Empire Today vs Lowe's Flooring — Price, Warranty & Install Quality (2026)

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.