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Empire Today

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5.0

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: August 5th, 2025

Empire Today® is a flooring and carpet installation company headquartered in Northlake, Illinois. Since its founding in 1959, Empire® has built a reputation for convenience, quality, and customer service. What sets the company apart is its in-home shopping experience and a wide range of products that cater to both residential and commercial customers — Empire offers carpet, laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and tile flooring options.

Empire is known for its fast and efficient next-day* installation service. This offering is perfect for customers needing quick renovations. Empire's ability to rapidly deploy skilled, professional installers ensures that your flooring project is completed without significant delays, providing convenience and immediate satisfaction.

Empire has won numerous awards, including a Stevies' "Company of the Year–Consumer Products" bronze winner (2016) and a Better Business Bureau Torch award for marketplace and business ethics (2015). 

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The Good

  • Competitive Pricing
  • Wide Range of Carpet and Flooring Options
  • Next-Day Installations
  • Free In-Home Estimates

Competitive Pricing

Empire Today's pricing includes both materials and installation. An Empire sales consultant will work with you to tailor your flooring project to your specific budget constraints and the company often runs promotions to help you save more on your flooring investment.

Wide Range of Carpet and Flooring Options

Empire Today offers a comprehensive selection of carpet and flooring options, each designed to meet different needs and styles. Here is a breakdown of what the company offers:

Carpet

Empire Today offers a range of carpet types including the following:

  • Berber — durable, low‑profile, easy‑to‑maintain (ideal for high traffic)
  • Plush — soft nylon fibers, stain and odor resistance (R2X®), excellent for homes with pets
  • Frieze — casual, textured fiber that hides footprints and adds a relaxed aesthetic
  • Pattern — elegant, upscale designs offering visual interest
  • Indoor-Outdoor — tough and resistant to weather, suitable for patios and transition spaces
  • Commercial-Grade — built for heavy use; uses textured loop and solution-dyed yarns to resist matting and discoloration

Wood-Look Flooring

Empire Today offers a range of wood-look flooring that mimics real wood without the added cost and maintenance. Many Empire wood-look flooring options are scratch-, fade-, stain-, mold-, mildew-resistant, waterproof or water‑resistant, and non‑slip. 

Empire Today offers the following wood-look flooring options:

  • Engineered hardwood
  • Solid hardwood
  • WhisperHOME®
  • Wood laminate
  • Vinyl plank
  • Sheet vinyl
  • Luxury vinyl tile
  • Porcelain/Ceramic tile

Vinyl Flooring

Empire Today offers a range of vinyl flooring options including the following:

  • Vinyl plank — wood-like aesthetics, fully waterproof via Empire’s exclusive Aqua Defense®; noise-reducing and warm underfoot
  • Sheet vinyl — seamless coverage, affordable and low-maintenance; available in wood or stone looks
  • Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) — mimics stone or ceramic tile with enhanced durability

Specialty and Exclusive Products

Empire Today offers a range of specialty and exclusive flooring products including the following:

  • Aqua Defense® (LVP) — Empire-exclusive fully-waterproof flooring system; ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements
  • Fresh Haven® carpet — odor-neutralizing and pet-friendly, great for active households
  • R2X® Performance Fibers — enhance R2X-treated carpets like Fundamental Plush with stain resistance and odor reduction

Next-Day Installations

Empire Today sets itself apart by offering next-day* installation services, allowing customers the option to complete their flooring project(s) faster. After you place your order, Empire can schedule your installation as soon as the next day with no long lead times.

It's important to note that Empire Today's next-day installation service is only available for in-stock carpet and flooring, and only in select areas — this service is not available nationwide.

Free In-Home Estimates

Empire Today’s free in‑home estimate (also called the “Shop‑at‑Home” service) is designed to make flooring shopping easy, personalized, and pressure‑free — here’s a quick breakdown of how the process works:

  1. Schedule your in-home estimate — book a time online or by phone; you'll receive a 2-hour appointment window
  2. Shop-at-home with an Empire flooring consultant — your consultant will arrive with a wide range of flooring samples and provide guidance on material performance and care
  3. Measure and inspect existing flooring — your consultant will measure rooms and assess existing flooring, subfloor, trim, etc.
  4. Receive and all-inclusive price quote — during your in-home estimate, you'll receive a realistic price quote covering materials, installation, old-floor removal and more with no hidden fees
  5. Decide to move forward and schedule your installation — if you decide to move forward with an Empire flooring installation, you'll pay a deposit and schedule the installation

Empire's free in-home estimate gives you a full showroom experience at home — with expert advice, exact measurements, transparent pricing, and flexible scheduling. It’s a streamlined, low-pressure way to start a flooring project — ideal if you want clarity, convenience, and a fast path to installation.

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The Bad

  • Limited Lifetime Warranties

Limited Lifetime Warranties 

Empire Today offers lifetime warranties on some of their flooring products, but not all. A lot of their products will jump down to 10- or 20-year warranties, which may not be what you are looking for. Before committing to Empire Today, check out the warranties section on their website and see what kind of warranties your favorite products have. 

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The Bottom Line

Empire Today stands out in the flooring industry with its highly convenient in-home shopping experience, wide product selection, and fast next-day* installation service for in-stock items. Unlike traditional flooring retailers, Empire brings the showroom to the customer’s home, allowing for personalized consultation, exact measurements, and same-day all-inclusive quotes without hidden fees. This Shop-at-Home approach, combined with the ability to install floors as soon as the next day, positions Empire as a go-to choice for customers seeking speed, convenience, and customization.

The company offers a broad range of carpet and flooring options — including Berber, plush, and commercial-grade carpets, as well as hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, and tile — with features like waterproofing, stain resistance, and pet-friendly technology. Exclusive offerings like Aqua Defense® vinyl flooring and Fresh Haven® carpet provide added performance and value. Empire also backs many of its products with limited lifetime warranties, and its in-home consultants tailor solutions to meet both style preferences and budget. Award-winning service, clear pricing, and a commitment to quick, quality installation make Empire Today a distinctive leader in the flooring space.

*Next-Day Installation only available on in-stock carpet and flooring styles only in select areas. Excludes floor prep.

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Star Rating

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4.0

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54 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

61%

4 grade

11%

3 grade

7%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

17%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Robyn Brady Kent, OH

We have used Empire Today three times now. Carpet and laminate in our old house and bathroom laminate flooring and all new carpet in the entire basement in our new house. Wide variety of flooring and the installers we have had so far have been great. Fair pricing as well. One stop shopping for sure!

4 years ago

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tammy merriweather Indianapolis, IN

I used Empire when I was selling my home. I had to re-carpet my whole entire house. This company provided a reasonable price that was very comparable to other companies within my area. I was also very pleased with the comfort with the carpet after the job was completed. The workers that came out to do the job were very professional, and they did it at a timely basis.

1 year ago

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Dawn Grover

These guys were great. We re-carpeted the entire upstairs of our house, and I feel like we got a quality product for a good price. Customer Service was great, installation was professional and quick. And the company followed up months later to see how the product was doing and if we wanted to use any of the services that we qualified for as far as repairs are cleaning. We didn't need any of those services, but I thought it was really cool that they actually reached out instead of waiting for me to reach out if I needed them. I found it to be a very good experience.

1 year ago

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Kelsey T.L. Lansing, MI

Empire Today Flooring came to our rescue when we had to replace the flooring in three different rooms. Their service was nothing short of exceptional. The entire process, from selection to installation, was incredibly smooth. Their team worked diligently, and the end result was beyond our expectations. Empire Today made our home feel new again, earning them a well-deserved five-star rating. Thank you for the seamless experience!

2 years ago

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Angel Morales Charlotte, NC

Hi my name is Angel Morales , to bad Empire is not servicing the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, I've used them in the past many times in all of my home projects in New Jersey and there just great nobody beats there prices, there fast and accurate. They did beautiful work every single time no ,matter what installer came they were all good, I've used them over 5 times and always cheaper and better then the big box stores or any smaller carpet company. Hope you come to my area soon in Myrtle Beach before my next project.

2 years ago

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jamee emens Scottsdale, AZ

If you need carpet quickly, this is the place to go. Day 1 - you pick out your carpet, on day 2 they install it. It's really that easy. The quality of carpet you choose only affects the price, not the service.

3 years ago

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Dutch

I would highly recommend them to anyone needing new flooring. Great job and workers were friendly and knowledgeable. Service was always outstanding and done on scheduled. This would be my second time using Empire Today, on for wood floors and the other for tiles

1 year ago

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Milrose Nacpil Chula Vista, CA

We had our stairs changed from carpet to Hardwood through Empire today a few months ago. The price was reasonable compared to other company that I asked for a quote. Empire today provides timely updates regarding scheduling. The technicians that came to our house were all very professional. Our stairs look amazing! I recommend Empire today.

1 year ago

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Mandy Fresno, CA

Dealing with Empire was pretty easy and hassle-free. We selected the flooring we wanted, scheduled the installation, and it was done. One aspect of the job didn’t get done but that was my fault for not following up and making sure it was addressed. 😞

2 years ago

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Ernest Harper

Outstanding product outstanding customer service outstanding customer support after product was installed they made inquiries and show concern about was there anything else they could do to make the experience a not a one-time customer for them so we were very happy with them

2 years ago

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Adam Scondo

I bought carpet from empire flooring for my living room flooring last year and the carpet was so neat and clean my kids loves playing on it because it's very soft and it can not be stain very affordable and reliable

1 year ago Edited July 8, 2024

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Ella

This would be my second time using Empire Today. I would greatly recommend them to everyone needing new flooring because their service was always outstanding and no delay on scheduled day of work

1 year ago

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Drey Greg

What I like about empire today is that during my in home consultation their flooring professional came with samples that make me pick the right floor for my home and they gave me all inclusive price estimate

1 year ago

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Nick Engledow Avon, IN

Very quick in responding to making an appointment. Great selection, multiple payment options, quality products, fast installation. Sales Consultants and installers very knowledgeable. Reputable company.

1 year ago

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Jake Benson Chicago, IL

I like empire today so much especially their stone look flooring I used their stone look flooring do my home floor what i like the most is that it’s easy to clean, and it resists stain

1 year ago

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shelia stromatt Thaxton, MS

They are great people to work with. If it isn't done like you think it should be they will make it right. I love the attention that they showed me and I would recommend them to all my friends and loved ones.

1 year ago

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peggy cherry Fayetteville, NC

I received a quote from them. Their prices were reasonable and their reps are really nice. I guess being a salesman you have to be nice to get a sell. But hay I’m counting it.

2 years ago

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Lynn Hart GA

The most incredible thing about Empire Today is the 1 day installation! They came to my home in Massachusetts and carpeted 2000 square feet in a 12 hour period including inside closets. Best price Very impressed

2 years ago

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valarie viarengo Covington, GA

I have used Empire for many of my homes. I like the next day service that is always aviaiable. Pricing and service is always been excilent. I had carparts and vinyl flooring installed.

2 years ago

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Carolina camacho

Me and my family heard about empire today on a TV commercial and called them in to do our flooring and the end result was beautiful! we were so happy with the way it turned out.

4 years ago

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Elisabeth Kinghorn Nakhon Sawan, 60

We had hardware installed in our living room and love the final result. The installation was very fast and they were very careful. I'd recommend Empire

4 years ago

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Zowey Andrews Phoenix, AZ

The company obviously has a very strongly built workflow and i will go on recommending it to my interested friends.

4 years ago

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Aaron Anderson

Huge flooring selection, top-notch quality. Knowledgeable staff, great prices. Transformed my home. Highly recommend this flooring store!

2 years ago Edited November 20, 2023

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Darla Wylie Brentwood, CA

I like Empire. I purchased flooring for my downstairs vinyl install and new carpet upstairs. They were fast and professional.

2 years ago

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Bunny Garlington Weatherford, TX

I have used this company a few years ago. They moved everything, laid the carpet and moved everything back in. I was delighted!

2 years ago

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John Baylor Jr Richmond, VA

Very quick and professional team. Comes out for consultation and install for me in within the same week!

2 years ago

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North Florida Wildliife Center Tallahassee, FL

Still remember the commercials, you have to call empire today. Very friendly service and our install was done on time

3 years ago

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Katey Wheeler Santa Rosa, CA

We had flooring installed by empire and it looks great. It’s held up well to 2 crazy dogs!

2 years ago

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Jennifer Peterson Lenoir, NC

Fantastic service with the sales, the finance, and the installation. First rate products, too.

2 years ago

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Keaton W Copperas Cove, TX

The crew was fast and friendly. I had as much prepped as I could for them and they were grateful

2 years ago

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Edie Glennville, GA

Great flooring with reasonable prices. Good customer service 🤠

3 years ago

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Smiles Ofpatrick

Great floors, fast install and reasonable prices

2 years ago

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Gabe Dominiczak

Great flooring products and installation!

2 years ago