Sean Donnelly

Written By

Sean Donnelly

Sean Donnelly

Written By

Staff Writer

Sean Donnelly works to inform, engage, and motivate homeowners to take the reigns in making key decisions concerning homeownership and relocation. He is a content producer covering provider reviews, the homeownership and rental experience, real estate, and all things moving for Today’s Homeowner. Sean leverages his own experience within the moving industry to improve the consumer experience. He studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Reviewed By

Roxanne Downer

Reviewed By

Roxanne Downer

Editor

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

Updated On

April 27, 2023

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    Any home renovation will go more smoothly when you hire a qualified professional to handle the details. Buying and installing new flooring is no different. Empire Today is one of the most reputable retailers of flooring products and associated labor on the market today. With widespread availability, speedy estimates, competitive pricing, and an extensive array of flooring options available, we’re sure you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for when you book through Empire.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Flooring visualizer tool makes choosing your flooring easier
    • Large range of services and flooring options offered
    • Provides all-inclusive pricing estimates

    Cons

    • Sample pricing isn’t available online
    • Warranties for installation only last one year

    Our Take on Empire Today

    Empire is one of the best options available to homeowners today for full-service installation on various flooring types. From solid hardwood flooring to laminate, luxury vinyl, and everything in between, Empire’s 70 locations across 30 states can service any installation or product needs.

    With more designer options, such as WhisperHOME hardwood—designed to be quieter than traditional flooring—and hypoallergenic carpeting, along with more typical flooring products, the selection offered is second to none.

    As a part of the consultation process, you’ll be afforded access to Empire’s visualizer tool, which allows homeowners to see exactly how different flooring types will look in their homes.

    Empire Today Flooring Options

    Empire Today has many flooring types available to homeowners.

    FlooringStylesNumber of ColorsAverage Years Covered by Warranty
    Carpet FlooringHOME Fresh, plush, frieze, Berber, indoor-outdoor, pattern, commercialBeige, black, blue, brown, gray, green, red, orangeOne-year installation
    Hardwood FlooringWhisperHOME, solid hardwood, engineered hardwoodBeige, blue, brown, gray, red, orangeOne-year installation
    Laminate FlooringWood and waterproof optionsBeige, brown, gray, red, orangeOne-year installation
    Tile Flooring Ceramic, porcelainBeige, black, blue, brown, grayOne-year installation
    Vinyl FlooringVinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, commercial vinyl plank, commercial vinyl tileBeige, black, blue, brown, gray, red, orangeOne-year installation

    Carpet

    If you’re in the market for a flooring solution that will provide warmth and noise reduction, then some of Empire’s new carpet options may interest you. Whether you’re interested in indoor/outdoor carpeting, Berber, or more plus options, you can find something to suit your needs through a consultation with Empire. This provider’s licensed pros will be able to handle every step of your residential carpet installation, from moving necessary furniture to installation and any other necessary tasks.

    Hardwood

    Empire’s genuine hardwood flooring selection is somewhat limited but offers excellent options for a higher-end upgrade. With proper care, this flooring type can last 50 to 100 years. You’ll also have the option to sand and refinish floors to cover up damage and wear or match your existing decor as you see fit.

    For a more cost-friendly option, Empire also offers engineered wood. This features a real wood veneer over a fiberboard or composite core. Both are solid options for high-traffic areas, including living rooms, dining rooms, and entryways.

    Laminate

    Empire’s range of laminate flooring options is unique, in that they are made in the USA, exclusively for distribution and installation by Empire. This means you can be assured of quality when you book a flooring project with this provider.

    These laminate products are highly durable and water-resistant and come in various finishes to match an array of real hardwoods. Aside from the basic colors listed above, you’ll be able to find numerous shades of each to match any home interior.

    Tile

    Choose between porcelain or ceramic tile, which are both suitable for humid areas in the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The porcelain and vinyl tile lines Empire offers can mimic the appearance of real stone and are excellent options for both traditional and modern homes. As with any tile flooring option, you’ll have to be wary of damage or chipping over time and ensure that the grouting between individual tiles is laid correctly. Empire’s flooring installers can ensure that this is done well.

    Vinyl

    Vinyl is an excellent choice for more budget-conscious homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring. Modern luxury vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring offer realistic appearances at reasonable prices. Vinyl is generally a great flooring choice for bathrooms, mudrooms, basements, and other areas routinely exposed to moisture. 

    Aside from the increased functionality, you’ll be able to purchase vinyl that mimics the look of genuine hardwood, tile, and stone. Many of these options have the added benefit of being scratch and stain-resistant.

    Courtesy of Empire Today

    Services Offered by Empire Today

    Empire Today is a true full-service flooring professional. Aside from the flooring installation itself, here are the services you’ll have access to before and during your flooring installation if you book with this provider:

    • Visualizer: If you’re unsure what would look good in your home, you can use Empire’s online flooring visualizer tool to examine your options. Upload photos of your desired room(s) from your phone, and cycle through different flooring types to take advantage of this.
    • In-home estimate: You can book a free, no-obligation estimate through empiretoday.com or over the phone. You’ll be given a two-hour window when your flooring consultant arrives. They will bring samples of your preferred flooring options for you to choose from to render a full shop-at-home experience. Once you’ve decided, you’ll be given an all-inclusive estimate for your installation. This will include the costs for furniture moving as needed, disposal of old flooring, and material and labor costs for your new floors. In some cases, next-day service and installation could be available to you.

    Empire Today’s Cost, Financing, and Warranty

    Since Empire doesn’t provide sample material or labor pricing online, its all-inclusive estimates are the primary selling point that customers look at when booking. This typically makes for a smooth booking and installation process, with no added fees after the job is done.

    Empire Today’s Cost

    Unfortunately, cost figures aren’t available online or without an in-depth and in-person estimate. However, Empire’s qualified sales representatives will be able to render all-inclusive pricing figures, which include professional installation services, flooring material, disposal of your old flooring, and more as needed.

    We recommend using Empire’s visualizer tool and getting an in-home consultation to accurately gauge your cost and which flooring types will be best for your particular needs and budget. Your quote will include the cost of furniture and flooring removal, underlayment installation, and cleanup fees to remove any nasty surprises. Empire Today LLC offers a low-price guarantee on its high-quality flooring and installation services.

    Empire Today’s Financing

    This flooring brand offers financing via two different financial institutions: Wells Fargo Bank and Synchrony. This allows homeowners to upgrade their flooring without paying the total cost up-front.

    Empire’s 12-month financing option has a 0% interest rate for all flooring costs paid within the term of the loan. This means that you’ll be able to install high-end, designer flooring at no additional cost, with no fees for paying your floors off early. A four-year financing option also provides interest rates as low as 11.99%, with fixed monthly payments.

    Empire Today’s Warranty

    Empire flooring installations include a one-year warranty. These terms also outline that the installation team will make any amendments free of charge within 12 months after purchase and installation due to any defects caused by labor or faulty materials.

    To make a warranty claim, contact Empire Today, and a representative will inspect your flooring and repair or replace the affected areas. You might even be eligible for a full refund, depending on the extent of the damage or defects. It’s worth noting that Empire Today will void the warranty if any unauthorized contractor performs any work on the flooring. Therefore, contacting Empire is an important first step towards getting speedy, complimentary maintenance if you’re eligible.

    This one-year warranty might not be as generous as other floor services, but homeowners can purchase the Empire Service Plan, which covers any damage for five years after installation. This will cover scratches, dents, stains, unraveling, snags, and warping. If damages can’t be repaired, Empire Today may replace the flooring. There’s no service fee when claiming your warranty or service plan.

    Empire Today Locations and Service Areas

    Empire Today provides flooring services in 70 locations across 29 United States, including:

    • Alabama
    • Arizona
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nevada
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming

    Empire Today Reviews and Reputation

    Customer reviews are vital when vetting any home service provider. Here, we’ve listed some recent testimonials from Empire clients to give you more insight into its practices and customer service.

    The Good

    Positive customer feedback routinely mentions the speed and quality of the quote process. Considering how complicated and involved flooring installations can be, this is something that customers should look for in any flooring provider. Aside from this, all-inclusive estimates make the final cost easy to understand.

    “Alan came at the time he said he was coming. He was very professional, friendly, and did a great job. I was very satisfied after I looked and reviewed his job. It took him about 5 hours to complete the installation. I am very happy with my new floor. I gave Alan a 10 because he deserve it. Keep employee like Alan on your payroll. I will use Empire today again in the future”. — Guirlene, Trustpilot.com

    “Everything went great! The saleswoman was easy to work with and knew a lot about the floors. The installers that worked on our house were fantastic – true craftsmen. They showed up on time, were polite, and cleaned everything up. Our house looks amazing! We’ve already referred Empire to two people in our family, and they loved them too! You get a referral gift card, so that was great, too.” —Mary, Trustpilot.com

    The Bad

    Warranty disputes and labor issues were par for the course when looking at negative reviews. This is something to be wary of with any nationwide company. Labor and customer service quality are going to vary in quality between locations. Some less common but still concerning trends included no-shows on the part of work crews and difficulty contacting sales reps or sales managers regarding disputes after work was completed.

    “Empire was to install our carpet today 10/8 before real estate open house Sunday 10/10 . They were a no call, now show so adversely impacted our ability to show the house this weekend! We had explained the urgency of the install date to the salesperson who came to the house. No one even had the courtesy to call us back. Never again!”—Keyes, Trustpilot

    Final Thoughts: Empire Today

    Empire Today is one of the most recognizable brands in the flooring industry. With nationwide availability, quickly-rendered estimates, and a range of flooring options to choose from, Empire has earned this reputation. While some issues arise with any nationally-known service-based company — such as quality variance between locations — we’ve found that it is at least worth getting an in-home consultation from an Empire representative.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Empire Today

    How much does Empire Today cost?

    Sample pricing isn’t available on Empire’s website. However, getting a quote for service from this excellent flooring professional is easy if you live near one of its service areas across 29 states. These quotes are all-inclusive and are given after a free in-home estimate.


    Does Empire Today offer financing?

    Yes. If you qualify for the 12-month financing program, you’ll pay 0% interest for this term. Other options, like Empire’s four-year financing program, charge interest rates starting at 11.99% APR.


    Does Empire Today remove tile?

    Empire will remove flooring of any type as needed ahead of a flooring installation. They will also conduct subfloor repairs if it is needed before installing your new flooring.


    Does Empire Today install flooring on stairs?

    Empire Today will install carpet on stairs, hallways, closets, and around doors if need be. Remember that specialty flooring installation needs could cause steep increases in your pricing estimate.


    Editorial Contributors
    Sean Donnelly

    Sean Donnelly

    Staff Writer

    Sean Donnelly works to inform, engage, and motivate homeowners to take the reigns in making key decisions concerning homeownership and relocation. He is a content producer covering provider reviews, the homeownership and rental experience, real estate, and all things moving for Today’s Homeowner. Sean leverages his own experience within the moving industry to improve the consumer experience. He studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

    Learn More

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

    Learn More