Empire Flooring, commonly known as Empire Today, markets in-home consultations and a wide range of flooring options from budget vinyl to premium hardwood. Pricing with Empire Flooring is not a fixed number; it hinges on material choice, room size, removal of existing floors, subfloor preparation, underlayment, and installation complexity. This guide explains whether Empire Flooring is expensive, what drives costs, typical price ranges by material, how Empire compares with competitors, and practical ways to maximize value when choosing Empire Flooring for a home project.
How Empire Flooring Pricing Works
Empire Flooring typically prices projects per square foot and often presents all-inclusive quotes that cover materials, installation, and basic services. The exact breakdown can vary by location and project scope, but key components usually include the following: the selected flooring material, underlayment, removal of existing flooring, subfloor preparation, adhesives or fasteners, trimming and finishing, and disposal of old flooring. Some quotes also include moving furniture or protective measures, while others itemize these as add-ons. In-home consultations can provide a written, fixed price, reducing sticker shock at installation day. Understanding what is included in the quote helps homeowners compare value rather than just price.
The company’s promotional offers, financing options, and regional promotions can influence the final price. It is common for Empire Flooring to advertise financing plans or periodic discounts, which can lower out-of-pocket costs for qualified buyers. Homeowners should review the terms of any financing or promos, including interest rates, repayment terms, and whether promotions apply to selected materials or installation only.
Typical Costs By Flooring Material
Prices vary widely by material and installation requirements. The ranges below reflect typical installed costs for mid-range materials in residential settings in the United States. Actual quotes from Empire Flooring may differ by region and specifics of the project.
| Material | Typical Price Per Sq Ft Installed |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $2.00 – $6.00 |
| Laminate | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Vinyl Plank | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Ceramic/Porcelain Tile | $3.00 – $12.00 |
| Engineered Wood | $4.00 – $9.00 |
| Solid Hardwood | $5.00 – $12.00 |
Notes: These ranges typically include materials, underlayment where applicable, removal of old flooring, and standard installation. Higher-end collections, intricate patterns, or difficult subfloors can push costs beyond these ranges. Additionally, larger rooms often receive slightly better per-square-foot value due to economies of scale, while small or irregular spaces may incur additional edge work and waste.
Factors That Influence Empire Flooring Prices
- Room size and layout — Larger spaces usually have lower per-square-foot costs, but total project price rises with area.
- Existing floor removal and subfloor condition — Removing old flooring, leveling uneven subfloors, and repairing damage adds to the price.
- Underlayment and finishing details — Premium underlayments, moisture barriers, or sound-dampening layers add to cost.
- Material choice and grade — Higher-end materials and thick wear layers drive up price.
- Complex patterns or transitions — Herringbone patterns, diagonal cuts, curved edges, and stair installs require more labor.
- Accessibility and installation difficulty — Difficult-to-reach spaces or tight stairways can increase labor time.
- Promotions and financing — Time-limited offers or financing terms can affect the total out-of-pocket expense.
- Regional pricing — Material costs and labor rates vary by state and market demand.
Homeowners should request a written, itemized quote that clearly lists material costs, labor, removal, subfloor prep, and any optional services. This clarifies where savings are possible and where costs are non-negotiable due to project complexity.
How Empire Flooring Compares To Competitors
Empire Flooring positions itself as a turnkey solution with in-home consultations and fixed-price quotes in many markets. Compared with big-box retailers, Empire often emphasizes quick installation timelines and convenient, single-provider service, which can be appealing for homeowners seeking a streamlined experience. However, price comparisons can vary widely. Some competitors may offer lower base material costs but charge separately for installation or removal, while others may bundle services at a different price point. Consumers should compare:
- Total installed price vs itemized quote
- In-home measurement and consultation fees (if any)
- Availability of free or low-cost removal and site preparation
- Financing terms and promotional offers
- Warranty coverage on materials and workmanship
In addition to price, attributes such as customer service, installation timelines, and post-installation support influence overall value. Reading independent reviews and requesting recent quotes helps ensure a well-rounded comparison.
Saving Money On Empire Flooring
- Get multiple quotes from Empire and at least one or two local installers to benchmark price and service.
- Ask for an all-inclusive price that covers removal, subfloor prep, materials, installation, and disposal to avoid surprise add-ons.
- Look for promotions and financing options, but review terms carefully—zero-interest periods and deferred payments can impact long-term cost.
- Choose practicality—select durable materials with good wear ratings that minimize maintenance and future replacement costs.
- Plan for future needs—if a room is likely to be renovated soon, consider durable options even if upfront cost is higher, to reduce replacement frequency.
- Prepare the space — clear furniture and remove wall hangings as requested to avoid service charges for pre-installation preparation.
Smart budgeting involves balancing material quality, installation complexity, and the value of added home aesthetics and durability. A well-chosen option can offer a favorable lifetime cost despite a higher initial price.
Getting An Accurate Quote From Empire Flooring
To obtain a precise, written estimate, homeowners should follow these steps. First, measure the project area accurately and provide room dimensions, including irregular spaces and stairs. Second, note existing floor conditions, such as moisture issues, subfloor warping, or structural concerns, since these influence prep work and cost. Third, discuss preferred materials, thickness, and any special patterns. Fourth, request a breakdown of all charges: materials, labor, removal, underlayment, trim, and disposal. Finally, ask about warranties and the process if changes arise during installation. A formal in-home consultation typically yields the most reliable quote and can expose potential savings or required upgrades.
Customers should also verify terms: any minimums, deposit requirements, lead times for installation, and what constitutes “all-inclusive” pricing. Keeping a written record of all communications helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures the final project aligns with budget and expectations.
Practical Considerations And FAQs
Is Empire Flooring expensive? The answer depends on material choice, room size, and project specifics. For many homeowners, Empire Flooring offers competitive pricing and the convenience of an all-in-one service, though some materials and installations can be pricey compared with strictly DIY options or regional competitors. The key to value is obtaining a transparent, itemized quote and assessing total cost of ownership over the life of the flooring. For those prioritizing speed, convenience, and a single point of contact, Empire Flooring can be a compelling option when quotes align with budget and long-term expectations.