Flooring Wood vs PVC: What Works Best in Amsterdam Homes?

If you’re renovating in Amsterdam or elsewhere in Noord-Holland, the choice often narrows to two proven options: engineered wood or PVC (LVT/SPC). This comparison keeps it practical and local—how both behave with our timber joist floors, VvE noise rules, narrow staircases, and the growing popularity of low-temperature heating.

What matters most in Amsterdam homes

Our buildings are characterful, but they’re rarely standard. Many canal houses and 19th-century apartments sit on timber joists, which means movement, hollow floors, and potential sound transmission. Ground floors can be humid—especially near canals or above crawl spaces—while upper floors are tricky to access via narrow staircases. VvE approval and noise criteria are common hurdles, and build-up height is limited by old thresholds and door clearances. Keep these five realities in mind as you weigh wood vs PVC.

Finally, if you live in a protected monument, check with Monumenten & Archeologie before removing original floors. Even when a full permit isn’t required, reversible solutions are often preferred. Start with guidance from the municipality: Amsterdam Monumenten.

Engineered wood: warmth, longevity, and real character

Pros: The appeal is tangible—warm underfoot, natural variation, and the option to refinish. A quality engineered oak with a 3–6 mm top layer can be sanded 1–3 times, giving you decades of life. With the right construction (stable plywood base, correct adhesives, and expansion joints), engineered wood can work well with hydronic underfloor heating. Choose a low-VOC oil or lacquer and FSC-certified European oak for a responsible specification.

Cons: Wood reacts to humidity. On ground floors with damp subfloors, you’ll need moisture testing and a reliable damp-proof strategy. On older timber joists, impact sound is a risk; you may need an acoustic underlay or a floating build-up to satisfy your VvE. Wood also requires a bit more height—typically 12–16 mm for the floor alone—plus any acoustic layer. In narrow staircases, long planks can be a logistical puzzle; smaller herringbone blocks are easier to carry and install.

Cost: For Amsterdam-quality engineered oak, including prep and installation, expect roughly €120–€180 per m² depending on pattern (herringbone vs plank), finish, subfloor works, and acoustic requirements.

PVC (LVT/SPC): robust, thin, and renovation-friendly

Pros: Good PVC floors are highly durable, stable, and thin—ideal where build-up height is limited. They’re water-resistant, forgiving of everyday life, and compatible with underfloor heating thanks to low thermal resistance (especially glue-down LVT). PVC is also logistically easy: compact boxes fit up stairwells, and installation is fast. Acoustic performance can be engineered with the right underlay, especially for click/rigid variants. Visual quality has improved dramatically; modern Dutch minimalist interiors pair well with the best matte textures.

Cons: While individual planks can be replaced, PVC cannot be refinished; once heavily worn, it’s a replacement job. Environmental credentials vary—look for phthalate-free, low-VOC products with clear Environmental Product Declarations. Glue-down systems need a well-prepared, smooth subfloor and moisture control; excessive residual moisture can compromise adhesive. Cheap products have telltale shine or repetitive patterns—go carefully on quality.

Cost: Quality PVC (including prep and installation) generally ranges €60–€110 per m², with glue-down LVT often at the higher end once subfloor smoothing is included. Rigid click SPC can reduce prep on minor irregularities, but always verify flatness tolerances.

Comfort, acoustics, and heating: the everyday experience

Underfloor heating: Both can work, but PVC (glue-down LVT) typically offers lower thermal resistance and faster response. Engineered wood needs a compatible construction and controlled temperatures; avoid solid wood over UFH. Ask suppliers for the floor’s R-value and UFH guidance.

Acoustics and VvE rules: In apartments, many VvEs ask for proof of impact sound improvement—often a ΔLw ≥ 10 dB with a test certificate. PVC click with an acoustic underlay can meet this; some LVT systems offer integrated acoustic layers. For engineered wood, a floating acoustic underlay or resilient layer can help meet targets. If your VvE references Dutch measurement standards (e.g., NEN-based reports), request system-specific certificates before you order.

Refinishing vs replacement: Wood wins on renewability: refreshing oil, spot repairs, and eventual sanding extend its life. PVC wins on hassle-free durability and easy cleaning, but once the wear layer is exhausted, you replace, not refinish.

Installation in real Amsterdam conditions

Narrow staircases: Moving 2.2–2.6 m planks into a third-floor apartment can be a small drama. Consider shorter planks or herringbone blocks for wood; PVC arrives in compact boxes that are easy to carry. In canal houses, hoisting may be an option but requires planning and permits for public space use.

Subfloors and moisture: Over timber joists, expect levelling and possible acoustic layers. On ground floors with crawlspaces, plan for moisture checks and, if needed, a damp-proof membrane or ventilation improvements. PVC is water-resistant, but adhesives are not—always test and mitigate moisture before a glue-down install. For wood, ensure correct acclimatisation and expansion allowances.

Monumentenzorg considerations: If original pine floors are present in a listed building, removing them may be restricted. A reversible floating system—either engineered wood or click PVC over an acoustic layer—can respect heritage while improving comfort. Document your build-up; heritage officers appreciate clear, reversible detailing.

Which looks better?

Wood has an effortless depth: limewashed oaks, smoked tones, hand-brushed textures—great with Amsterdam’s soft golden light and steel-framed doors. PVC has become convincingly natural in matte finishes and subtle grain repeats. If you’re chasing visual perfection on a tight build-up and noisy joists, quality PVC might edge it. If patina and long-term repairability matter, engineered wood is hard to beat.

Quick decision checklist

Building type: Timber joists, concrete slab, or ground floor with crawlspace? Choose a system compatible with your subfloor and moisture profile.
VvE requirements: Do you need a certified ΔLw improvement? Get product-specific acoustic certificates before purchase.
Underfloor heating: Check R-values and manufacturer guidance; avoid solid wood on UFH.
Build-up height: Measure thresholds and door clearances; PVC excels when every millimetre counts.
Logistics: Can long planks navigate your staircase? Consider shorter formats or PVC boxes.
Maintenance horizon: Prefer refinishing (engineered wood) or easy, durable replacement cycles (PVC)?
Sustainability: Look for FSC wood, low-VOC finishes/adhesives, or phthalate-free PVC with an EPD.

Bottom line: If you live in a busy apartment with strict VvE acoustic rules and low build-up, PVC (with a tested acoustic system) is often the safest, most practical choice. If you can accommodate a bit more height, appreciate patina, and want a floor you can renew, engineered wood delivers a warmer, longer-lived result. Either way, in Amsterdam’s unique building stock, the subfloor plan and approvals matter as much as the surface you see.