Empire Today Vinyl Plank Flooring Review: My Honest Experience and Research
As a fashionista and flooring enthusiast, I‘m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest products to upgrade my home‘s style. So when it came time to replace my outdated floors, I knew I had to check out the popular vinyl plank options from Empire Today.
In this comprehensive review, I‘m sharing my honest experience and research on Empire‘s vinyl plank flooring. From selection to quality to installation and customer service, I‘ll cover all the essential details you need to know before making a decision. I‘ll also provide helpful data, expert insights, and comparisons to other top flooring brands.
By the end of this article, you‘ll have a clear understanding of whether Empire Today‘s vinyl plank flooring is the right fit for your home and budget. Let‘s dive in!
Why I Chose Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before I get into the specifics of Empire Today, let me tell you why I opted for vinyl plank flooring in the first place. As someone who loves the look of hardwood but can‘t quite stomach the cost or maintenance, vinyl planks seemed like the perfect compromise.
In case you‘re not familiar, vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic material designed to mimic the appearance of real wood planks. It comes in long, narrow strips that click together for easy installation. But unlike hardwood, vinyl is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and much more affordable.
These benefits were a huge selling point for me. With two active kids and a dog, I needed floors that could withstand daily wear and tear without breaking the bank. Plus, I loved that vinyl planks come in a wide range of wood-look finishes to suit any style.
I‘m not alone in my love for vinyl – this type of flooring has exploded in popularity over the last few years. In fact, according to market research firm Technavio, the vinyl flooring market is expected to grow by $7.75 billion from 2021 to 2026. That‘s a compound annual growth rate of over 5%!
My Experience with Empire Today‘s Selection
So, with vinyl plank flooring in mind, I started researching potential providers. Empire Today quickly rose to the top of my list thanks to their comprehensive selection. They offer a vast array of vinyl plank options in different colors, textures, and price points to fit any aesthetic and budget.
I was particularly impressed by Empire‘s Vivero collection. These premium vinyl planks feature an ultra-realistic wood look thanks to high-definition printing and embossing techniques. The planks have a subtle hand-scraped texture that adds depth and dimension, making them almost indistinguishable from real hardwood.
I ordered some Vivero samples in a few different finishes, and I was blown away when they arrived. The rich, warm tones and intricate grain patterns looked just like the genuine hardwood floors I‘d been coveting for years. But unlike real wood, these vinyl planks have a resilient core that resists moisture, scratches, and dents.
In addition to the Vivero line, Empire offers a range of other vinyl plank collections to suit different styles and budgets. Their Defender collection has a classic smooth finish in traditional wood looks like oak and maple. Meanwhile, their Aviator line offers bolder, modern wood tones like weathered gray and blonde.
What I love about Empire‘s selection is that there really is something for everyone. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look, an elegant dark wood, or a beachy whitewashed tone, you can find it in their vinyl plank lineup.
Evaluating Empire‘s Vinyl Plank Quality and Durability
Of course, stylish looks are important, but performance is paramount when it comes to flooring. I want to make sure I‘m getting a high-quality product that will hold up to my family‘s active lifestyle. So, I dug into the details of how Empire‘s vinyl plank flooring is constructed.
All of Empire‘s vinyl planks are made with a durable, waterproof core material designed to withstand moisture and heavy foot traffic. The planks are at least 6mm thick, which provides stability and impact resistance. Empire also adds a protective wear layer on top to prevent scratches, stains, and fading.
As I mentioned, I have two kids and a dog, so durability is a top priority for me. I was happy to see that Empire‘s vinyl planks come with impressive warranties – most of their products are backed by at least a 30-year or even lifetime warranty against wear, tears, and stains. This gave me peace of mind that my investment would be protected.
I also looked into how Empire‘s vinyl planks compare to other top brands in terms of quality. Based on my research, Empire‘s products are on par with or even exceed the durability standards of competitors like Lumber Liquidators and Floor & Decor.
For example, Empire‘s vinyl planks have an industry-leading wear layer thickness of 20 mils or more, compared to an average of 12 mils for other brands. This means Empire‘s floors can withstand more foot traffic and scratches over time.
Pricing and Value Comparison
So Empire‘s vinyl plank flooring is stylish and durable – but how does it stack up in terms of price? I know that cost is a major factor for most homeowners considering a flooring upgrade.
Empire‘s vinyl plank flooring starts at $2.99 per square foot for their basic lines, with their premium Vivero collection ranging up to $7.99 per square foot. This pricing is in line with the average cost of vinyl plank flooring, which is between $2 and $7 per square foot according to HomeAdvisor.
However, the total cost of your project will depend on a few additional factors beyond just the price per square foot. You‘ll need to factor in the size of your space, any subfloor repairs or preparation needed, the cost of installation (if not DIYing it), and any additional materials like trim pieces or underlayment.
To give you a more concrete idea, let‘s say you‘re flooring a 500-square-foot room. With Empire‘s vinyl planks averaging around $4 per square foot, your material cost would be about $2,000. Professional installation would likely add another $1,500 to $2,000 to the total project price.
One thing I appreciate about Empire Today is that they offer free in-home estimates. You can schedule a consultation with one of their representatives, who will take measurements and provide a detailed price quote based on your specific needs.
When comparing the cost of Empire‘s vinyl planks to other flooring options, it‘s important to consider the long-term value. While vinyl is more expensive than laminate or carpet upfront, it‘s also more durable and easier to maintain over time. This can translate to cost savings down the line.
Plus, vinyl plank flooring can enhance your home‘s resale value. According to a 2019 report from the National Association of Realtors, homes with vinyl flooring sold for 5% more than those with other types of flooring. So investing in quality vinyl planks from Empire could pay off if you decide to sell your home in the future.
Installation and Customer Service Experience
Beyond just the product itself, I wanted to make sure I would have a positive experience with Empire‘s installation process and customer service. After all, even the best flooring can be tarnished by a poor installation or frustrating customer experience.
Empire offers both professional installation and DIY options for their vinyl plank flooring. If you opt for professional installation, Empire‘s team can typically install your new floors the next day after purchase. The installers are licensed and insured for your protection, and Empire offers a 1-year warranty on their work.
I decided to go the professional installation route for convenience and peace of mind. The process was very smooth – the installation team arrived on time, worked efficiently, and cleaned up after themselves. They even moved my furniture for me! I was impressed by their attention to detail and friendly demeanor.
As for Empire‘s customer service, I had a great experience from start to finish. The representative who came to my home for the initial estimate was knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through my flooring options. When I had a question about my invoice, I was able to get a hold of a customer service representative quickly and they resolved the issue with no hassle.
Of course, I know that experiences can vary, so I looked into what other Empire Today customers had to say. On Empire‘s website, their vinyl plank flooring has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 4,000 reviews. Many customers praised the quality of the product, the ease of installation, and the professionalism of Empire‘s team.
However, I did find some mixed reviews on third-party sites like Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau. Some customers reported issues with scheduling, billing, or installation quality. It seems that experiences may vary by location, so it‘s a good idea to check your local branch‘s reviews and ask for references before committing.
Final Verdict: Is Empire Today‘s Vinyl Plank Flooring Worth It?
After thoroughly researching and personally experiencing Empire Today‘s vinyl plank flooring, I can confidently say that it‘s a high-quality, stylish option for the home. The extensive selection, durability, and overall value of Empire‘s products impressed me.
I love the realistic wood look of my new Vivero vinyl planks, and I have total peace of mind knowing that they‘ll hold up to my family‘s wear and tear. The installation process was painless, and Empire‘s customer service was top-notch. While experiences may vary, the majority of customer reviews are positive.
Of course, Empire Today may not be the right fit for every homeowner. Your decision will depend on your specific budget, style preferences, and flooring needs. It‘s always a good idea to get multiple quotes and thoroughly research your options before making a final choice.
But if you‘re looking for beautiful, durable vinyl plank flooring from an established provider, I highly recommend checking out Empire Today. With their transparent pricing, easy installation process, and solid warranty options, they‘re a reliable choice.
One tip: Be sure to take advantage of Empire‘s current promotions when you buy. As of this writing, they‘re offering $500 off select vinyl styles, 50% off installation, and a $250 discount for new email subscribers. Who doesn‘t love a good deal?
I hope my honest review and research into Empire Today‘s vinyl plank flooring has been helpful for your own decision process. Wishing you all the best in your home flooring journey!
