A new floor can completely change a house, but where do you start in 2026? PVC is the absolute favorite when it comes to durability, looks, and ease of maintenance. Whether you choose a sleek concrete look or the warmth of wood, the quality of the final result depends on who lays it and which material you choose. In this article, we dive into the world of floor specialists, compare the big players with the real professionals, and give you a clear plan if you want to do it yourself or hire someone to do the work.
The specialist versus the box: where do you get your floor laid?
If you are looking for a PVC floor, you roughly have two choices in the Netherlands. You can go to large online players and discounters where you buy the floor ‘in a box’ (cash & carry), or you can go to a specialized flooring store. The difference is bigger than you might think. In a large depot-style store, the price is often attractive, but you are mostly on your own. You buy a product, and how you get it to stick or click onto your concrete floor is your own adventure.
On the other hand, you have the full-service specialists. A company like Martijn de Wit Vloeren is a prime example of this. They do not focus on selling as many boxes as possible, but on creating a perfect final result. Instead of choosing the cheapest wear layer, they work with A-brands and exclusive collections that you cannot find on every street corner. The advantage? You get advice from people who will actually lay the floor. At Martijn de Wit, they work with their own laying teams. That means the person who helps you in the showroom also guides the mechanic who measures the tiles in your home. That gives a safe feeling, especially if you choose a complicated herringbone or Hungarian point.
Why experience is worth gold in 2026
You might think: laying a floor, can’t everyone do that? But laying PVC on concrete or over an existing tile floor requires craftsmanship. An unevenness of a few millimeters can later lead to ugly seams or damage. The large online suppliers deliver the material, but the responsibility for the subfloor lies with you. If something goes wrong? It is often a dispute between the supplier and the layer.
If you look at companies like Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you see that they take care of the entire process. They have been around since 1995 and have built a reputation for quality in the regions of Schagen and Amsterdam. They do not just come by to measure the m², but also immediately check the moisture values of your concrete and the flatness. If the floor is not straight? They arrange the leveling. Combine this with their expertise in underfloor heating – something more and more homes have in 2026 – and you understand why the investment in a specialist pays for itself in lifespan and comfort. A low Rc value of the floor is crucial for heat output, and a professional knows this sort of technical detail like no other.
PVC over tiles: breaking down or sanding?
A common question during renovations is: “Must I tear out my old tile floor?” That is a hassle, dust, and costs. The good news is that in many cases you can simply lay a PVC floor over your existing tile floor. Provided the tiles are properly adhered and flat, of course. This is a perfect example of a situation where good advice makes the difference.
Large parties such as Vloerdepot.nl have an extensive range and are great if you know exactly what you want and are handy. They offer all tools and accessories to do it yourself. However, if you are unsure about the state of your tile floor or if you want a high-quality Dryback (glue-down) PVC that must adhere perfectly, the service of a specialist like Martijn de Wit is often the safer choice. They can accurately assess whether you need a specific subfloor to smooth out the unevenness of the tiles, or if a click system (Rigid Core) can be chosen. The latter is ideal for quick renovations and also dampens footfall sound, which is nice in apartments where the 10dB norm applies.
The difference in collection and finish
What stands out when comparing suppliers is the diversity in the offer. Budget shops often focus on the trends of the moment. Specialists look further. At Martijn de Wit Vloeren, for example, you see a huge focus on custom work. Not only in PVC, but also in their roots: wooden floors. That experience with wood is included in their PVC collection. They offer designs that are barely distinguishable from real wood, such as the realistic ‘Register Embossing’ structure.
Moreover, color plays a big role. Do you want an oak floor that is smoked for a darker look, or do you go for a sleek concrete look? With a specialist you can often choose from countless finishes and even custom made options. Try finding that in the standard shelf of a wholesale store. The choice for a company like Martijn de Wit is therefore not only a choice for service, but also for aesthetics and exclusivity. You buy a floor that fits your interior, instead of adapting your interior to the floor.
Do it yourself or outsource? The plan
Are you handy and do you have the time? Then you can certainly lay a PVC floor yourself. It can be a satisfying project, provided you are well prepared. Below you will find a plan to do this easily yourself. However, if you have two left hands or want to be sure that it is tight and durable? Then hiring a specialist is the logical next step.
For the do-it-yourselfers, these are the steps to keep in mind:
- Step 1: Measure the environment. Measure the space accurately and add at least 10% extra for cutting waste. Nothing is as annoying as coming up short one plank.
- Step 2: Check the subfloor. This is the most important step. The floor must be clean, dry, and flat. A poor subfloor is the main cause of damage to your new PVC floor.
- Step 3: Measure moisture. Especially with concrete this is essential. Is the floor too moist? Then you will later have problems with mold or peeling glue.
- Step 4: Acclimatize. Leave the floor packages in the room where they will be installed for at least 24 to 48 hours. This allows the PVC to get used to the temperature.
- Step 5: Lay the subfloor. Choose the right subfloor for sound insulation and heat conduction. This makes walking comfort much better immediately.
- Step 6: The laying itself. Always work from the corner and use distance blocks for the expansion gap at the wall. PVC always moves a little.
- Step 7: Finish. Saw away the excess edges and place your skirting boards. A nice skirting board finishes the floor.
Although this plan looks simple, there are pitfalls in the smallest detail. Mistakes when sawing or a wrong glue choice can ruin your whole project. Companies like Martijn de Wit Vloeren therefore offer not only products, but also peace of mind. You can go to them for scratch-resistant PVC floors that are laid by their own teams, which gives you the guarantees that you miss with a parcel from a web shop.
Maintenance and durability: an investment for the future
A PVC floor is naturally durable and easy to maintain, but there are differences in quality. The wear layer determines how long you enjoy your floor. In the DIY store you often find layers of 0.30mm. Specialists like Martijn de Wit usually supply 0.55mm or thicker, which is intended for intensive use and projects. That is the difference between a floor that looks worn out after 5 years, and one that still looks new after 15 years.
For maintenance and renovation, it is also nice to have a fixed point of contact. Suppose you have a beautiful herringbone PVC floor laid, and something heavy falls on it. With an anonymous web shop, you are dependent on the warranty conditions and long procedures. With a local specialist, you can call. They come by for floor maintenance or damage repair, often with the same people who laid the floor. That personal contact and knowledge of the product ensure that your floor lasts longer.
The best choice for your situation
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you find important. Is it purely about the lowest price and do you want to take the adventure of laying it yourself? Then online suppliers are a logical path. But if you are looking for a floor that forms the basis of your interior, that is laid perfectly and on which you can walk for years without worries, then a full-service specialist is the better option.
The combination of craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and service is what distinguishes companies like Martijn de Wit Vloeren. With showrooms in Schagen and Amsterdam, they offer the possibility to experience the quality before you buy. Whether you choose a sleek cast floor, a robust wood look, or a trendy PVC design: in 2026 the trend is clear. Quality and peace of mind win from the speed of an internet order. So take the time to compare, feel the different wear layers, and choose the party that not only delivers a floor, but makes a promise of living pleasure.
Are you ready for the next step? Then consider carefully whether you want to take the risk of laying it yourself, or whether you prefer the certainty of a team that has been laying the most beautiful floors for decades. After all, your house deserves the best foundation.
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