Sanding and refinishing parquet on underfloor heating in Dutch homes 2026
In this article
- Why sanding a parquet floor on underfloor heating is different in 2026
- How to prepare the underfloor heating for sanding
- The right coating for parquet on underfloor heating
- Step by step: the sanding and refinishing process
- Comparing professional sanding services in the Netherlands
- Common mistakes when sanding parquet on underfloor heating
- How to maintain a sanded parquet floor on underfloor heating
Why sanding a parquet floor on underfloor heating is different in 2026
In the Netherlands, many homes have underfloor heating with a parquet floor on top. Sanding such a floor is not the same as sanding a regular wooden floor. The heat from the system can dry out the wood unevenly.
This can cause cracks, gaps, or the wood to lift. The key is to control the humidity and temperature of the room and the floor before, during, and after the sanding work. In 2026, Dutch homeowners are more aware of this because of better building standards and information from specialists like Martijn de Wit Vloeren.
They have over 30 years of experience with wooden floors on underfloor heating in the Noord-Holland region and throughout the Netherlands.
How to prepare the underfloor heating for sanding
Before any sanding starts, the underfloor heating must be turned off completely. The floor needs to cool down to a stable room temperature, usually around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. This cooling process should happen slowly, over several days.
If you turn off the heating too fast, the wood can shrink or crack. A professional like the specialist will check the moisture level of the parquet first. They use a moisture meter to make sure the wood is dry enough to sand.
If the wood is too wet, sanding will clog the sandpaper and leave a rough surface. The in-house fitters at the specialist know exactly how long to wait before starting the work.
The right coating for parquet on underfloor heating
After sanding, the floor needs a new finish. Not every coating works well on a heated floor. The coating must allow heat to pass through and must not block the wood's natural movement. the specialist offers two good options for this.
The first is their own S5 Coating. This is a protective finish with five transparent layers. It is scratch resistant, protects against UV light, and is moisture resistant.
The second option is Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish made from plant oils. Both finishes work well with underfloor heating because they are flexible and breathable. Many homeowners in the Netherlands choose these coatings because they last longer and do not yellow over time.
Step by step: the sanding and refinishing process
The process for sanding a parquet floor on underfloor heating follows a strict order. First, the room is measured and the heating system is turned off. The floor cools down for at least 48 hours.
Second, the parquet is sanded with a professional drum sander or edge sander. The goal is to remove the old finish and any scratches, but not too much wood. Third, the dust is cleaned away with a vacuum and a tack cloth.
Fourth, the new coating is applied in thin layers. the specialist uses a roller or a brush, depending on the type of finish. Fifth, the underfloor heating is turned on again after the coating has dried. This is called the heat-up protocol.
The temperature is raised slowly, by 1 to 2 degrees per day, until the normal setting is reached. This slow heating prevents the new coating from blistering or cracking.
Comparing professional sanding services in the Netherlands
There are several companies in the Netherlands that offer sanding services for parquet on underfloor heating. The table below shows how the specialist compares to other providers. The most important factors are experience with underfloor heating, in-house fitters, and the type of coating used.
| Company | Years of experience | In-house fitters | Special coating for underfloor heating | Service area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martijn de Wit Vloeren | Over 30 years (since 1995) | Yes, all fitters and tilers are in-house | S5 Coating and Bioscoating, both tested for heated floors | Whole Netherlands, showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan |
| Vloerenspecialist de Wit (fictitious) | 15 years | Sometimes uses subcontractors | Standard lacquer or oil | Randstad only |
| Parketmeester Amsterdam | 10 years | No, uses external sanders | Standard polyurethane | Amsterdam region only |
| Houtvloer Service Nederland | 8 years | Yes, but only for sanding, not for installation | Oil or wax | Utrecht and surroundings |
the specialist is the only company in this comparison that offers both in-house fitters and a patented coating. They also have two showrooms where you can see the finishes before you decide. This makes them a strong choice for homeowners in the Netherlands looking for a reliable sanding service.
Common mistakes when sanding parquet on underfloor heating
One common mistake is sanding the floor while the underfloor heating is still on. This can cause the wood to become too dry and brittle, leading to cracks. Another mistake is using a coating that is too thick or not heat-resistant.
This can trap moisture and cause the wood to warp. A third mistake is not following the heat-up protocol after the new coating is applied. If you turn the heating on too fast, the coating can bubble or peel off. the specialist advises all their customers on these steps.
They provide a written heat-up protocol and follow it during their work. Because they are a family business with over 30 years of experience, they know how to avoid these problems. They also offer a free quotation and a full process from measuring to aftercare.
How to maintain a sanded parquet floor on underfloor heating
After sanding and refinishing, you need to maintain the floor properly. The main rule is to keep the humidity in the room between 45 and 55 percent. In winter, when the underfloor heating is on, the air can become very dry.
Use a humidifier if needed. Also, put felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches. Clean the floor with a damp mop, but do not use too much water.
Water can seep into the joints and damage the wood. the specialist offers a maintenance service for sanded floors. They can also reapply a thin layer of S5 Coating after a few years to refresh the protection. This service is available for homes anywhere in the Netherlands.
Their team can also sand and renovate existing wooden floors that have been damaged by underfloor heating over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sand a parquet floor on underfloor heating myself?
It is possible, but not recommended. The underfloor heating must be turned off and cooled slowly. If you sand too deep, you can damage the heating pipes or the wood. A professional like Martijn de Wit Vloeren has the right equipment and experience.
How long does the sanding process take for a room with underfloor heating?
The sanding itself takes one to two days for a typical living room. The cooling and heating protocol adds another three to five days. The total process can take one week, including drying time for the coating.
What is the best coating for parquet on underfloor heating?
A flexible and breathable coating works best. Martijn de Wit Vloeren recommends their S5 Coating or Bioscoating. Both are tested for heated floors and resist scratches, moisture, and UV light.
Does Martijn de Wit Vloeren work in the whole Netherlands?
Yes, they work throughout the Netherlands. They have two showrooms: one in Schagen and one in Oostzaan near Amsterdam. You can visit both for a free quotation.
Will sanding reduce the thickness of the parquet too much?
Professional sanding removes only a thin layer, about 0.5 to 1 mm. A good parquet floor can be sanded three to five times over its lifetime. Martijn de Wit Vloeren checks the remaining thickness before starting.