A West Lake Hills homeowner wanted to elevate their 1990s estate from builder-grade carpet and dated tile to a statement floor that matched the home's architectural ambition. The result: 2,400 square feet of hand-selected European white oak in a classic herringbone pattern.
Before & After
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The Challenge
The home had a mix of original builder-grade carpet in the living areas and 12-inch ceramic tile in the kitchen and hallways — all installed in the early 1990s. The homeowners were preparing for a full interior renovation and wanted a single cohesive floor that would flow through the main level, create a sense of luxury, and hold up to two large dogs and frequent entertaining. The existing subfloor had minor low spots and a moisture reading of 7.2% — within acceptable range but requiring attention before installation.
Our Solution
After a thorough site assessment, we recommended 5-inch European white oak engineered hardwood in a herringbone pattern with a wire-brushed matte finish. The herringbone layout adds visual complexity and a timeless European elegance that suits the scale of the home. We selected a honey-to-natural tone to complement the planned white oak cabinetry and warm brass hardware the homeowners had already chosen. Engineered hardwood was the right call over solid wood given the slab-on-grade construction and Austin's humidity swings.
Scope of Work
- Demo and haul-off of 2,400 sq ft of carpet and ceramic tile
- Subfloor inspection, grinding of high spots, and self-leveling compound in two low areas
- Moisture barrier installation across full slab
- Layout planning and dry-fit of herringbone pattern to center the design in the main living area
- Glue-down installation of 5-inch European white oak engineered hardwood in herringbone pattern
- Custom stair nosing installation on 3 steps
- Shoe molding and transition strips throughout
- Final clean, buff, and walk-through inspection
Project Photos
The Results
The transformation was dramatic. What had been a dated, disconnected floor plan became a unified, magazine-worthy space. The herringbone pattern draws the eye through the open floor plan and creates a natural focal point in the main living area. The homeowners reported that the floor was the single most impactful change in their entire renovation — more than the new kitchen or paint. The wire-brushed finish has held up flawlessly to their two labs, and the matte surface shows virtually no footprints or dust.
"We interviewed four flooring companies and Capital City was the only one who actually understood what we were going for. They knew herringbone, they knew the right wood species, and they executed it perfectly. The floor is the first thing every guest comments on. Worth every penny."
