Empire Today has run the same jingle for over 60 years and now installs flooring in roughly 75 metro markets across the United States. Empire carpeting appeals to homeowners who want next-day installation and a single point of contact for both product and labor, but the pricing model, sample selection, and warranty terms differ enough from traditional retailers that buyers should know the trade-offs before scheduling an in-home estimate. This guide breaks down how Empire actually works, what you can expect to pay, and whether it makes sense for your project.
How Empire Today’s Carpet Business Works
Empire operates on a shop-at-home model. You call or book online, a sales consultant visits your house with samples and measurement tools, and you get a written quote on the spot. If you accept, installation usually happens within 24 to 72 hours. Empire handles measuring, ordering, delivery, demolition of old flooring, and installation through its own network of independent installers.
The carpet itself comes from Empire’s private-label lines and major mills like Mohawk, Shaw, and a handful of regional manufacturers. Selection at the in-home visit typically includes 30 to 60 carpet samples spanning textured plush, frieze, Berber loop, and patterned styles.
Pros of Buying Empire Carpeting
Speed and convenience drive most Empire purchases. Skipping the showroom trip and getting a quote at your kitchen table appeals to busy households and anyone managing a move-in deadline. The 24 to 48-hour installation window is genuinely faster than most local retailers, who typically need 2 to 4 weeks for measuring, ordering, and scheduling.
The bundled pricing also simplifies decision-making. Empire’s quote includes carpet, pad, installation, furniture moving for most rooms, and old carpet removal in a single line item. There are no surprise add-ons for tack strip or transitions on standard installations.
Cons and What to Watch For
Empire’s pricing tends to run higher per square foot than independent retailers offering comparable carpet quality. Internal industry comparisons frequently show $4.99 to $7.99 per sq ft installed at Empire versus $3.99 to $6.49 for similar specs at locally owned stores. The convenience premium is real.
Sample variety at the in-home visit is also narrower than a full showroom. You will see Empire’s curated lineup but not every option in a given style or fiber. Buyers with specific color targets or premium wool carpet preferences often hit limits with the at-home selection.
Carpet Quality Tiers
Empire’s carpet lines range from builder-grade polyester at the entry level to high-density nylon and triexta options at the top. The mid-tier products built on Mohawk SmartStrand or Shaw Anso nylon are the sweet spot for most family rooms and bedrooms, offering 12 to 15-year manufacturer warranties on wear and stain resistance.
Ask specifically about face weight (ounces per sq yard) and density. A 50 oz density rating with 35 oz face weight performs noticeably better in high-traffic areas than a 40 oz face weight at the same price. Empire reps can pull these specs from product cards if you request them.
Installation Process and Timeline
A typical 1,200 sq ft Empire carpet installation takes 4 to 7 hours from arrival to cleanup. The crew arrives with carpet and pad pre-cut to your measurements, moves furniture room by room, removes old flooring, lays new pad, stretches carpet, and trims to walls.
Quality of installation depends heavily on the regional installer network. Empire vets its crews, but reviews vary by metro. Ask the sales consultant who specifically installs in your zip code and whether they have been with Empire for at least 2 years. Newer installers tend to leave more visible seams and tighter stretching issues.
Financing and Pricing
Empire offers in-house financing through Synchrony Bank with promotional 0 percent options for 12 to 36 months on qualifying purchases. Approval typically happens during the in-home estimate. The catch is the standard APR after the promo period, which often exceeds 28 percent. Pay off the balance before the deferred-interest window closes or interest backdates to day one.
Cash and check payments occasionally unlock 5 to 10 percent additional discounts that sales reps can authorize. Always ask. Empire runs frequent promotions like 60 percent off carpet plus free installation, though these promos often reflect inflated baseline pricing rather than true discounts.
Warranty Details
Empire offers a 1-year installation warranty separate from the manufacturer’s product warranty. The installation warranty covers seam separation, loose carpet, and visible defects in workmanship. Product warranties from the underlying mill run 10 to 25 years depending on the line.
Both warranties require professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months, documented with receipts, to remain valid. Skipping this requirement is the most common reason claims get denied. Keep your cleaning receipts in a folder.
When Empire Makes Sense
Empire works best for rental property turnovers, quick pre-sale prep, and homeowners who genuinely value the time savings of one-visit decisions. The pricing premium is justified by the speed and the bundled scope.
For buyers focused on premium wool, hand-tufted patterns, or maximum value per dollar, local independent retailers usually win. Get quotes from both Empire and at least two local stores before committing on any installation over $3,000.
Comparing Empire to Local Alternatives
The fairest comparison pits Empire against locally owned full-service flooring retailers, not against discount warehouses or big-box chains. Local retailers typically match Empire on bundled scope including measurement, installation, and disposal. They often beat Empire on product selection, with full showrooms of 200 to 500 carpet samples versus Empire’s curated 30 to 60 in-home samples.
The catch is timing. Local stores typically need 2 to 4 weeks from quote to installation because they order from regional warehouses rather than maintaining truck inventory. If your timeline is genuinely tight, Empire wins. If you can wait 3 weeks, local retailers usually deliver better value per dollar spent.
