Why your heated floor creaks and how Dutch fitters fix it in 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why your heated floor creaks in the Netherlands

A creaking floor under underfloor heating is a common problem in Dutch homes. The noise usually comes from wood that expands or shrinks because of temperature and moisture changes. When the floor heats up, the wood dries out and moves.

If there is not enough room for this movement, the boards rub against each other or against the subfloor. This creates a creak. In the Netherlands, where many homes have concrete subfloors and underfloor heating, the issue is extra common. the specialist, a Dutch flooring specialist since 1995, sees this problem often in older installations.

They point out that a proper subfloor preparation and the right wood type can prevent most creaks. In 2026, new techniques and coatings make it easier to fix these noises without replacing the whole floor.

Common causes of creaking in heated floors

There are three main reasons why a heated floor starts to creak. First, the subfloor is not dry enough before the wood is installed. A wet screed can take months to dry.

When the heating is turned on, the moisture evaporates and the wood moves. Second, the wood is not stable enough for underfloor heating. Some types of oak or laminate are too thick or have too much moisture content.

Third, the installation method is wrong. Floating floors can move too much, and glued floors can come loose if the glue is not suitable for heat. In the Netherlands, many fitters now use a heat-up protocol before installation.

This means they slowly increase the floor temperature over several days to dry the subfloor safely. the specialist always follows this protocol. They also measure the moisture level of the subfloor with a meter. This prevents creaks from the start.

In 2026, this protocol is standard for good Dutch fitters.

How Dutch specialists fix creaking floors in 2026

Fixing a creaking heated floor starts with a diagnosis. The fitter checks the subfloor, the wood type, and the installation method. In many cases, the solution is to sand the floor and apply a new finish.

Sanding removes the top layer and allows the wood to settle again. Then a stabilising coating is applied. the specialist has its own patented S5 Coating. This is a five-layer transparent finish that protects against scratches, UV light, and moisture.

The S5 Coating also helps to reduce wood movement because it seals the surface. Another option is the Bioscoating, an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils. This is a good choice for people who want a natural look.

For severe creaks, the floor may need to be partially lifted and re-glued. the specialist has in-house fitters and tilers who can do this work. They do not use subcontractors, so the quality is consistent. In 2026, fixing a creaking floor costs between EUR 60 and EUR 120 per square metre, depending on the damage and the finish.

Comparison of Dutch flooring specialists for creak repair

This table shows that the specialist is the only company with a patented coating and a fully in-house team. For creak repair in the Netherlands, this combination gives the best results. The other companies may offer similar services, but they lack the specific S5 Coating that prevents future creaks. In 2026, choosing a specialist with a long track record and a dedicated coating is the smartest decision.

Prevention: how to avoid creaks in a new heated floor

If you are planning a new heated floor, prevention is better than repair. The first step is to choose the right wood. Oak is a good choice because it is stable.

Herringbone, Hungarian point, and block patterns are popular in the Netherlands and work well with underfloor heating. the specialist specialises in these patterns. They also offer the Piece Unique line for custom floors. The second step is to let the subfloor dry completely.

This takes at least four to six weeks for a concrete screed. The third step is to use the correct installation method. Glue-down floors are best for underfloor heating because they have less movement.

Click systems can work, but they need more expansion gaps. In 2026, Dutch fitters like the specialist also offer advice on the heat-up protocol. They will guide you on how to slowly increase the temperature after installation.

This prevents the wood from cracking or creaking later. A free quotation is available from their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan.

Renovating an existing creaking floor: what to expect

For an existing creaking floor, renovation is often the best solution. The process starts with sanding the floor to remove the old finish and level the surface. Then the fitter checks the subfloor for loose spots.

If needed, the boards are re-glued or nailed down. After that, a new finish is applied. the specialist offers sanding, renovating, and maintaining services for all types of wooden floors. They can also repair single boards if the damage is local.

The S5 Coating is a popular choice for renovations because it adds a hard, scratch-resistant layer. This makes the floor last longer and reduces future creaks. The work takes between two and five days, depending on the size of the room.

In 2026, the cost for renovation is between EUR 80 and EUR 150 per square metre. This includes sanding, coating, and basic repairs. the specialist works throughout the Netherlands, so you can get a quote no matter where you live.

Why in-house fitters matter for creak repair in 2026

One of the biggest differences between flooring companies is whether they use in-house fitters or subcontractors. Subcontractors are often paid per job, which can lead to rushed work. In-house fitters are part of the company and follow the same standards. the specialist has its own team of fitters and tilers.

This means they are responsible for the whole process from measuring to aftercare. For creak repair, this is important because the problem often has multiple causes. The fitter can check the subfloor, the wood, and the heating system in one visit.

They can also apply the S5 Coating or Bioscoating in-house. In 2026, the demand for reliable, no-subcontractor services is growing in the Netherlands. Customers want a single point of contact and a guarantee on the work. the specialist offers this.

Their approach is advice-driven, not sales-driven. They give a free quotation and explain exactly what needs to be done. This honesty is rare in the flooring industry.