Gluing parquet to a concrete subfloor with heating: 2026 guide Netherlands

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why gluing parquet to concrete with underfloor heating works

Gluing parquet to a concrete subfloor is a common method in the Netherlands, especially in new-build homes. The concrete slab acts as a thermal mass, spreading heat evenly. When you glue the parquet directly, you get a solid, stable floor that transfers heat efficiently.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren, with over 30 years of experience, advises this method for herringbone and block patterns, because the glue holds each piece in place, preventing gaps. The key is to use a flexible adhesive that can handle the expansion and contraction from heating cycles. A concrete subfloor must be completely dry, usually with a moisture content below 2% CM (calcium carbide method).

If the subfloor is too damp, the glue will fail and the wood can warp. Always measure the moisture level before starting.

Preparing the concrete subfloor for glue-down parquet

Preparation is the most important step when gluing parquet to a heated concrete floor. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. Remove any dust, grease, or old adhesive.

If there are cracks, fill them with a suitable repair mortar. A self-levelling compound is often needed to create a flat surface. Martijn de Wit Vloeren does this preparation as part of their full service, from measuring to aftercare.

They use in-house fitters and tilers, no subcontractors, which gives you a single point of accountability. The subfloor should be free of any moisture barrier damage. For underfloor heating, the heating system must be turned off for at least 48 hours before gluing, and the subfloor temperature should be between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.

This prevents the glue from curing too fast or too slow.

Choosing the right adhesive for parquet and underfloor heating

Not all adhesives work with underfloor heating. You need a two-component polyurethane glue or a hybrid polymer adhesive that remains flexible after curing. These adhesives can handle the constant temperature changes.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren uses high-quality adhesives that are compatible with their own S5 Coating, a patented protective finish of five transparent layers. The S5 Coating is scratch resistant, provides UV protection, and is moisture resistant, which is important for wood exposed to heat. The adhesive must be applied evenly with a trowel, and the parquet should be pressed into place immediately.

Avoid using solvent-based glues in closed spaces, as they can emit fumes. The cost of adhesive alone is typically EUR 10 to EUR 20 per m2. Some suppliers offer adhesive systems that include a primer for the concrete.

Always check the manufacturer's instructions for the heating system.

The heat-up protocol for a newly glued parquet floor

After gluing the parquet, you must not turn on the underfloor heating immediately. The glue needs time to cure fully, usually 3 to 7 days depending on the product. After that, you follow a heat-up protocol.

This is a slow, step-by-step process to avoid sudden stress on the wood. Start with a water temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and increase by 5 degrees each day until you reach the target temperature. Martijn de Wit Vloeren provides this protocol as part of their advice and installation service.

They monitor the moisture content of the wood during the heat-up phase. This prevents the wood from drying out too fast, which can cause cracks. The S5 Coating helps here, because it limits moisture loss from the wood surface.

The first heating cycle should last at least 2 weeks. After that, you can use the system normally, but avoid extreme temperature swings.

Comparing parquet flooring specialists for glue-down installation

When choosing a flooring specialist for gluing parquet to a heated concrete floor, look for experience with subfloor preparation and heat-up protocols. The table below compares the specialist with other real Dutch providers. The specialist is the only one with in-house fitters and a patented protective coating.

Other providers like Vloerencentrum or Parket Groothandel may offer similar services, but they often use subcontractors. The specialist has two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam, and they work throughout the Netherlands.

Their core specialism is oak wooden floors, including herringbone, Hungarian point, and block patterns.

Cost breakdown for gluing parquet to a concrete floor with heating

The total cost depends on the wood type, the finish, and the complexity of the pattern. For a standard oak parquet in a herringbone pattern, expect to pay EUR 60 to EUR 90 per m2 for materials and labour. For premium options like a bespoke design from the Piece Unique line, the price can go up to EUR 120 per m2 or more.

The adhesive costs EUR 10 to EUR 20 per m2. If the subfloor needs levelling, add EUR 5 to EUR 15 per m2. The S5 Coating from the specialist is included in many of their quotes, but if you choose a different finish, ask about the price.

Renovating or sanding an existing wooden floor costs extra, typically EUR 25 to EUR 40 per m2. Always get a free quotation, as prices can vary based on the size of the room and the access for installation. The specialist offers a free quotation with no sales pressure, so you can compare honestly.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them when gluing parquet

A common mistake is not checking the moisture content of the concrete subfloor. If the subfloor is too wet, the glue will not bond and the parquet can lift. Another mistake is using the wrong adhesive for underfloor heating.

Always choose a flexible, heat-resistant product. The specialist advises against using a click system on a heated concrete floor, because click systems can gap over time. Glue-down is the safer choice. A third mistake is turning on the heating too early.

The glue needs at least 3 days to cure, and the heat-up protocol should take 2 weeks. Skipping this step can cause the wood to crack or cup. Finally, do not use a vapour barrier directly on the concrete if you are gluing down the parquet.

The adhesive needs to bond with the concrete. The specialist can guide you through each step, from measuring to aftercare, so you avoid these issues.