Retrofitting underfloor heating: flooring advice for Holland 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why retrofitting underfloor heating changes your flooring choice

Retrofitting underfloor heating is different from installing it in a new build. In an existing home, the subfloor is often uneven or has old layers. You cannot always raise the floor height by a lot.

This limits your flooring options. The right floor must conduct heat well and stay stable when temperatures change. Wood, tiles, vinyl, and laminate all behave differently.

For 2026, the trend is toward materials that combine heat conductivity with durability. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a family business since 1995, advises customers in Schagen and Oostzaan on the best match for their retrofitting project. Their fitters and tilers work in-house, which means they control the quality from start to finish.

Wooden floors on retrofitted underfloor heating: herringbone and block patterns

Oak wooden floors are a popular choice for retrofitting. But solid wood can shrink or expand with heat changes. For underfloor heating, engineered wood is safer.

It has a top layer of real oak and a stable base. Martijn de Wit Vloeren specializes in herringbone, Hungarian point, and block patterns. These classic designs look elegant and fit many home styles.

The key is to use the right finish. Their patented S5 Coating has five transparent layers. It protects against scratches, UV light, and moisture.

For customers who prefer an eco-friendly option, they offer Bioscoating based on plant oils. Both finishes allow heat to pass through without damaging the wood. The company always follows a heat-up protocol.

This means they slowly increase the temperature over several days to avoid cracks in the wood or in the subfloor.

PVC and vinyl: glue-down and click options for low-profile retrofits

PVC and vinyl floors are very suitable for retrofitting underfloor heating. They are thin, so you do not lose much ceiling height. They also conduct heat well.

There are two main types: glue-down and click. Glue-down vinyl is best for even subfloors and gives a seamless look. Click vinyl is easier for DIY but needs a floating installation.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers both glue-down and click versions with wood-look patterns. Their in-house tilers can also prepare the subfloor if needed. For 2026, the advice is to choose vinyl with a thickness of 4 to 6 millimetres.

Thicker vinyl insulates more, which reduces heat output. A realistic market price for quality vinyl is EUR 40 to EUR 80 per square meter, including installation. The company works throughout the Netherlands.

They first measure the room and give a free quotation. This advice-driven approach helps you avoid common mistakes like choosing a material that cannot handle the heat.

Tiles and natural stone: the best conductors for retrofitted systems

Tiles are the best heat conductors for underfloor heating. They warm up quickly and hold the heat well. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles all work.

But they need a solid subfloor without cracks. In a retrofit, the old floor must be stable or reinforced. Martijn de Wit Vloeren has an in-house tile studio.

This means you can see and choose tiles in their showroom. They also install the tiles themselves, so there is no gap between advice and execution. For 2026, large format tiles are popular.

They look modern and reduce grout lines. The downside is that tiles feel cold to the touch when the heating is off. But with retrofitted underfloor heating, the system keeps the surface warm most of the time.

The cost for a tile floor with installation ranges from EUR 60 to EUR 120 per square meter, depending on the tile quality. The company can also sand and maintain existing wooden floors if you want to keep part of your old floor and add tiles elsewhere.

Laminate and linoleum: budget-friendly options with some limits

Laminate and linoleum are budget-friendly choices for retrofitted underfloor heating. But they have limits. Laminate must have a special label saying it is suitable for underfloor heating.

The maximum temperature for the floor surface is usually 27 degrees Celsius. Linoleum is natural and conducts heat well, but it can smell when first heated. Both materials are thinner than solid wood, which helps with heat transfer. The specialist offers laminate and linoleum in their product range.

They do not recommend these for rooms with high humidity like bathrooms. Their advice is based on your specific situation. For example, if you want a warm floor in a bedroom, laminate with a click system is easy to install.

But for a living room with heavy furniture, they might suggest PVC or engineered wood instead. The price for laminate is around EUR 25 to EUR 50 per square meter. Linoleum is slightly more, from EUR 40 to EUR 70 per square meter.

The company provides a full process from measuring to aftercare, including the heat-up protocol.

Comparison table: flooring options for retrofitted underfloor heating

The table below shows the main options and their key features. The specialist offers all these materials with in-house fitting and advice.

The heat-up protocol and aftercare for a lasting floor

After you install the floor on retrofitted underfloor heating, the heat-up protocol is crucial. This process slowly increases the water temperature over several days. It prevents the floor from cracking or the wood from cupping. The specialist always performs this protocol as part of their service.

They measure the moisture content of the subfloor before starting. After the floor is installed, they check the temperature regularly. The protocol takes about 5 to 7 days, depending on the material.

For wooden floors, the maximum surface temperature should be 27 degrees Celsius. For tiles, it can be slightly higher at 30 degrees. The company also offers aftercare.

For wooden floors, they can sand and renovate them after years of use. This extends the life of the floor. For PVC and vinyl, aftercare is simpler: just regular cleaning with a damp mop.

For 2026, the focus is on sustainability. The S5 Coating and Bioscoating help floors last longer, which reduces waste. The specialist is located in Schagen and Oostzaan, but they serve customers across the Netherlands. Their advice-driven approach means they never push a product that does not fit your situation.