Don Bailey Carpets
ClaimTypical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more
The 30-Second Verdict
Empire Today markets aggressive 'next-day install' and bundles product + install into one inflated price that obscures the breakdown. Lowe's contracts installs to regional crews with clearer itemized pricing but longer lead times. For a Florida homeowner prioritizing speed and predictability, Empire's convenience is real but you'll pay 20-35% more than going with a local flooring pro sourced through Lowe's. For price-sensitive buyers, Lowe's with a reputable local installer beats Empire on total cost every time.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Empire Today
Pros
- Same-day or next-day installation available
- Free in-home shop-at-home consultation (brings samples to you)
- Single point of contact for product + install + warranty claims
- Sales reps are commissioned but generally fast to respond
- Nationwide brand — same process in every Florida market
Cons
- Pricing opaque: product and labor bundled into one quote (~25-40% premium over retail + local installer)
- Heavy pressure tactics: 'today only' discounts that reappear next week
- Installer quality varies — they subcontract to regional crews
- Product selection narrower than Lowe's in-store + online catalog
Lowe's Flooring
Pros
- Transparent itemized pricing: material + labor broken out separately
- Wider product selection (in-store + full online catalog)
- Lifetime labor warranty on install from Lowe's directly
- Can compare quotes from multiple local pros for the same product
- Lower price on identical carpet/LVP spec (often 15-30% under Empire)
Cons
- Lead time typically 2-4 weeks from measure to install
- Installer assigned — not a choice — and quality varies by region
- Measure fee ($35-$75) credited only if you order through Lowe's
- Less hand-holding than Empire's all-inclusive service
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Empire Today | Lowe's Flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Bundled (product + install + warranty in one inflated figure) | Itemized (product + install + measure fee) |
| Typical 1,000 sqft LVP (Florida) | $7,500 – $11,000 installed | $5,500 – $8,500 installed |
| Lead Time | Next-day to 1 week | 2–4 weeks typical |
| Install Warranty | Lifetime labor (Empire warranty) | Lifetime labor (Lowe's warranty) |
| Product Warranty | Manufacturer's (varies by SKU) | Manufacturer's + Lowe's price match |
| Installer | Empire-dispatched subcontractor | Lowe's-assigned regional contractor |
| Negotiation | Expect 20-40% off the first quote | Price is the price — minimal negotiation |
| Best For | Homeowners who need speed + single-vendor convenience | Price-conscious shoppers who can wait 3-4 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Empire Today actually cost in Florida?
A typical 1,000 sqft LVP install from Empire runs $7,500-$11,000 all-in. The same product + a reputable local installer sourced through Lowe's typically runs $5,500-$8,500 — a savings of $1,500-$3,500. Empire's first quote is almost always negotiable; expect 20-40% off if you walk away.
Is Lowe's flooring install any good?
Lowe's contracts to regional installer crews, and the quality varies by market. In Florida's major metros (Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville), crews are generally experienced and the lifetime labor warranty is honored. 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?
Aggressively. Empire's in-home sales pitch is designed around anchor pricing — the first quote is typically 30-50% above what they'll actually accept. Tell them you're getting a competing Lowe's quote and watch the price drop $2,000+. Never sign on the first visit.
Do either offer 0% financing in Florida?
Both run 12-24 month 0% financing promos year-round for qualified buyers. 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.
Top-Rated Local Florida Flooring Alternatives
You don't have to pick a national brand. These Florida-based flooring companies have the highest real Google ratings in our directory — often at a fraction of the franchise price.
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
Typical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more
Indian River Flooring
ClaimTypical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more
Royal Rug and Flooring
ClaimTypical flooring services: Tile installation, Hardwood install, Luxury vinyl plank, +3 more