Empire Today flooring typically costs about $3-$22 per square foot installed, depending on the material, room size, preparation, and local labor rates. A 500-square-foot project may run roughly $1,500-$11,000, but an in-home estimate is needed to confirm the product, included work, and final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet, installed | $3 per sq ft | $6 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | Fiber, padding, and removal affect price |
| Laminate, installed | $4 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | $11 per sq ft | Includes typical underlayment and installation |
| Luxury vinyl, installed | $4 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft | $14 per sq ft | Product quality and subfloor work vary |
| Hardwood, installed | $8 per sq ft | $13 per sq ft | $22 per sq ft | Species, construction, and installation method matter |
| Tile, installed | $7 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $20 per sq ft | Tile size, layout, and surface preparation change labor |
Planning ranges are estimates, not a published Empire Today price list. Assumptions: standard residential flooring, ordinary access, and no major subfloor repairs.
What Empire Today flooring costs per square foot
For many standard residential projects, a practical budget is $5-$12 per square foot installed. Lower-cost carpet or laminate can fall below that range, while premium hardwood, tile, and specialty products can exceed it. The average is not a guaranteed company rate: product selections and the work included in the written quote determine the actual charge.
For a 300-square-foot room, that common range implies about $1,500-$3,600. A 1,000-square-foot installation at the same rate would be about $5,000-$12,000. These totals can rise if the estimate includes old-floor removal, furniture handling, floor leveling, or new trim. Check whether quoted footage includes closets, hallways, and waste material.
Use the per-square-foot figure as a comparison tool, not as a complete quote. Ask for the room measurements, product name, installed total, and a written list of included and excluded tasks. The cheapest displayed rate may not cover the same preparation or disposal as another estimate.
How carpet, vinyl, laminate, and wood prices compare
Material choice is often the largest pricing difference. Carpet generally has the lowest entry price, while hardwood and tile commonly require more costly materials or installation labor. Vinyl plank occupies a broad middle range, with product thickness, wear layer, and attached underlayment affecting the quote.
| Flooring type | Materials | Labor | Removal and disposal | Typical installed total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $1.50-$7 per sq ft | $1.50-$4 per sq ft | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | $3-$12 per sq ft |
| Laminate | $2-$6 per sq ft | $2-$4 per sq ft | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | $4-$11 per sq ft |
| Luxury vinyl | $2-$9 per sq ft | $2-$5 per sq ft | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | $4-$14 per sq ft |
| Hardwood | $5-$15 per sq ft | $3-$8 per sq ft | $1-$3 per sq ft | $8-$22 per sq ft |
| Tile | $3-$12 per sq ft | $4-$10 per sq ft | $1-$3 per sq ft | $7-$20 per sq ft |
These component ranges are broad estimates; they do not necessarily appear as separate line items in an Empire Today quote. For example, installation may be bundled with a product price, and disposal may be included or charged separately. Compare the same product grade and work scope before judging which quote is cheaper.
Why room size, subfloor, and material grade shift the quote
Smaller jobs can cost more per square foot because measuring, delivery, and crew mobilization are spread over fewer feet. A 100-square-foot room may have a minimum charge, while a 700-square-foot open area can benefit from a lower effective rate. Odd room shapes and multiple doorways add cutting time and may increase material waste.
Subfloor condition is another major variable. Minor patching may add roughly $1-$3 per square foot in affected areas; leveling a badly uneven surface can cost more. Existing flooring that is glued down, tile that must be broken out, or moisture damage can require extra labor and disposal. Concrete moisture testing or remediation may be quoted separately.
Product specifications also matter. A carpet upgrade in fiber or density, a thicker vinyl plank with a more durable wear layer, or a wider hardwood board can increase material cost by several dollars per square foot. For tile, a format larger than 12 by 24 inches or a detailed pattern may need more layout work and careful cutting. Get any subfloor allowance and product specification in writing.
How labor hours and installation scope affect flooring prices
Installation labor depends on the material and the room, not just its square footage. A straightforward carpet installation might take a small crew several hours in one room. Hardwood or tile installations often take longer because of layout, fastening or setting, cuts, transitions, and cleanup. Multiroom jobs may take one to several days, especially when furniture must be moved or old floors removed.
For a rough labor comparison, use . Flooring labor commonly works out to about $1.50-$4 per square foot for carpet and laminate, $2-$5 for luxury vinyl, and $3-$10 for hardwood or tile, depending on the job. These are planning estimates rather than Empire Today’s disclosed hourly billing rate.
Ask whether the quote covers moving furniture, removing and hauling away existing flooring, installing transitions, trimming doors, and replacing baseboards or shoe molding. If a task is excluded, request its separate price before scheduling. A complete scope makes two installation quotes meaningfully comparable.
How Empire Today quotes can vary by U.S. region
Local labor markets and operating costs can change flooring prices. As a planning allowance, large metropolitan areas with higher wages may come in around 10%-25% above a national middle estimate. Smaller cities and rural areas may be 5%-15% below it, though limited installer availability or long delivery distances can erase that difference.
Climate and building conditions can affect preparation rather than the flooring’s base price. Humid regions may require more attention to moisture barriers, while older homes in some Northeast cities can have uneven floors or extra removal work. In hot or dry areas, slab condition and expansion requirements may matter for floating floors. These are possible site issues, not automatic regional surcharges.
Empire Today’s availability, product selection, and promotions can also differ by market. Compare the company’s written estimate with at least one local installer’s quote for the same material, measured area, removal, and trim work. Use regional percentages only for an initial budget; rely on local written bids for a decision.
Three room-size examples for an Empire Today flooring budget
The examples below use estimated installed rates to illustrate how material and scope affect totals. They are not guaranteed company offers and exclude major subfloor repairs. Actual room measurements, waste allowance, product selection, and local labor can move the final price.
| Example | Scope and rate | Estimated total | Included assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom carpet | 180 sq ft at $6-$9 per sq ft | $1,080-$1,620 | Mid-grade carpet and pad, basic installation |
| Living room vinyl | 350 sq ft at $7-$11 per sq ft | $2,450-$3,850 | Midrange plank, ordinary layout, limited prep |
| Whole-floor hardwood | 800 sq ft at $12-$19 per sq ft | $9,600-$15,200 | Midrange product, installation, standard transitions |
A quote may use a different effective rate if it bundles materials, installation, and related services. In the bedroom example, old carpet removal and disposal could add roughly $90-$360 at $0.50-$2 per square foot if not already included. The vinyl example could cost more if the subfloor needs leveling or the room has many closets and transitions.
Ask the estimator to identify the measured area and any waste factor. A material allowance can be reasonable, but the buyer should know whether the billed square footage reflects actual floor area, cuts and waste, or both. Confirm whether unused material is delivered to the home or retained by the installer.
Which removal, trim, and preparation charges to check
Existing flooring removal commonly adds about $0.50-$3 per square foot, depending on material and disposal. Carpet is usually simpler to remove than glued vinyl or ceramic tile. Tile demolition can reach $2-$6 per square foot when the work is difficult, dusty, or labor-intensive. Disposal may be folded into the removal fee or listed separately.
Other possible expenses include furniture moving, appliance handling, stair work, transitions, baseboards, and door trimming. A simple transition strip may cost about $20-$60 per doorway installed; baseboard replacement can run around $3-$8 per linear foot, depending on material and finish. These are broad market estimates, and a company quote may bundle them differently.
Preparation charges should describe the issue and affected area. Ask whether floor leveling is priced by the room, by the square foot, or as a fixed allowance. If damage is discovered after removal, request approval and a revised written price before extra work begins. Clarifying exclusions before installation helps prevent surprise add-ons.
Where to reduce the flooring quote without cutting quality
Choose a product that fits the room’s use rather than paying for specifications that do not solve a real problem. A midrange vinyl plank may be adequate for a busy family room, while a high-grade carpet upgrade may be more valuable in a bedroom where softness matters. Ask for good, better, and premium options with the installed difference shown per square foot.
Keeping the existing floor can save removal and disposal charges when it is sound, level, and compatible with the new material. Avoid this shortcut if the manufacturer’s installation instructions require removal or if moisture, movement, or damage is present. Clearing small items and breakables before the crew arrives may also avoid handling charges, but confirm what the installer expects the household to move.
Compare quotes using identical measurements, product specifications, padding or underlayment, removal, trim, and warranty terms. Ask whether a promotion changes the product grade or excludes required preparation. Scheduling a flexible installation date may help when crews are busy, but urgent work can limit availability and choices. The most dependable savings come from controlling scope and comparing complete written totals.