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Flooring

Empire Today Review 2024: Costs, Pros, Cons & Comparisons

Modernize Rating: 4/5

Average Cost: $1 - $20

Empire Today is a full-service flooring company operating in 27 states, offering a variety of flooring types such as carpet, laminate, hardwood, and more, with average costs ranging from $1 to $20 per square foot based on material. They provide in-home consultations, next-day installation, and transparent pricing, though they require professional installation and in-home visits for exact pricing. Despite not being nationwide, Empire Today ensures a streamlined, efficient process with their marketplace approach and extended service plans.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

You may be familiar with the catchy company jingle, but did you know Empire Today is a full-service flooring company? What began as a modest family-owned business has grown into a major supplier and installer in the flooring industry. The company operates in 27 states, including most major metro areas, and provides a complete range of flooring types through its network of pre-vetted independent contractors. In this review, we provide you with everything you need to know about Empire Today to determine if it is the right flooring company for you.

How Empire Today Works

Empire Today provides a complimentary in-home consultation with a company representative. During your appointment, they will help you find the best type of flooring for your needs and take room measurements. They also bring samples so you can see how different flooring products and colors look in your home with your furniture and furnishings. Before your appointment, you can get a head start on the design of your new floors with the company’s helpful flooring visualizer tool.

flooring options

Empire Today offers next-day service and one-day installation depending on availability, a nice benefit for those looking to finish their flooring projects in a hurry. The company works with pre-screened independent contractors and will match your project to a local installer in your area. During your flooring installation, your contractor will move all furniture and furnishings, remove and haul away your old flooring, and clean up after installing your new flooring.

Types of Flooring Available at Empire Today

The company carries a range of flooring types from well-known manufacturers like Shaw Flooring and Mohawk Flooring, as well as other smaller and more boutique brands. Empire Today offers the following flooring types:

Warranty Information

Specific product warranty coverage varies by flooring type and manufacturer. Empire Today offers a one-year warranty on its installation with the option to purchase an extended service package for an additional cost.

Empire Today Review: Pros and Cons

There are several benefits to choosing an all-inclusive flooring company like Empire Today. There are also some disadvantages, especially if you prefer doing the installation yourself.

  • Pros

    • In-home consultations
    • Flooring visualizer tool
    • Transparent pricing
    • Next-day installation available
  • Cons

    • Not nationwide
    • Requires professional installation
    • In-home consultation required for pricing
    • No budgetary pricing on website

Pros

  • In-home consultations: Personalized service directly at your home.
  • Flooring visualizer tool: Helps you envision your new flooring.
  • Transparent pricing: Clear and upfront cost information.
  • Next-day installation: Fast and efficient service.

Cons

  • Not nationwide: Limited service area.
  • Professional installation required: Cannot DIY.
  • Consultation for pricing: Pricing only provided after in-home visit.
  • No budgetary pricing: Lack of preliminary pricing online.

How Much Does Empire Today Cost?

The company provides specific pricing through its personalized in-home consultations. While Empire Today does not include estimated pricing on its website, the average cost of flooring installation ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. Here are Modernize’s average cost ranges for the flooring types Empire Today offers. See the Modernize flooring cost guide for detailed pricing information.

Empire Today Cost Table
Flooring TypeInstalled Cost per Square Foot
Carpet$1 to $6
Engineered Hardwood$4 to $16
Hardwood$6 to $20
Laminate$2.70 to $11
Vinyl $2 to $3
Tile$3 to $20

Factors That Affect Empire Today Pricing

As you begin planning your flooring project budget, here are the primary factors that affect your Empire Today price estimate:

Flooring type: Flooring material is typically the primary cost driver in a project. On average, solid wood flooring is the most expensive material per square foot, followed by tile, engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl.

Local labor rates: Labor costs account for approximately 25% of a flooring project and can vary dramatically from region to region.

Wood species: If you prefer hardwood flooring, oak or exotic species tend to cost more per square foot on average compared to other species.

Flooring brand: Well-known and reputable brands tend to cost more per square foot on average in addition to higher-end and luxury brands.

Square footage: The more surface area you need to cover, the more you will pay for materials.

Prep work or repairs: Expect to pay more in labor if your subfloor in uneven, needs repairs, or requires replacing.

Service plan: Empire Today offers an extended service plan for all its installations for an additional cost.

Check the Empire Today website for regular promotions and sales. The company usually offers a discount if you sign up to receive promotional emails.

Benefits of Choosing Empire Today

Convenience and speed are among the top advantages of selecting Empire Today as your flooring installation provider. Depending on material and labor availability, some projects can be completed in one day. The company also does most of the research and planning for you with its curated selection of flooring types and pre-screened independent contractors. Empire Today offers a simple all-inclusive estimate that includes furniture moving, demolition and removal of old flooring, subfloor prep, and cleaning upon completion. You can protect your flooring investment with an optional service plan.

new carpet

How Empire Today Compares to Competitors

Several national and large regional flooring companies offer a similar shopping experience to Empire Today. Big box retail chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer in-home measuring services and installation project quotes from independent contractors for the products they carry. Product brands and pricing are more transparent on their company websites compared to Empire Today so you can begin planning your budget before your consultation. LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) services 47 states and displays product pricing on its website. Most LL Flooring products are exclusive to the company, so product variety is more limited.

Regional flooring companies like National Floors Direct and Luna Flooring most closely match the overall shopping experience of Empire Today. Both feature a range of flooring types, promotions, and financing options. National Direct Floors features its brand suppliers on its website so you have a better idea of the products available prior to your appointment. Like Empire Today, Luna Flooring offers a helpful flooring visualizer and a one-year installation warranty. Luna Flooring also has several independently owned retail showrooms. Among its competitors, Empire Today is the only flooring company that offers an optional extended service package.

Is Empire Today Right for Me?

Through its in-home consultations, Empire Today provides a full range of flooring types from well-known brands. The company’s complimentary in-home design guidance helps you decide on the best product for your home. If you prioritize speed and convenience, Empire Today takes some of the research and guesswork out of the flooring selection process. A quick turnaround is also a perk with its next-day appointments and one-day installation. The company’s one-year installation warranty and optional service plan provide peace of mind and protect your flooring investment.