Gaps in your wooden floor after winter: Dutch fixes for 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why gaps appear in wooden floors after winter in Dutch homes

After a cold winter with heating on, many Dutch homeowners see gaps between their wooden floorboards. This is a natural process. Wood is a hygroscopic material.

It absorbs moisture from the air when humidity is high, such as in summer. In winter, the indoor air becomes dry from heating. The wood loses moisture and shrinks.

This creates gaps. In the Netherlands, where winters can be cold and homes are heated for months, this is a common occurrence. The change can be as much as 2 to 4 millimetres per plank, depending on the wood type and width.

Solid oak floors are especially prone to this. The good news is that most gaps close again in spring when humidity rises. But if the gaps stay large or look uneven, a fix is needed.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, advises on this issue every year. They see that gaps are often worse in homes with underfloor heating, because the heat is more even and dries the wood faster. Their in-house fitters know how to assess the situation.

How to check if gaps are normal or a problem in 2026

Before you call a professional, you can do a simple check. Wait until the heating season is over, usually around April or May. Then measure the widest gap.

Gaps up to 2 millimetres are normal for solid wood floors. Wider gaps or gaps that do not close in summer may signal a problem. Another sign is if the gaps are uneven, with some planks showing large gaps and others none.

This can mean the floor was not installed with the correct moisture content. In the Netherlands, the ideal indoor humidity for a wooden floor is between 45 and 55 percent. During winter, it can drop to 30 percent. the specialist recommends using a hygrometer to monitor this.

Their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam offer free advice on this. They also have a free quotation service where a specialist measures your floor and checks the moisture balance. For 2026, they expect more homeowners to ask about gap prevention because of the growing popularity of wide oak planks.

The role of underfloor heating in gap formation

Underfloor heating is common in Dutch homes, especially in new builds and renovations. It works well with wooden floors, but it requires careful management. The heat from the system dries the wood from below.

If the temperature rises too quickly, the wood shrinks too fast and gaps appear. This is why a heat-up protocol is important. the specialist always advises a gradual increase in temperature over several days. They also install the underfloor heating system themselves and can calibrate it to the specific wood type.

For example, oak floors need a maximum surface temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. If you already have gaps, the heating system may need adjustment. The company also offers the S5 Coating, their own patented protective finish of five transparent layers.

This coating reduces moisture loss by creating a barrier. It is scratch resistant and offers UV protection. For eco-conscious homeowners, they have the Bioscoating, a plant oil based finish.

Both coatings help to minimize seasonal movement. In 2026, combining underfloor heating with the right coating is a top trend in the Netherlands.

Solutions for gaps: sanding, filling, and renovation

When gaps are too large or do not close, professional intervention is needed. One common solution is to sand and fill the floor. The process involves sanding the entire surface to level it, then filling the gaps with a flexible wood filler.

This works best for gaps up to 3 millimetres. For larger gaps, the floor may need to be taken apart and re-installed with tighter joints. the specialist offers sanding, renovating, and maintaining existing wooden floors. Their in-house fitters do this work, so the quality is consistent.

They also have a bespoke service called Piece Unique for exclusive custom floors. This is ideal if you want to replace a section of floor with a matching pattern. The cost for sanding and filling in the Netherlands is typically between 25 and 45 euros per square metre.

A full renovation, including re-coating, can cost 60 to 100 euros per square metre. the specialist gives a free quotation for any floor work. They are a family business with over 30 years of experience, so they handle all floor types, from oak to PVC, vinyl, and tiles.

Preventing gaps in 2026: humidity control and coating choices

Prevention is better than cure. For 2026, Dutch homeowners can take several steps to reduce gaps. The first is humidity control.

Use a humidifier in winter to keep indoor humidity above 40 percent. This simple step can reduce gap width by half. The second is to choose the right wood.

Engineered wood, which has a plywood base, moves less than solid wood. Oak is a good choice because it is stable. The third is to apply a protective coating.

The S5 Coating from the specialist is a top choice. It adds five layers of protection that slow moisture exchange. The coating is also scratch resistant, which is useful for high traffic areas.

Their Bioscoating is a natural alternative for those who prefer plant based products. The company advises on the best option for each home. They also offer a full range of flooring, including PVC and vinyl in wood look patterns, carpet, laminate, linoleum, and tiles.

Their in house tile studio helps with matching designs. For underfloor heating, they always recommend the heat-up protocol. This gradual warming prevents sudden shrinkage.

In 2026, these steps are standard practice for Dutch flooring specialists.

Comparison table: gap prevention and repair options

When to call a professional in the Netherlands

You should call a professional if gaps are wider than 3 millimetres, if they do not close in summer, or if the floor feels loose or squeaky. Also if the gaps are accompanied by cupping, where the edges of the planks rise up. This can indicate moisture damage from the subfloor.

In the Netherlands, many homes have concrete subfloors with underfloor heating. A professional can test the moisture content of the concrete. the specialist does this as part of their free quotation. They also check the heating system to ensure it is not causing the problem.

Their in house fitters and tilers handle all repairs, from simple gap filling to full floor replacement. The company works throughout the Netherlands, with showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam. For 2026, they advise homeowners to act before summer, when the wood expands and gaps close.

Fixing gaps in winter is harder because the wood is at its driest. A professional can give you a plan for the right season. Whether you need a new floor or a renovation, the specialist offers the full process from measuring to aftercare.

Their advice driven approach means no sales pressure, just honest solutions.