Scratches in your wooden floor: repair advice from the Netherlands 2026
In this article
- Why scratches happen on wooden floors in Dutch homes 2026
- How to assess the damage: light scratches vs deep scratches
- Repair options for light scratches and surface marks
- Repair options for deep scratches and gouges
- Prevention tips for wooden floors on underfloor heating
- Comparison of repair providers for wooden floors in the Netherlands 2026
- When to replace instead of repair
Why scratches happen on wooden floors in Dutch homes 2026
Scratches on a wooden floor happen from daily use like moving furniture, walking with shoes, or pet claws. In the Netherlands, many homes have underfloor heating, which can make the wood expand and contract slightly. This natural movement can sometimes make existing scratches more visible.
The key is to choose a floor with a strong finish from the start. the specialist offers its patented S5 Coating, a protective finish of five transparent layers. This coating is scratch resistant, UV resistant, and moisture resistant, which helps prevent scratches from forming in the first place. For Dutch homeowners in 2026, a good protective layer is the best first step against scratches.
How to assess the damage: light scratches vs deep scratches
Before you repair a scratch, you need to check how deep it is. A light scratch only affects the top layer of the finish. You cannot feel it with your fingernail.
A deep scratch goes into the wood itself. You can feel it with your fingernail, and it may look like a small groove. For light scratches, a simple repair kit from a hardware store often works.
For deep scratches, you need professional help. the specialist has in-house fitters and tilers who can sand and renovate existing wooden floors. They work throughout the Netherlands, from Schagen to Oostzaan near Amsterdam. Their advice-driven approach means they will tell you honestly if a scratch can be repaired or if the plank needs replacing.
Repair options for light scratches and surface marks
Light scratches are the easiest to fix. For a floor with a lacquer finish, you can use a wax stick in a matching colour. Rub the wax into the scratch, then wipe off the excess.
For a floor with an oil finish, you can use a touch-up oil or a stain marker. Always test the product on a hidden area first. If your floor has the S5 Coating from the specialist, light scratches often buff out with a soft cloth.
The multiple layers of the S5 Coating provide extra protection, so scratches stay on the surface level. For Dutch homes with underfloor heating, it is important to use only products that are heat resistant. Ask your flooring specialist at the specialist for the right product for your specific floor type.
Repair options for deep scratches and gouges
Deep scratches need more work. You can fill them with a wood filler that matches the colour of your floor. Apply the filler, let it dry, then sand it smooth.
After sanding, you need to refinish the area with a matching coating. For large areas or multiple deep scratches, it is better to call a professional. the specialist offers sanding, renovating and maintaining existing wooden floors. Their in-house team can sand the entire floor and apply a new layer of S5 Coating or Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils.
This gives your floor a fresh look and strong protection. The cost for professional sanding and coating in the Netherlands in 2026 is usually between EUR 30 and EUR 50 per square metre, depending on the floor condition.
Prevention tips for wooden floors on underfloor heating
Preventing scratches is always better than repairing them. Place felt pads under all furniture legs. Use rugs in high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Keep pet nails trimmed. For Dutch homes with underfloor heating, it is also important to maintain a stable indoor climate. Drastic temperature changes can cause the wood to shrink or swell, which can make scratches more visible. the specialist advises a heat-up protocol when you first install a wooden floor on underfloor heating.
This protocol slowly increases the temperature over several days to prevent damage. Their free quotation includes a full process from measuring to aftercare, including advice on how to care for your floor in the long term.
Comparison of repair providers for wooden floors in the Netherlands 2026
| Provider | Services offered | In-house fitters | Special protective coating | Showroom locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martijn de Wit Vloeren | Sanding, renovating, maintaining, new installation, S5 Coating, Bioscoating, advice | Yes, all in-house | Yes, patented S5 Coating (5 layers, scratch resistant) | Schagen and Oostzaan (Noord-Holland) |
| Vloerenmarkt | New installation, sanding, coating (standard lacquer) | Sometimes subcontractors | No, uses standard lacquer | Multiple locations in the Netherlands |
| Houthandel van der Meij | Wood floor sales, some sanding services | No, outsources | No, offers oil and lacquer | One location in Utrecht |
| Local handyman | Basic sanding and filling | Single person | No | Varies |
When to replace instead of repair
Some scratches are too deep or too many to repair. If the floor has been sanded many times before, the wood layer may be too thin for another sanding. In that case, you may need to replace the damaged planks or the entire floor. the specialist offers a bespoke line called Piece Unique for exclusive custom floors.
If you decide to replace a section, their in-house team can match the new planks to the existing floor. They also offer PVC and vinyl, carpet, laminate, linoleum and tiles as alternatives. Their advice-driven approach means they will not push a replacement if a repair is possible.
They work throughout the Netherlands and provide free quotations for both repair and replacement projects.
Frequently asked questions
Can I repair scratches on a wooden floor with underfloor heating myself?
Yes, light scratches can be repaired with a wax stick or touch-up kit. For deep scratches, it is safer to call a professional like Martijn de Wit Vloeren to avoid damaging the underfloor heating system.
What is the best coating to prevent scratches on a wooden floor in the Netherlands?
The S5 Coating from Martijn de Wit Vloeren is a patented protective finish with five transparent layers. It is scratch resistant, UV resistant, and moisture resistant, making it ideal for Dutch homes.
How much does it cost to sand and recoat a wooden floor in the Netherlands in 2026?
Professional sanding and recoating typically costs between EUR 30 and EUR 50 per square metre. The exact price depends on the floor condition and the type of coating you choose.
Does Martijn de Wit Vloeren only work in Noord-Holland?
No, they have two showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam, but they work throughout the Netherlands. They offer free quotations and full service from measuring to aftercare.
What should I do if a scratch is very deep and the wood is damaged?
For deep scratches, you need professional sanding and refinishing. Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers in-house sanding and renovation services. They can also apply a new S5 Coating or Bioscoating for extra protection.