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.
Empire also offers high-tech solutions to the difficulties of floor shopping. As a part of the consultation process, you’ll be afforded access to Empire’s visualizer tool, which allows you to see exactly how different flooring types will look in your home.
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.
4.8
Our Rating
Our Preferred Flooring Installers
Getting quotes from multiple flooring companies is crucial to getting the best products and deals. Use the panel below to get quotes from a few of our recommended floor installers.
4.7
Complimentary post-installation follow-ups
Provides convenient in-home consultations
Hundreds of flooring showrooms nationwide
4.8
Offers next-day installations on certain flooring options
Multiple financing options
Mobile showroom option for convenient at-home shopping
3.8
Natural and engineered hardwood options
Offers augmented reality visualizer tool
Provides free samples online and in-store
Empire Today Reviews
Exploring customer reviews is vital when vetting any home service provider. To help you get started, we researched recent testimonials from Empire clients to give you more insight into its practices and customer service.
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.
Some unhappy customers mentioned warranty disputes and labor issues, which is something to be wary of with any nationwide company. Labor and customer service quality are going to vary in quality between locations.
Ready to learn more about this popular flooring company? Continue reading below for our full review.
What Is 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 29 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.
Pros and Cons of Empire Today
The tabs below display some high-level pros and cons of Empire Today. Consider these positive and negative factors of the company as you make your decision.
What Are Empire Today’s Flooring Options?
Empire Today has many flooring types available to homeowners, each with one-year installation warranties. See the tabs below for colors, styles, and detailed information for each option.
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.
Styles:
- HOME Fresh
- Plush
- Frieze
- Berber
- Indoor-outdoor
- Pattern
- Commercial
Colors:
- Beige
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Gray
- Green
- Red
- Orange
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.
Styles:
- WhisperHOME
- Solid hardwood
- Engineered hardwood
Colors:
- Beige
- Blue
- Brown
- Gray
- Red
- Orange
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.
Styles:
- Wood
- Waterproof
Colors:
- Beige
- Brown
- Gray
- Red
- Orange
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.
Styles:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
Colors:
- Beige
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Gray
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.
Styles:
- Vinyl plank
- Luxury vinyl tile
- Sheet vinyl
- Commercial vinyl plank
- Commercial vinyl tile
Colors:
- Beige
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Gray
- Red
- Orange
Video Overview of Empire Today’s Installation Process
Watch the video below for a more in-depth look at Empire Today’s flooring installation process. It covers each step your Empire Today team will take to ensure your new floor is installed correctly and will last for years to come.
Empire Today Locations and Service Areas
Empire Today provides flooring services in 70 locations across 29 United States, which are illustrated in the map below:
How Does Empire Today Compare To Its Competitors?
Comparing a company to its top competitors is a great way to understand whether it’s your best option. The table below shows how Empire Today stacks up to some of the other biggest flooring installers in the industry.
Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Founded | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Installation Warranty | State Availability |
 | A+ | 1959 | $3–$17 | Yes, varies based on the flooring type | 29 states | |
 | F | 1994 | $0.99–$13.99 | Yes, varies based on the flooring type | 47 states (ex. AK, HI, WY) | |
 | A+ | 1988 | $2–$32 | Yes, varies based on the flooring type | 38 states | |
 | A+ | 1978 | $3.99–$6.78 | Yes, varies based on the flooring type | 50 states | |
 | A- | 1958 | $3–$14 | Yes, varies based on the flooring type | 50 states | |
 | C+ | 1996 | $1–$25 | 1-year workmanship guarantee | 38 states |
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.
Get some free estimates for your floor job below:
What Is 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.
So, Is Empire Today The Right Choice For Your Home?
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.
FAQs 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.
Methodology: How We Rank Flooring Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement and maintenance projects. Our flooring company reviews focus on what's important to you as a homeowner. That's why we look for companies that offer next-day installation, comprehensive labor guarantees, and various flooring options.
A flooring company can earn a total of 100 points in five categories. This score is then converted into a five-star scale. We use publicly available information, such as free quotes and customer reviews, to create our rating scales.
- Availability (10 points): We evaluate the availability of each flooring company, ranking them by the number of locations and the number of states in which they have a presence. The companies with the greatest availability receive the highest score in this category.
- Company Reputation (15 points): A company's reputation is a good indicator of its product. We use customer reviews and ratings from reputable organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), to determine this rating. Flooring companies that have received a higher BBB rating and are more proactive in responding to complaints receive higher scores in this category.
- Customer Service Features (30 points): When you decide to renovate, repair, or replace your floors, you want the best service possible. We evaluate flooring companies based on whether or not they offer in-home shopping, floor visualization tools, and next-day installation. If a company offers a labor guarantee, they receive a higher rating.
- Flooring Types Offered (15 points): Flooring companies that offer a wide range of flooring products are at the top of this category. We review each company and note if they offer installation and repair of laminate, hardwood, vinyl, tile and carpet.
- Services Offered (30 points): When you hire a flooring company to replace your floors, you want the job done from start to finish. We evaluate each flooring company's services and see if they offer removal of old floors, leveling of the subfloor, installation of new floors and free, no-obligation quotes.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
