Get Quotes from Top Flooring Contractors in Austin, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Flooring Contractor in Austin?

Austin-based flooring contractors do not need any occupational licenses to ply their trade in the city. However, these contractors are generally required to register with the city's Development Services Department (DSD) before obtaining locally-issued permits. Note that these permits typically have to be obtained before the commencement of construction and home improvement-related projects in the city. Flooring contractors who fail to register with this department or pull all required permits for flooring projects can receive fines of up to $2,000 and other statutory penalties and administrative sanctions.

Flooring contractors who wish to register with the DSD may do so by accessing the department's Service Center Request Form, selecting the "Register or Update Registration" option, and following all subsequent prompts and instructions. Note that the submission of specific documentation may be required during the registration process. These include:

• An Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) ID Number, which can be obtained by creating a user account on the city's Austin Build + Connect platform
• A Letter of Authorization form
• All stipulated fees

Queries related to the DSD's contractor registration process or concerning the verification of a flooring contractor's registration status can be directed to the department online, by calling 311 or (512) 974-2000 for callers outside Austin, or in person at:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Flooring Contractors in Austin?

Finding out how much your prospective flooring contractors charge for their services and how they are calculated is an important step when planning flooring projects in Austin. Professional flooring contractors in the city typically charge hourly, fixed, square footage, linear footage, or a combination of these rates for their services, and the total cost of your required flooring services will be determined by factors like:

• The type of flooring material
• The size of the floor area
• The condition of the surface to be worked on
• The amount of work required to prepare the surface for the job
• Your location within the city

Getting cost estimates for your flooring project from up to three local flooring contractors before signing any contracts is a good idea. Comparing these cost estimates helps you get an idea of the average rates for your required flooring services and also helps you identify and eliminate flooring contractors with significantly higher or lower rates from your list of potential hires. In many cases, this usually means that the contractor in question is being fraudulent.

Flooring contractors in Austin earn an estimated annual wage of $40,380. The list below indicates the average hourly wages for Austin flooring contractors and compares these figures with the average hourly wages of floor layers in other parts of Texas along with other major cities in the United States:

Are You a Member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)?

Given that flooring contractors do not need city or state-issued licenses to operate in Austin, it is crucial to look out for other types of qualifications when making your hiring decision among prospective contractors. A good way to do this is by asking if they belong to or have certifications from reputable flooring-related organizations like:

• The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)
• The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association (FCICA)
• The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
• The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin
• The Texas Association of Builders
• The TEXO Association
• The Texas Construction Association

Some benefits of hiring flooring contractors who belong to or have been certified by these organizations include:

• They are usually more experienced than their counterparts.
• They are held to high professional standards. This gives you confidence that your project will be handled professionally and optimally and provides you with an extra avenue for mediation in the event of unsatisfactory service delivery.
• They generally have better access to resources like training opportunities and top-notch insurance options.

To this end, always request proof of membership or relevant certification with a flooring-related organization from any flooring contractor that you intend to hire in Austin, and make sure that you validate the provided proof with the appropriate organization. You should also look the organization up online to ensure that they have a good local reputation.

How Much Do You Charge for Floor Repairs?

Due to the amount of use that it typically gets, it is normal to expect regular wear and tear on your floor. However, your flooring can also get significantly damaged under certain circumstances, such as:

• Improper initial installation
• Negligence or inadequate care and maintenance
• Sharp pet nails
• Tracked-in dirt and debris

These significant damages usually affect one or more of the following crucial floor cross-sections:

• Floor surface: this is the actual surface of the floor, and damages to this floor cross-section are usually caused by scratches, dents, improper care and maintenance, sun fading, and minor water damage
• Subfloor: the subfloor refers to materials installed underneath the flooring to give it an even surface and also provide support for it. Damages to this floor cross-section typically involve water-related issues.
• Joist: joists are boards that run horizontally under the subflooring. They are critical to the structural integrity of buildings as they support the weight of the floors and rooms above them and are typically installed when the building was initially constructed. As such, repairs to this floor cross-section should be done immediately after any damage is noticed and should only be attempted by professionals

When looking to repair or replace your damaged floors, make sure that the flooring contractor you hire is skilled not only in dealing with the particular type of damage in question but also properly equipped to complete the job satisfactorily. Also, find out how much the flooring contractor charges for their services, and make sure that you agree on these charges before any repair work commences.

Cost estimates for various types of floor repair services offered by professional flooring contractors in Austin are provided below:

Estimates based on flooring material per square foot:

Estimates based on type of damage:

Estimates based on repair solution:

Estimates based on floor location:

What Kind of Flooring Services Do You Offer in Austin?

Residents of Austin use several types of flooring for their homes and property, and it is vital to make sure that any flooring contractor you are considering hiring specializes in handling your preferred flooring material. Some common flooring materials preferred by residents of the city include:

• Hardwood flooring: this is a popular flooring choice in the city due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, a significant disadvantage of hardwood flooring is its susceptibility to scratches, especially from pets. Hardwood flooring can be constructed from a wide variety of wood species, like cherry, maple, oak, mahogany, bamboo, teak, jarrah, mesquite, ash, and walnut, and it typically comes in four main types, namely finished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood.
• Laminate flooring: this flooring is aesthetically appealing and is considered a relatively cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring and tile flooring for homeowners in this regard. Laminate flooring is also durable, less prone to scratches than hardwood flooring, but susceptible to moisture damage.
• Tile flooring: tile flooring comes in three main types, namely ceramic, porcelain, and engineered tiles. This type of flooring requires professional installation to ensure that it is laid evenly on a completely level surface and with little to no irregularities.
• Vinyl flooring: this flooring is preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, and other similar areas due to its high resistance to water and moisture damage and durability. Vinyl flooring is also relatively inexpensive and low-maintenance but can be extremely difficult to repair. It typically comes in three main types, namely luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and sheet vinyl.
• Carpet flooring: this flooring typically comes in two main categories, namely natural fiber carpet flooring, which is the more eco-friendly option, and synthetic fiber carpet flooring, which is relatively cheaper, more stain-resistant, and easier to maintain

Professional flooring contractors in Austin typically provide different types of services in relation to these flooring materials, such as:

• New flooring installations
• Flooring repair
• Flooring removal and replacement
• Flooring maintenance

Nevertheless, always confirm that your prospective flooring contractor is experienced and well-equipped to install your preferred flooring material or perform any other types of flooring services you need. Provided below are cost estimates for common flooring services in Austin:

Do You Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Refinishing your hardwood floors is a good way to renovate them, ensure that they retain their natural beauty, and keep them lasting for a long time. Note that while the terms "floor refinishing" and "floor resurfacing" are often used interchangeably, these are two distinct procedures. Floor refinishing involves sanding down the hardwood floor and applying fresh stain or lacquer to give it a new look. On the other hand, floor resurfacing involves grinding down uneven floorboards, removing old ones, and adding new nails to reinforce existing wood planks, and is usually a more labor-intensive endeavor than floor refinishing.

While the average cost of floor refinishing in Austin is $3 - $5 per square foot, factors like floor size and its current condition generally influence the exact cost of these types of projects. It is always a good idea to get a professional flooring contractor to refinish your floors instead of attempting to do so yourself, and it is recommended that you undertake this project anywhere between four to six times during the floor's lifespan or every seven to ten years. Note that you may have to refinish your hardwood floors outside these recommended timeframes if you notice the following:

• The floorboards are turning gray.
• The floor is showing signs of fading and discoloration
• The floor has major scratches, dents, or splinters
• The floor is bending downwards from its edges
• The floor has difficult or impossible-to-remove stains

Also, in certain situations, you may have to forgo refinishing or resurfacing and completely replace your hardwood floors. These include:

• The floors have already been refinished numerous times
• The floor has significant water damage
• The floor has nails peeking through it
• The floor has a lot of serious marks and scratches
• The floorboards are noticeably discolored
• The floorboards are creaking or moving

Do You Offer a Warranty for Floors Installed?

Warranties are another key area to consider when selecting flooring contractors in Austin. Floor installers in the city typically offer their clients two types of warranties, which are:

• Manufacturer Warranties: these types of warranties cover the actual flooring material installed and assure the home or property owner of the product's quality. The scope and validity period of manufacturer warranties are determined by the product manufacturer and type of product in question. Nevertheless, many common flooring materials have average validity periods of:
  • Carpet - 10 to 20 years
  • Hardwood - at least 25 years
  • Laminate - 10 to 30 years
  • Tile - 10 to 25 years
  • Vinyl - 10 to 20 years
  It should be noted that the validity period of manufacturers' warranties is usually shorter for flooring materials that are installed in commercial properties. Also, while the coverage provided by these warranties is usually non-transferrable and only applicable to the original product purchaser, some manufacturer warranties have transferability options that allow their coverage to be passed on to new homeowners. Note that these new homeowners must take possession of the residence where the warrantied flooring material was installed within a stipulated timeframe.
• Installation/Workmanship Warranties: these types of warranties cover the actual work done by the floor installer and assure the home or property owner that the job was done professionally. Installation/workmanship warranties are typically valid for at least one year

Note that warranties offered in Austin typically stipulate certain types of damages where they do not provide coverage. These usually include:

• Damages caused by improper installation or non-professional/unauthorized repair of the flooring material
• Damages caused by negligence, inadequate or improper maintenance, and improper use of the flooring material
• Damages caused by natural disasters

Will You Handle Clean-up after the Flooring Installation?

When planning your flooring project in Austin, confirming who will be responsible for post-work cleanup is crucial. Flooring installation and repair projects typically generate a high volume of dirt and debris, especially for commercial properties generally larger than residential dwellings. Hiring a flooring contractor that handles post-work clean-up saves you the hassle and cost of doing this yourself or getting a cleaning company for the job.

Therefore, always confirm that your prospective flooring contractor will be responsible for cleaning up after your flooring installation or repair before signing any contracts with them. Ensure that this agreement is included in the contract and that the cleanup is done before your newly installed floors' first use.

Listed below are tips for the proper cleaning and maintenance of different types of newly installed floors in Austin:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Flooring Contractors in Austin?

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, building and construction-related workers accounted for approximately 27 percent of the fatal occupational injuries that were reported across Texas in 2020. As such, even though Austin-based flooring contractors are not mandated to carry any type of insurance, it is always in your best interest to make sure that any flooring contractors working on your property have adequate liability insurance.

Hiring a properly insured flooring contractor ensures that you are not held liable for any injuries that occur during your flooring project, as well as any property damage that may be caused by or because of the contractor during the execution of the project.

Therefore, always request proof of insurance from your prospective flooring contractors and authenticate any provided documentation with the appropriate insurance company before the contractors start work on your property. Make sure to confirm that the flooring contractor's insurance policy covers third-party injuries and property damage and will also be adequate for the scope of your flooring project.