You want new floors. But between laminate, LVP, engineered wood, and solid hardwood – the options are overwhelming. And everyone promises they're "the best."
Here's the truth: There is no single best floor. There is only the best floor for your specific home, budget, and lifestyle.
We've installed thousands of flooring projects across Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville, and Austin. Let us help you choose wisely.
Laminate Flooring – $504 to $551
What it is:
A multi-layer synthetic product with a high-resolution photographic layer that looks like wood or stone, topped with a clear wear layer.
What it's good at:
- ✓ Scratch resistance (great for dogs and kids)
- ✓ Fade resistance (sunlight won't change color)
- ✓ Easy cleaning (vacuum and damp mop only)
The 2025 reality:
Old laminate looked fake. New laminate looks surprisingly real – especially the $540+ ranges with embossed-in-register texture (meaning the grain matches the print).
Best rooms:
Living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, hallways
Avoid:
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements (unless you buy water-resistant laminate, which we carry)
Who loves laminate:
Homeowners in Cedar Park with two golden retrievers. Young families in Pflugerville who want wood look without wood price.
💰 Price range: $504 - $551 per 100 sq ft
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVT/LVP) – $587 to $638
What it is:
100% waterproof vinyl with a thick wear layer (12-20 mils). Each plank clicks together or glues down.
What it's good at:
- ✓ Being completely waterproof
- ✓ Feeling warmer underfoot than tile
- ✓ Resisting dents and scratches
- ✓ Installing over existing floors (in many cases)
Why Texas families love LVT:
Kids spill juice. Dogs come in with wet paws. Someone overflows the washing machine. With LVT, you grab a towel, wipe it up, and move on. No swelling. No buckling. No panic.
Best rooms:
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms, entire downstairs
Can install anywhere:
Yes – including below grade
💰 Price range: $587 - $638 per 100 sq ft
Engineered Wood – $652 to $694
What it is:
A real wood veneer (typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) glued onto multiple layers of plywood or HDF.
What it's good at:
- ✓ Looking exactly like solid hardwood (because it is real wood on top)
- ✓ Handling humidity changes better than solid wood
- ✓ Being installed as a floating floor (no nails or glue)
Why choose engineered over solid:
Texas humidity expands and contracts solid wood. Over time, you get gaps in winter and crowning in summer. Engineered wood is dimensionally stable – it moves less because of the plywood base.
Best rooms:
Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, upstairs hallways
Can you refinish it?
Yes, once or twice (depends on veneer thickness)
Who buys engineered wood:
Homeowners who want real wood but worry about Texas weather. Also popular in historic Georgetown homes where solid wood would be too unstable.
💰 Price range: $652 - $694 per 100 sq ft
Solid Hardwood – $755 to $847
What it is:
100% solid wood from top to bottom. Usually 3/4 inch thick.
What it's good at:
- ✓ Lasting 50+ years with proper care
- ✓ Being sanded and refinished multiple times
- ✓ Adding real resale value to your home
The trade-offs:
- ⚠️ Sensitive to humidity (needs consistent 35-55% RH)
- ⚠️ Can't install below grade (no basements)
- ⚠️ More expensive materials and labor
Best rooms:
Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms – above grade only
Avoid:
Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, any room with moisture risk
Who buys solid hardwood:
Homeowners who plan to stay for 20+ years. People who love the authentic feel of wood under bare feet. And anyone selling a luxury home in West Lake Hills or Lake Austin.
💰 Price range: $755 - $847 per 100 sq ft
Flooring Installation Services at Skywood
We don't just sell floors. We install them. And we do it with our own crews – no subcontractors.
What's included in our installation service:
- 📏 Free in-home measurement (we bring a laser measure and check subfloor condition)
- 🚛 Old flooring removal and haul-away (carpet, tile, laminate, whatever)
- 🔧 Subfloor prep (leveling, patching, moisture barrier if needed)
- 🔨 Professional installation (acclimation, layout, cutting, finishing)
- 🧹 Cleanup – we leave your home cleaner than we found it
Timeline: Most flooring projects take 1-3 days. For in-stock products, we can often install within one week of measurement.
Flooring Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Laminate | LVT/LVP | Engineered Wood | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per 100 sq ft) | $504-551 | $587-638 | $652-694 | $755-847 |
| Waterproof? | ⚠️ No (water-resistant options available) | ✅ Yes (100%) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Scratch-resistant? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Can refinish? | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (1-2x) | ✅ Yes (multiple) |
| Best for basements? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years | 20-30 years | 30-50 years | 50+ years |
Which Floor Should You Choose? A Simple Decision Guide
Ask yourself these three questions:
1. Where is the room located?
- Below grade (basement) → LVT only
- Kitchen, bath, laundry → LVT or water-resistant laminate
- Living room, bedroom → Any option works
2. Do you have kids or pets?
- Yes → LVT or laminate (scratch-resistant)
- No → Engineered wood or hardwood (if budget allows)
3. How long will you stay in this home?
- 1-5 years → Laminate or LVT
- 5-15 years → LVT or engineered wood
- 15+ years → Engineered wood or solid hardwood
We Serve All of Central Texas
Free in-home measurements and installation available in:
- Round Rock
- Georgetown
- Cedar Park
- Leander
- Pflugerville
- Austin
- Hutto
- Liberty Hill
- Lakeway
- Bee Cave
- Kyle
- Buda
- San Marcos
- Taylor
- Elgin
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring
What's the best waterproof flooring for kitchens and bathrooms?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVT/LVP) is 100% waterproof and our top recommendation for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. It's also scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Can I install flooring over existing floors?
In many cases, yes! LVT and some laminate can be installed over existing tile or vinyl. We'll check your subfloor during our free in-home measurement.
How long does flooring installation take?
Most flooring projects take 1-3 days. For in-stock products, we can often install within one week of measurement.
Do you offer free flooring estimates?
Yes! We offer free in-home measurement and written quotes. No pressure, no hidden fees. Call us or visit our Round Rock showroom.
What flooring is best for pets?
Laminate and LVT are both scratch-resistant and great for pets. LVT has the added benefit of being waterproof for accidents. We recommend the $540+ laminate or $587+ LVT ranges.
Ready for New Floors? Get Your Free Estimate Today
📞 Call Skywood today: (512) 305-3397
📍 Visit our Round Rock showroom – see & touch 50+ flooring samples
🌐 www.skywoodcf.com
📍 Address: 2251 Picadilly Dr Ste A150, Round Rock, TX 78664
🕒 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm | Sat 9am-5pm


