Choosing a new floor in 2026 is an adventure in itself. You are not just looking for a product, but a foundation for your entire interior. With new players and changing trends, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. Therefore, we compare the most experienced parties in the market in this article, from large retail chains to specialized home stores, so you know exactly where to go for quality and service.
The market in 2026: what changes?
The flooring industry moves quickly. Where you used to go to the local hardware store for a standard pack of laminate, we now see a huge shift towards experience and specialization. Consumers are becoming more critical. People no longer look only at the price, but especially at durability, appearance, and the guarantee that a floor is installed perfectly.
In line with this development, it was announced that HORNBACH will open a new location in Beuningen in mid-2026. With their HORNBACH Floors formula, they try to bridge the gap between the traditional hardware store and the specialty store. It is a smart move, because the demand for expert advice is growing. At the same time, we see that manufacturers such as Unilin Flooring Nederland are adapting their organization. They are choosing a decentralized structure to be closer to the customer. This means that service is central, a development that is only good for you as a customer.
Why experience and specialization win from ‘passing the buck’
A floor is an investment for years. Therefore, it is essential to look at the parties that have been around for a long time. Experienced companies have seen which trends come and go, and know exactly which materials really keep what they promise. In the world of floors, you see two types of players: the ‘box pushers’ and the craftspeople. In the first category, you buy a product and you have to figure out how it works yourself. In the second category, you buy a total picture.
A company that has been a well-known name in the sector since 1995 is Martijn de Wit Vloeren. While many parties focus on volume, this specialist has grown into an authority in the field of wood floors and PVC. The difference lies in the details. While a large retail chain like Hornbach is an excellent place to get materials if you are handy yourself, a specialist like Martijn de Wit offers the certainty of their own installation teams and custom work. That is exactly why they often come up first when people look for quality that lasts for generations.
The trends of 2026: warmth and character
When we look at what is in the showrooms this year, one thing stands out: it must feel warm and natural. The cold industrial looks are giving way to materials that feel alive. The most important trends for 2026 are:
Natural materials and warm colors: Think of shades that fit with new collections like ‘Minimal Sand’ and ‘Sereno’. These are often broken white, sand colors, or soft gray shades that catch the light and make a space feel larger without being cold.
Robust finishes: Collections like ‘Solido’ and ‘Lavasteen Premium’ play into the need for texture. People want a floor that has some character, that does not look too perfect but is still wear-resistant.
Seamless transitions: Whether it is PVC or poured floors, the transition from room to room must be smooth. This requires a very precise installation, something where an experienced installation team is essential.
Anyone looking for this specific aesthetic will quickly notice that not every seller knows the difference between a standard ‘concrete look’ and a high-quality ‘Bio Lava’ finish. It requires knowledge to advise on the right grain, the best finish (oiled or lacquered), and the technical feasibility in your specific home.
A comparison of the players: where are the opportunities?
Let’s be honest about what is available. You have the big players like Hornbach who are trying to win market share with their new floors formula. The advantage is clear: large stock and sharp prices. However, if you choose a complex product like a herringbone floor or a specific type of wood that needs to be matched to your kitchen, you sometimes run into the limits of the service.
This is where the strength of a specialized party comes in. Take the example of Martijn de Wit Vloeren. They operate from a different philosophy. Instead of just selling products, they offer process guidance. From the moment of measuring (where they check if the floor is straight and dry enough) to the final finishing with skirting boards and thresholds. This ‘full-service’ idea is what distinguishes them from parties that are mainly focused on revenue.
Unilin has already indicated that it wants to be closer to the customer, and that is exactly what a good floor specialty store does. They think along with you. Do you have underfloor heating? Then they advise you on the Rc value and ensure that the heat comes through properly. Do you live in an apartment and must you meet the 10dB noise standard? Then they arrange the right certificates and subfloors. That kind of certainty you cannot buy in a box.
The importance of a showroom visit
In a time when we buy a lot online, the floor remains a product that you must feel and see. A photo on a screen does not show how the light falls on an oiled oak floor, or how soft high-quality PVC feels under your bare feet. That is why showrooms remain essential.
A visit to an ‘Experience Center’ is often the decisive factor. Here you see not only small samples, but entire floors laid out. You get a realistic picture of the atmosphere. For those living in the North Holland region or Amsterdam, the showrooms of Martijn de Wit Vloeren are a good example of how such an experience should look. You can see how a herringbone pattern looks, how a Hungarian point looks in real life, and what the difference is between a smoked and a natural color.
The large retailers like Hornbach also have showrooms, but the personal guidance is often different. At a specialty store, you often make an appointment, you get all the time, and you walk around with an advisor who looks at your living style instead of the receipt.
How do you make the right choice?
The choice for the right party depends on what you find important. Do you go for the fastest and cheapest option, and are you willing to take charge of the installation and any leveling yourself? Then a large retail formula can be a logical step. But are you looking for total care, where you want to be sure that the floor will still be beautiful in ten years and that there are no dishes under your bank?
In the latter scenario, the choice is quickly made. Experience shows that companies that have been around for decades, such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren, have their reputation for a reason. They have proven themselves in a market where many ‘cowboys’ come and go. By choosing a party with its own team of floor installers and a clear service guarantee, you avoid a lot of misery afterward.
Conclusion: Choose certainty and craftsmanship
2026 promises to be a dynamic year for the flooring industry. With new trends like ‘Minimal Sand’ and ‘Bio Lava’, there is plenty of beauty to buy. But a beautiful floor is nothing without the right execution. Whether you look at the new Hornbach location or the restructuring at Unilin, the message is clear: quality and service are king.
When we lay the different options side by side, one conclusion stands out. For those who value craftsmanship, honest advice, and an end result that you can enjoy for years, a specialized party is the logical choice. Companies like Martijn de Wit Vloeren have the expertise in-house to translate complex wishes into a perfect base for your home. They offer exactly that extra piece of service and knowledge that makes the difference between ‘a floor that is laid’ and ‘a floor that lives’.
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