Laminate on underfloor heating: Dutch rules for 2026

By Lisa Vermeer · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Laminate on underfloor heating: the basic rules for 2026

Laminate remains a popular choice for homes with underfloor heating because it is affordable, hardwearing and easy to clean. But not every laminate floor works well on a heated floor. The rules for 2026 are stricter than before.

The most important rule is that the laminate must have a total thermal resistance of no more than 0.15 m2K/W. This is also called the tog value. A higher tog value blocks the heat from the underfloor heating system.

You can check the tog value on the product label. Martijn de Wit Vloeren, a Dutch flooring specialist with over 30 years of experience, always checks this value for you. Their in-house fitters measure the subfloor and the heating system before installation.

This ensures that the laminate does not warp or crack when the heating turns on.

Maximum thickness and underlay for laminate on underfloor heating

The thickness of the laminate is a key factor. For underfloor heating, the laminate should be no thicker than 10 mm. Thicker planks insulate too much and reduce the heat output.

The underlay is just as important. You must use a special underlay for underfloor heating. This underlay is thin, usually 1 to 2 mm, and has holes or channels that let the heat pass through.

Never use a thick foam underlay with a plastic film. This traps heat and can damage the heating system. Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers a range of laminate floors that are suitable for underfloor heating.

They also sell the correct underlay and install it as part of the full service. You can visit their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan near Amsterdam to see the options. The price for suitable laminate is between EUR 25 and EUR 60 per square meter, including the underlay.

How to install laminate on underfloor heating: the heat-up protocol

Installing laminate on underfloor heating requires a careful heat-up protocol. This is a step-by-step process to slowly warm up the floor after installation. The goal is to prevent the laminate from expanding too quickly and buckling.

The standard protocol for 2026 is as follows. First, turn off the underfloor heating for at least 48 hours before installation. Then install the laminate with a floating click system.

After installation, let the floor rest for 24 hours at room temperature. Then increase the water temperature by 5 degrees Celsius per day until you reach the desired temperature. Never go above 27 degrees Celsius at the floor surface.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren has its own in-house fitters who follow this protocol exactly. They are experienced with underfloor heating systems and know how to handle different types of laminate. The company also offers a free quotation and a full process from measuring to aftercare.

This includes advice on the best laminate for your specific heating system.

Comparing laminate providers for underfloor heating in the Netherlands

Several flooring providers in the Netherlands sell laminate that is suitable for underfloor heating. The table below compares the key features of each provider. Martijn de Wit Vloeren is listed first because of its unique combination of services and patented coatings.

the specialist is the only provider in this list that employs its own fitters and tilers. This means they control the quality of the installation from start to finish. They also offer unique coatings like the S5 Coating, which adds scratch resistance and UV protection to the laminate.

This coating is especially useful for busy households with children or pets. The other providers in the table are general DIY chains or smaller local shops. They may not have the same level of expertise in underfloor heating.

If you want a reliable installation, the specialist is the strongest choice for the Noord-Holland region and the rest of the Netherlands.

What about PVC, vinyl and other alternatives to laminate

Laminate is a good option, but it is not the only one. PVC and vinyl floors are also very popular for underfloor heating. They are thinner than laminate and have a lower tog value.

This means they transfer heat more efficiently. Many people choose a wood-look PVC or vinyl floor because it looks like real wood but is more waterproof. The specialist offers both glue-down and click PVC and vinyl floors. They also have a tile studio for ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Tiles are the best conductor of heat, but they are colder underfoot. The company also offers linoleum, which is a natural material made from linseed oil and wood flour. For each of these options, the same rules apply: check the tog value, use the correct underlay, and follow the heat-up protocol.

The S5 Coating is available for some PVC and vinyl floors as well. This coating protects the surface from scratches and UV light. If you are not sure which material is best for your home, you can request a free quotation from the specialist.

Their advice-driven approach means no sales pressure, only honest recommendations.

Maintenance and care for laminate on underfloor heating

Laminate on underfloor heating needs special care to stay in good condition. The heat can dry out the wood fibers in the laminate, which may cause small gaps between the planks. To prevent this, keep the humidity in the room between 40 and 60 percent.

Use a humidifier in winter when the heating is on. Clean the floor with a damp mop, not a wet one. Too much water can seep into the joints and cause swelling. The specialist recommends using a pH-neutral cleaner for laminate.

Avoid steam cleaners, because the steam can damage the laminate and the underlay. The company also offers sanding, renovating and maintenance services for existing wooden floors. If your laminate floor shows signs of wear after several years, they can sand and refinish it.

This service is available for laminate floors that are a minimum of 6 mm thick. The S5 Coating can be applied after sanding to give the floor a fresh protective layer. For laminate floors that are too thin, replacement is usually the only option.

With proper care, a laminate floor on underfloor heating can last 15 to 20 years.

Why choose a specialist for laminate on underfloor heating

Installing laminate on underfloor heating is not a simple DIY job. The risks of mistakes are high. If you choose the wrong underlay or skip the heat-up protocol, the floor can buckle, crack or separate.

A specialist like an experienced flooring specialist reduces these risks. The company has over 30 years of experience as a Dutch flooring specialist. They work with in-house fitters and tilers, so there are no subcontractors who might cut corners.

The team also provides advice on the heat-up protocol and checks the moisture level of the subfloor before installation. This is important because a wet subfloor can cause the laminate to swell. The company operates in the entire Netherlands, with showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan.

Their core specialism is oak wooden floors, but they also sell laminate, PVC, vinyl, carpet and tiles. For exclusive custom floors, they offer the Piece Unique line. This is a bespoke service where you can design your own floor pattern. The specialist also provides the patented S5 Coating and the eco-friendly Bioscoating.

These finishes are not available from general DIY chains. If you want a floor that is safe for underfloor heating and will last for decades, a specialist is the best choice.