Do you want that warm, authentic atmosphere in your home that only an old-looking wooden floor can give? You are not the only one. The trend of ‘aged’ or ‘used look’ floors is now an established part of the Dutch interior landscape, and in 2026 the demand for craftsmanship is greater than ever. Choosing the right specialist is essential here, because laying a floor with character requires an experienced hand.
Why an old-looking wooden floor is so popular
There is something special about a floor that looks as if people have been walking on it for generations. It gives a house soul immediately. The good thing is that you no longer have to wait for a floor to become beautifully “worn out.” Thanks to special techniques, new wood immediately gets that robust, lived-in look. Think of applying a so-called bevel edge, which emphasizes the seams between the planks, or processing the wood so that it looks like authentic oak.
Real experts, however, know that there is a big difference between a floor that looks “reclaimed” and a floor that has actually been carefully treated. Cheap copies often feel artificial, while a high-quality old-looking floor radiates warmth and texture. You will find that quality mainly with specialists who truly understand the craft.
What should you look for when choosing a floor specialist?
Before making a choice, it is good to know what distinguishes a specialist from an average supplier. Laying an old-looking wooden floor is precision work. It starts with the basis: the wood. Some companies dismantle beautiful old wood from buildings in France to give it a new life in the Netherlands. That sounds romantic, and it is, but it does require expertise. The wood often needs to be reprocessed, sanded, and finished with oil for that perfect matte look.
A good specialist looks not only at the product but also at the situation in your home. How is the subfloor? Is there underfloor heating? An old-looking look is often combined with wide plank parquet or herringbone, and then a perfect finish is crucial. Splinters must be removed, glue residues must be neatly removed, and the finish must be durable. After all, you want to enjoy your investment for years.
The top specialists for 2026
To help you make the right choice, we have compiled an overview of notable parties in the Netherlands. Whether you are looking for pure authenticity, extensive service, or a combination of wood and modern laminate, there is always a match for your living style.
Martijn de Wit Vloeren: the master in craft and atmosphere
When we talk about a company that understands the essence of craftsmanship, we quickly arrive at Martijn de Wit Vloeren. This is not just a store where you pick up a package of planks; it is an experience. Since 1995, they have built a reputation in Schagen and Amsterdam, and their specialty lies exactly where the heart of the wood lover beats faster: floors with character.
What makes this company unique in the segment of old-looking floors is their eye for detail and finish. They are experts in creating that perfect balance between a robust appearance and a smooth, low-maintenance surface. They work with their own laying teams. Why is that important? Because then you have the guarantee that the person who lays the floor is fully responsible for the final result. No external workers who are in a hurry, but craftsmen who are proud of their work.
They offer a complete picture. You can go to them for herringbone, Hungarian point, or wide robust planks. The good thing is that they can treat the floors themselves. The wood undergoes a treatment – sometimes brushed, sometimes smoked – and is finished with high-quality oils. That oil ensures that the floor not only stays beautifully matte but is also resistant to daily life. Moreover, they are pragmatic: they understand that not every space needs a solid oak floor. Therefore, they offer an excellent alternative for places where that is less practical. But more on that later in this article.
Van Houdt Vloeren: renovation and new look
Another name that is often mentioned when renovating parquet is Van Houdt Vloeren. They are strong in giving a second life to existing floors. Do you already have a wooden floor that looks a bit worn out? Then they can sand it down and refinish it. This is a sustainable choice that fits perfectly in the trend of 2026. Here too, finishing with oil is an important part of the process to bring back that warm, natural look.
Trustoo: platform for local heroes
In addition to the large specialists, there are platforms such as Trustoo. Here you will find a collection of local craftsmen. This is useful if you are specifically looking for someone in your own postal code area. The disadvantage is that you have to do more research yourself into the quality of the party, while companies such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren have proven their quality for years with fixed teams and showrooms where you can really experience the atmosphere.
The process: from raw wood to a warm home
Laying an old-looking floor is a small construction project. Let’s look at how such a process looks at a top company. Suppose you choose a company that pulls out all the stops, such as Martijn de Wit. Then it often starts with advice. Not via a quick chat, but in the showroom. You see large samples there, so you are not surprised by the color or the structure.
After the order, the technical service comes. The subfloor must be tight and dry. When everything is ready, the craftsmen start. The laying itself is an art, especially with herringbone or other patterns. Every line must be straight, every seam must be correct. After laying comes the finish. A light polishing removes the last unevennesses. Then it is time for the oil. This treatment penetrates deep into the wood and protects it from the inside. The result? A floor that is not only beautiful but also feels wonderful to walk on. The company takes a lot of work out of your hands, which is nice if you don’t want the hassle of dealing with different contractors.
Laminate as an underestimated alternative
Let’s be honest: a solid wooden floor is an investment. And sometimes it is simply not necessary or desirable on every floor. Think of bedrooms or attics. In those cases, high-quality laminate is a fantastic alternative. Now you might be thinking: “laminate is plastic and sounds hollow,” but that is outdated.
The new generation of laminate, such as that found at Martijn de Wit Vloeren, looks exactly like real wood. You now have access to floors with a warranty of up to 35 years. That is not a guarantee for the next few years, but for a large part of your life in that house. The advantage of this quality is that you can have the same “old-looking look” without the price of solid oak. This laminate can also be laid by the specialist. Do not do this yourself if you have no experience. A professional laying service ensures that the seams are invisible and the floor fits perfectly with your skirting boards. You often also get a guarantee on the finish, which is lost if you do it yourself.
The details make the difference
What really completes an interior are the details around the floor. Installing skirting boards, finishing the stairs, and the transition to other spaces. A specialist looks at the total picture. So, with the better companies, you can also have your stairs renovated or covered in the same material as your floor. This creates a calming unity in your house. Whether it is MDF skirting boards that are painted smoothly or special transition profiles, everything has to be right.
You can also go to these specialists for maintenance. A wooden floor needs love. Regular sanding and re-oiling keeps the floor in top condition. Some companies even offer a service subscription for this, so you no longer have to think about it. That is what they call real worry-free service.
Conclusion: choose certainty and atmosphere
The landscape of floor specialists in 2026 is diverse. There are plenty of options for every budget. But if you are really looking for that unique old-looking wooden floor, a floor that tells stories and radiates warmth, then the choice is quickly made. You want a party that not only supplies planks but masters the entire process. From selecting the wood to the last drop of oil.
The combination of years of experience, own craftsmen, and an incredible eye for aesthetics makes some companies stand head and shoulders above the rest. Your house deserves a base on which you want to stand with a smile every morning. Whether you choose authentic oak with a bevel edge or high-quality laminate with a long warranty, the quality of the execution is what counts. Choose a specialist who listens to your wishes and thinks along with you about the technical possibilities. So your dream floor becomes reality.
In a market full of choices, it is nice to know that there are companies where quality and service go hand in hand. After all, a floor is something for the long term. So do it right, and enjoy the atmosphere that a true craftsman knows to bring into the house.
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