Few flooring brands trigger as many split opinions as Empire Today. The “next-day installation” jingle has been on the radio since 1977, and the company installs in roughly 75 metro markets across the US. Empire Today carpet can be a smart fix when you need rooms covered fast — say, before relatives arrive — but the quoting model, salesperson commission structure, and rip-out fees catch a lot of homeowners off guard. This guide lays out fiber quality, what the in-home estimate actually includes, and where shopping elsewhere makes more sense.
How Empire Today Works
Empire is a shop-at-home flooring service, not a retail showroom. You call or book online, a sales rep brings sample books to your house, measures, and writes a quote that includes carpet, pad, removal of the old carpet, and labor in one number. If you accept on the spot, installers can arrive within 24-48 hours. The pitch hinges on speed and convenience.
The company sources private-label carpet from major mills like Shaw and Mohawk, then rebrands lines under names like EmpireResist and EmpirePet. The actual fiber and construction are usually identifiable to a flooring nerd, but the model numbers will not match anything sold in a big-box store.
Carpet Lines and Fiber Quality
Empire’s offerings fall into roughly four tiers. Entry-level polyester loops sell around $2.49-3.29 per sq ft installed. Mid-grade nylon Berbers and short-pile cuts run $3.99-5.49. Premium triexta (Mohawk SmartStrand equivalent) and solution-dyed nylon lines hit $5.99-8.49 installed.
Quality is decent for the mid and premium tiers. The entry polyester is comparable to a $1.79 per sq ft Home Depot stock carpet — fine for a rental, short-lived in a high-traffic family room. Always ask for the face weight (oz per sq yd) and twist level. Anything under 30 oz face weight will mat within 2-3 years of normal traffic.
Real Pricing With and Without Promotions
Empire runs nearly continuous promotions like “buy one room, get two free” or “60% off carpet.” These campaigns typically build the discount into the per-square-foot rate from the start. A typical 12×14 living room (168 sq ft) plus a small hallway runs $1,200-2,100 installed depending on tier — comparable to a quote from a local independent carpet dealer using the same mill product.
Where the bill grows is add-ons. Furniture moving runs $35-75 per room. Removal and disposal of old carpet adds $0.50-0.85 per sq ft. Stairs are quoted per step and run $7-14 each on average. Get every line itemized before signing.
Pad and Subfloor Details
Empire installs a 6 lb rebond pad as standard. That is acceptable for most living spaces but feels thin under a thick plush carpet. Upgrading to an 8 lb memory foam or a 7 lb rebond with moisture barrier costs an extra $0.35-0.55 per sq ft and noticeably extends carpet life.
Subfloor repairs are not included in the headline price. Squeaky boards, raised seams, or moisture damage discovered on install day usually generate a change order. Ask the rep to inspect the subfloor before quoting if you suspect issues.
The Installation Day
Crews are subcontractors, not Empire employees. Quality varies sharply by market and even by crew within a market. Best practice is to be home for the install, walk the seams personally before signing the completion form, and check that pile direction is consistent across the room. A mismatched pile direction looks like a different shade of carpet under window light.
Power stretchers should be used on every room over 8 feet. If installers only knee-kick, the carpet will ripple within 12-18 months. This is the single most common workmanship complaint in online reviews.
Warranty and Returns
Empire offers a lifetime installation warranty as long as you own the home, plus the manufacturer’s wear and stain warranty on the carpet itself (typically 10-25 years prorated). The catch — claims require Empire to do the inspection, and the company has been known to argue improper maintenance voided coverage.
There is no satisfaction guarantee or return window once installation is complete. The contract you sign at the in-home appointment is binding under your state’s home solicitation rules, which usually grant a 3-day cancellation right.
How Empire Compares to Local Dealers
For pure speed and one-stop convenience, Empire is hard to beat. For best price on a specific carpet model, an independent dealer who sells direct from Shaw or Mohawk usually wins by 8-15%. Big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowes) sit between the two on price but charge separately for measure, removal, and installation.
If your budget tolerates a 2-3 week wait and you can compare three quotes, you will almost always pay less than Empire’s first-visit price. If the carpet must be done this weekend, Empire delivers.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros — Fast installation, single-number pricing, in-home shopping, lifetime install warranty, decent mid-tier fiber selection.
Cons — High-pressure sales close, sub-grade entry carpet, contractor variability, surprise add-on costs, opaque mill sourcing, limited dispute resolution.
Tips Before the Sales Rep Arrives
Set a clear budget cap before the appointment and tell the rep upfront. The standard pitch is built around showing the most expensive option first, then dropping the price 30-40% to “earn” your business. Knowing your number short-circuits that game and gets you to a real quote faster. Have one or two outside quotes in hand from local independents — even a phone estimate gives you bargaining leverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empire Today carpet good quality?
Mid and premium lines are equivalent to mainstream Shaw and Mohawk products. Entry-level polyester is best left for rentals.
Can I cancel an Empire Today contract?
Most states grant a 3-day cancellation under home solicitation laws. Cancel in writing within 72 hours of signing to avoid fees.
Does Empire really install the next day?
In larger metros, often yes. Smaller markets and unusual carpet selections may take 5-10 days.
Are Empire Today financing terms reasonable?
Promotional zero-interest plans require payoff before the term ends or back-interest applies. Read the deferred-interest clause carefully.
