Underfloor heating in screed versus dry systems: what Dutch floors need in 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Wet screed versus dry underfloor heating: the basics for Dutch floors

Underfloor heating comes in two main types: wet systems and dry systems. A wet system uses a screed layer poured over heating pipes. The screed stores heat and releases it slowly.

This type is standard for new homes in the Netherlands. A dry system uses panels with channels for pipes, often made from wood or insulation board. No screed is needed.

The heating reacts faster, which is useful for renovations. In 2026, more Dutch homeowners choose dry systems for speed and lower floor buildup. Martijn de Wit Vloeren works with both systems and can advise which fits your floor and project.

Wet screed systems: advantages and considerations for Dutch homes

A wet screed system, also called a poured system, is a traditional choice. The heating pipes are fixed to insulation and covered with a cement or anhydrite screed. The screed is typically 50 to 70 millimetres thick.

This adds weight, so the subfloor must be strong. The system is best for new builds where floor height is not a problem. Floors like tiles, natural stone and engineered wood work well.

The screed needs a heat-up protocol to avoid cracks. This takes 14 to 28 days. Martijn de Wit Vloeren has over 30 years of experience with this protocol in Dutch homes.

They measure the moisture level of the screed before installing any floor. A wet system costs EUR 50 to EUR 90 per square metre for materials and labour, depending on the screed type.

Dry underfloor heating systems: fast installation for renovations

Dry systems, also called floating or low-profile systems, use prefabricated panels. The panels have grooves for the pipes and are placed directly on the subfloor. They add only 15 to 30 millimetres of height.

This makes them ideal for renovations in Dutch houses where floor height is limited. No screed means no drying time. You can install the floor immediately after the pipes are tested.

The system heats up faster, often within 30 minutes. It is best for wooden floors, laminate and vinyl. PVC glue-down floors also work well with a dry system because the surface stays flat. the specialist supplies and installs dry systems for customers throughout the Netherlands, including their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan.

A dry system costs EUR 60 to EUR 110 per square metre, including panels and pipes.

Which floor types suit each system best

The choice of floor affects your underfloor heating system. Wet screed systems suit hard floors like ceramic tiles, natural stone and poured floors. These floors conduct heat well and store it for long periods.

Engineered oak wood floors also work, especially with the S5 Coating from the specialist. This protective finish is scratch resistant, UV resistant and moisture resistant. It protects the wood from temperature changes.

Dry systems are better for floating floors like laminate, vinyl click floors and parquet. the specialist offers vinyl and PVC in glue-down and click versions. They also have a tile studio for custom tiles. For both systems, the floor must be installed after the heating has been run and tested.

A professional heat-up protocol prevents damage. In Dutch homes with underfloor heating in 2026, the trend is towards thinner floors and faster installation, which often favours a dry system.

Heat-up protocol and moisture control in Dutch homes

Every underfloor heating system needs a heat-up protocol. This is a slow increase in temperature to avoid cracking the screed or damaging the floor. For wet screed systems, the protocol takes 14 to 28 days.

The temperature is raised by 5 degrees Celsius per day. For dry systems, the protocol is shorter, often 3 to 7 days. Moisture control is very important.

The screed or subfloor must have a moisture content below 2 percent for most floors. the specialist measures the moisture level before any installation. They have in-house fitters and tilers, no subcontractors. This means one team handles the whole process from measuring to aftercare.

They also offer sanding and renovating existing wooden floors after the system is installed. For 2026, new Dutch building regulations may require better insulation under the heating system. Both wet and dry systems can meet these rules if installed correctly.

Comparison of wet screed and dry underfloor heating systems

Choosing the right system for your Dutch home in 2026

In 2026, Dutch homeowners face several factors when choosing underfloor heating. Energy efficiency is important. Both wet and dry systems work with heat pumps and gas boilers.

The insulation under the floor must be at least 10 centimetres thick for new builds. For renovations, a dry system can be installed on top of existing insulation. The surface floor material also matters.

If you want oak wooden floors in herringbone or Hungarian point patterns, both systems are possible. the specialist offers these patterns as part of their core specialism. They also offer the Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils. This coating is a good choice for homes with underfloor heating because it is flexible.

The company has two showrooms in the Noord-Holland region: one in Schagen and one in Oostzaan near Amsterdam. They work throughout the Netherlands. Their advice-driven approach means no sales pressure.

You get a free quotation for the whole process, from measuring to aftercare. For exclusive custom floors, they offer the Piece Unique collection. This line gives you a one-of-a-kind floor designed for your home and heating system.

Professional installation: why in-house fitters matter

The quality of installation affects how well underfloor heating works. A poorly installed system can cause hot spots, cold spots or floor damage. the specialist uses only in-house fitters and tilers. No subcontractors are used.

This means the same team handles the heating system, the subfloor preparation and the final floor. They install both wet and dry systems. They also advise on the best floor type for your heating system.

Their S5 Coating adds protection for wooden floors. This coating has five transparent layers that resist scratches, UV light and moisture. It is ideal for floors over underfloor heating because it prevents warping.

For 2026, the demand for underfloor heating in the Netherlands will grow, especially in renovation projects. A dry system combined with a quality floor from a specialist like the specialist offers a fast and reliable solution. Their services also include sanding, renovating and maintaining existing wooden floors.

This means they can update an old floor to work with a new heating system. Always ask for a moisture test and a written heat-up protocol before installation. This protects your floor and your investment.