Don Bailey Carpets
ClaimTypical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more
What to Compare
Empire Today markets aggressive 'next-day install' and bundles product + install into one inflated price that obscures the breakdown.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Empire Today
Features and considerations
- Sales reps are commissioned but generally fast to respond
- Nationwide brand — same process in every Florida market
Lowe's Flooring
Features and considerations
- Transparent itemized pricing: material + labor broken out separately
- Wider product selection (in-store + full online catalog)
- Can compare quotes from multiple local pros for the same product
Limits and questions
- Less hand-holding than Empire's all-inclusive service
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Empire Today | Lowe's Flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Ask the Empire Today provider to document pricing model for the exact offer. | Itemized (product + install + measure fee) |
| Typical 1,000 sqft LVP (Florida) | Ask the Empire Today provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Lowe's Flooring provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Lead Time | Confirm the schedule and conditions with the Empire Today provider before booking. | Confirm the schedule and conditions with the Lowe's Flooring provider before booking. |
| Install Warranty | Ask the Empire Today provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Lowe's Flooring provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Product Warranty | Ask the Empire Today provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Lowe's Flooring provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Installer | Empire-dispatched subcontractor | Lowe's-assigned regional contractor |
| Negotiation | Ask the Empire Today provider to document negotiation for the exact offer. | Price is the price — minimal negotiation |
| Fit for your project | Ask the Empire Today provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Lowe's Flooring provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Empire Today actually cost in Florida?
Request dated, itemized proposals for Empire Today and Lowe's Flooring using the same project details. Compare the included work, optional items, recurring charges and payment terms before deciding.
Is Lowe's flooring install any good?
Ask for the specific installer's name upfront — Lowe's stores can tell you which local company will do your job.
Can I negotiate with Empire Today?
Ask each provider to give a written expectation for the exact Empire Today and Lowe's Flooring product or service being proposed. Clarify preparation, site conditions, maintenance and exclusions that could affect the result or schedule.
Do either offer 0% financing in Florida?
Empire's financing is through Synchrony; Lowe's is through its own credit card. Both charge deferred interest (the full accrued interest applies retroactively if you don't pay off in time), so read the terms carefully.
Which handles Florida's humidity better on LVP?
Product, not installer, determines humidity performance. Both companies carry LVP with the ≥0.5mm wear layer and closed-cell core you want for Florida slab-on-grade construction. Ask specifically for a moisture-rated LVP (most major brands offer one) and insist on a moisture test of the slab before install — that's what actually prevents cupping and edge-lift.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.
Browse Florida Flooring Listings
These public listings share the broad flooring category. Inclusion does not confirm that a business supplies the products or specialist services discussed above. Ask about the exact work, credentials and current availability before requesting a quote.
FLOCO Decking Systems
ClaimTypical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more
Typical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more
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