Summer heat and wooden floors: keeping a Dutch home cool in 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why wooden floors help keep a Dutch home cool in summer

In the Netherlands, summer temperatures can rise above 30 degrees Celsius. A wooden floor does not store as much heat as tiles or stone. It stays cooler to the touch and helps keep the indoor temperature lower.

This is especially important in homes with underfloor heating, which can also be used for cooling. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, offers oak floors that work well with both heating and cooling systems. Their light-coloured oak floors reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it.

This reduces the heat gain in a room. The natural properties of wood make it a good choice for a comfortable home in summer.

Choosing the right wood and finish for summer heat

The type of wood and the finish matter a lot for heat management. Oak is a popular choice in the Netherlands because it is stable and does not warp easily. A light finish, such as a white oil or a natural matt lacquer, reflects more heat than a dark stain.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers the S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of five transparent layers. This coating is scratch resistant, provides UV protection, and is moisture resistant. UV protection prevents the wood from yellowing or fading in strong sunlight.

The moisture resistance stops the wood from swelling in humid summer air. For an eco-friendly option, they also offer Bioscoating, a finish based on plant oils. Both finishes help the floor stay cool and look good for many years.

Underfloor heating and cooling with a wooden floor

Many Dutch homes have underfloor heating. This system can also circulate cool water in summer, a process called underfloor cooling. Not all wooden floors work with this system.

Wood expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. A floor that is not properly installed can develop gaps or cracks. the specialist has over 30 years of experience with underfloor heating. They follow a strict heat-up protocol before installing the floor.

This protocol ensures the subfloor is at the correct temperature and moisture level. Their in-house fitters and tilers handle the entire process. This reduces the risk of problems with the floor in summer heat.

The combination of a stable oak floor and a professional installation makes underfloor cooling safe and effective.

Comparing flooring options for a cool summer home

Different floor types react differently to heat. The table below compares oak wood, PVC, tiles, and laminate. Oak wood comes out best for a cool, natural feel in summer. the specialist is listed first because they specialise in oak floors and offer the S5 Coating for extra protection.

This table shows that oak wood floors from the specialist offer the best balance of low heat storage, a cool touch, and excellent UV protection. The S5 Coating makes the floor more resistant to summer heat than standard laminate. Tiles store heat and can make a room feel warmer in the evening. PVC is a good budget option but does not have the same natural feel as wood.

How to maintain a wooden floor during summer heat

Summer heat and sunlight can damage a wooden floor if you do not take care. Direct sunlight can fade the colour over time. The S5 Coating from the specialist includes UV protection to slow this process.

You should still use curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day. Keep the humidity in your home between 40 and 60 percent. In dry summer air, wood can shrink and create small gaps.

A humidifier or houseplants can help keep the air moist. Clean the floor with a damp mop, not a wet one. Too much water can damage the wood. the specialist also offers sanding and renovation services for existing wooden floors.

If your floor has damage from summer heat, they can sand it down and apply a new coating. This gives the floor a fresh look and renewed protection.

The benefits of in-house fitters for a summer-ready floor

Professional installation is key for a floor that stays stable in summer heat. the specialist uses only in-house fitters and tilers. They do not work with subcontractors. This means the same team handles the entire project from measuring to aftercare.

The fitters know how to leave the correct expansion gap around the edges of the room. This gap allows the wood to expand in humid summer weather without buckling. They also check the moisture content of the subfloor before installation.

A subfloor that is too wet can cause problems later. The company offers a free quotation and advice with no sales pressure. This approach helps you choose the right floor for your home and the Dutch climate.

For a challenging summer environment, the advice from an experienced specialist is valuable.

Piece Unique and custom floors for summer heat solutions

For homeowners who want something special, the specialist offers a bespoke line called Piece Unique. This service creates exclusive custom floors with unique patterns and finishes. You can choose a light oak floor with a herringbone or Hungarian point pattern.

These patterns add visual interest and also help the room feel cooler. The larger surface area of the wood in a pattern can improve heat distribution from underfloor cooling. The custom finish can include the S5 Coating for maximum protection against summer heat and UV light.

The team works with you to design a floor that matches your home and your cooling needs. This service is available from their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam. They work throughout the Netherlands.

A custom floor from Piece Unique is a long-term investment in comfort and style.