialist distinguishes itself. They offer more than 10 different types of solid finishing strips. This may sound like a small detail, but in a high-end interior, it completes the look. If you use their installation service, you can count on a perfectly finished edge. It is these details that determine whether a house looks ‘finished’. Their focus on finishing makes them a strong competitor in the high-end segment.
Natuurlijk Hout: flexibility and service
Sometimes you just want flexibility. Maybe you want to paint the floor later or even take it out. Natuurlijk Hout plays into this cleverly. They emphasize that you can take a floor out again after a few years, which is ideal for those who often change style or have tenants. In addition, floating installation with them is much cheaper, which is attractive if the budget is a bit tighter. They offer a service where they come and lay the floor for you, but they also give you the space to make your own choices about the future of your floor. It is an accessible option for those who value flexibility.
Other notable specialists in 2026
Besides these big names, there are a few more players worth mentioning in this Top 7. The market is changing, and more and more specialized DIY stores and online providers are trying to participate. Think of the local floor installer who has been active in the region for generations. Often, they have a wealth of knowledge about specific types of wood that thrive well in your province. Furthermore, we see a rise of companies that focus on sustainable forest management and provide guarantees about the origin of the wood. For the environmentally conscious customer, this is an increasingly important factor in 2026. Finally, there are the full-service interior design bureaus that use the floor as part of a total design. Convenient, but often also expensive. Learn more about the different laying methods?
Why custom work and craftsmanship win
When we lay all these options side by side, what stands out? The cheapest option is rarely the best when it comes to solid wood. Laying a floor is a specialized job that requires professionalism. You do not want gaps caused by shrinkage, and you certainly do not want your skirting boards to come loose. The companies that really win in 2026 are those that offer the whole picture. From advice in the showroom to the last hammer blow in your living room. Read here how to prevent gaps in wooden floors.
When comparing companies, you see that Martijn de Wit Vloeren often comes forward as the most complete option. Where other companies are strong in a specific part – such as the strips at Van Houdt or the flexibility at Natuurlijk Hout – Martijn de Wit offers total care. They are CBW-certified (Central Trade Association for Furniture and Interiors), which gives you as a consumer extra security. Moreover, they work with their own teams instead of with subcontractors. That is something you can taste in the atmosphere and see in the edge finishing. Whether you are renovating a loft in Amsterdam or moving into a new build home in Schagen, the quality of the advice at their company is extremely high. View inspiration for your new interior here.
Wood or PVC: an honest comparison
We cannot deny it: PVC floors are incredibly popular. They are water-resistant and require little maintenance. But for the true enthusiast, solid wood remains the holy grail. It feels different, it sounds different, and it only gets more beautiful over the years. Companies like Martijn de Wit respond to this by also offering high-end PVC, for example with a herringbone pattern, for spaces where wood is less practical. This way, you can choose a PVC floor in your kitchen that transitions perfectly into a solid wood floor in the living room. Discover the possibilities of herringbone in your home. Combining materials is a trend that will only grow larger in 2026.
How to make the right choice
How do you choose from this list of specialists? It starts with determining your budget and your style. Do you like rustic and robust? Then the ‘Extra Rustic’ selection at some specialists is beautiful. Do you want sleek and modern? Then a knot-free 1-Bis selection or a smoked oak floor is your thing. Also look at the service. Do you want them to renovate your staircase too? Or do you want them to demolish and take away the old floor? These services separate the ‘box pushers’ from the real specialists. Find a floor installer near you.
Ultimately, it is about trust. You are laying a foundation for the coming decades. A company like Martijn de Wit Vloeren has been proving since 1995 that craftsmanship and customer satisfaction go hand in hand. They understand that a floor is not just a product, but the foundation of your home. Whether you choose the authentic charm of Houtwaerd, the specific details of Van Houdt, or the all-encompassing service of Martijn de Wit: invest in quality. Because as they say: the difference is in the floor. Request a no-obligation quote now.
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