The Best Flooring Options for Austin's Climate

Choosing the right flooring for your Austin home is about more than aesthetics. Central Texas is known for its hot summers, humidity fluctuations, and occasional flooding, and your flooring needs to stand up to all of it. Here is our expert guide to the best flooring options for Austin homes.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP has become the most popular flooring choice in Austin for good reason. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, and comes in styles that closely mimic natural hardwood and stone. It handles temperature and humidity changes without warping, making it ideal for the Austin climate. LVP is also budget-friendly, typically costing $3-$7 per square foot installed.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile: Tile is a classic choice for Austin homes, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Porcelain tile is extremely durable, water-resistant, and stays cool underfoot during hot Texas summers. Modern large-format tiles with minimal grout lines create a clean, contemporary look. Tile ranges from $5-$15 per square foot installed depending on the material.

Engineered Hardwood: If you love the look of real wood but need something that handles humidity better than solid hardwood, engineered hardwood is the answer. Its multi-layer construction resists expansion and contraction caused by humidity changes. Popular species in Austin include white oak, hickory, and walnut. Engineered hardwood typically costs $6-$12 per square foot installed.

Solid Hardwood: Solid hardwood is beautiful and timeless, but requires more care in the Austin climate. It can expand and contract with humidity changes, so proper acclimation before installation and maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels are essential. If you choose solid hardwood, consider wider planks and a durable finish. Cost ranges from $8-$15 per square foot installed.

Polished Concrete: An increasingly popular option in modern Austin homes, polished concrete is extremely durable, low-maintenance, and stays cool in summer. It works particularly well in open-concept living areas and contemporary designs. If you have an existing concrete slab (common in Austin homes), polishing it can be more affordable than installing new flooring, typically $3-$8 per square foot.

Our Recommendation: For most Austin homeowners, we recommend LVP for general living areas and porcelain tile for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Engineered hardwood is a great choice for bedrooms and formal spaces where you want the warmth and beauty of real wood. Contact Castilleja Construction for a free flooring consultation and estimate.