When it comes to installing new floors in your home, you want to choose a flooring company that will not only provide high-quality products but also excellent customer service. Two popular options for flooring installation and products are Express Flooring and Empire Flooring.
But which one is the better choice for your next flooring project? Here we’ll compare the pros and cons of Express Flooring and Empire Flooring to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Express Flooring | Empire Flooring |
| Products Offered | Carpet, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, tile | Hardwood only |
| Wood Flooring | Prefinished, unfinished, some exotics | Custom domestic and exotic |
| Installation | Franchise locations use mix of employees and subcontractors | Highly trained employed professionals |
| Quality | Varies by location, lower end of market | Premium materials, meticulous process |
| Pricing | Affordable, $4-$8 per sq.ft. installed | Expensive, $8-$18 per sq.ft. installed |
| Customer Service | Can be inconsistent due to franchises | Excellent and reliable across locations |
| Availability | 700+ locations nationwide | About 100 regional locations |
Overview of Express Flooring
Express Flooring is a national chain of flooring stores that provides installation and flooring products for homes and businesses.
They offer a wide selection of brand name flooring options including carpets, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile.
Some key things to know about Express Flooring:
Pros
- Large selection of brand name flooring products at competitive prices
- “White glove” installation services available
- Flooring experts to guide you through the selection process
- Provides financing options for flooring projects
- National presence with over 700 store locations across the US
Cons
- Quality of installers can be inconsistent between locations
- Selection limited to in-stock items only
- Minimal customization options for installed floors
Overview of Empire Flooring
Empire Flooring takes a more specialized approach, focusing on quality hardwood flooring installation and finishing. They provide custom hardwood floors made from domestic and exotic wood species. Some key things to know about Empire Flooring:
Pros
- Specializes in high-quality custom hardwood floors
- Craftsman-style installation from highly trained professionals
- Wide selection of domestic and exotic wood species
- Customizable options including different plank widths, finishes, distressing, etc
- Excellent customer service and satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- More expensive than mass market flooring chains
- Limited to hardwood flooring only, no other flooring product lines
- Only around 100 locations, limited to certain regions
Comparing Products Offered
The biggest difference between Express Flooring and Empire Flooring is the range of flooring products offered. Express Flooring has a wider range of flooring types at more affordable price points. Empire focuses specifically on premium hardwood floors.
Express Flooring
- Carpets – various fibers and piles
- Vinyl – luxury vinyl planks and tiles
- Laminate – snap-and-lock planks
- Hardwood – prefinished and unfinished
- Tile – ceramic, porcelain, natural stone
- Bamboo floors
Empire Flooring
- Hardwood – domestic and exotic species
- Red oak, white oak, hickory, maple, etc
- Brazilian cherry, acacia, Santos mahogany
- Wide plank and custom widths available
- Hand scraped and distressed options
While Express has more variety, Empire offers greater customization and quality control over their hardwood floors.
If you want a wider range of flooring at lower prices, Express is the better option. For high-end hardwood flooring, Empire is the way to go.
Professional Installation Comparison
The installation process makes a big impact on the final look and quality of your new floors. Both Express and Empire offer professional installation, but there are some differences in approach.
Express Flooring
- Franchised locations use mix of employed + sub-contracted installers
- Installer quality can vary by location
- Offers basic installation or “white glove” premium installation
Empire Flooring
- Highly trained employed craftsmen crews, not subcontractors
- Specialize in custom hardwood installation only
- Meticulous sanding, precision cuts, focus on attention to detail
- Generally costs more for installation
Empire’s installation process is tailored around premium hardwood floors, whereas Express uses installers that can handle all types of flooring. For basic carpet or vinyl installation, Express may suffice. But for wood floors, Empire’s expertise gives them an edge.
Customer Service Experience
The level of customer service you receive is important for any home improvement project. Both flooring companies aim to provide excellent service, but have some differences.
Express Flooring
- Franchised locations means service can vary
- Positive reviews for knowledgeable sales associates
- Some complaints of pushy sales tactics
- Good selection process but installation issues persist
Empire Flooring
- Not franchised so service is reliable across locations
- Patient low-pressure sales approach
- Rave reviews for customer service and installation
- Warranties and guarantees on flooring and installation
- Focus on custom experience from order to install
Empire Flooring seems to provide a higher caliber of customer service. However, a local Express Flooring franchise may deliver great service as well. This category can depend on the specific location.
Pricing and Cost Comparison
Flooring installation and products come at a wide range of price points. In general, Empire Flooring is the more expensive option due to their focus on premium materials and service.
Express Flooring
- Affordable pricing for carpet, vinyl, laminates
- Prefinished hardwood around $4-$8 per square foot installed
- DIY materials available for lower cost projects
Empire Flooring
- Custom exotic hardwood $12-$18 per square foot
- Domestic oak or maple $8-$12 per square foot
- Installation costs typically higher than competitors
- No DIY materials offered
For a basic flooring upgrade under $5 per square foot, Express is likely the cheaper choice. But Empire offers a higher echelon of quality at a premium price point. The investment yields floors that increase home value.
Major Pros and Cons of Express Flooring And Empire Flooring
To summarize the major differences between the two brands:
Express Flooring
Pros
- Wide product selection
- Affordable pricing
- National presence for convenience
Cons
- Inconsistent franchise locations
- Cheaper quality materials
- hit-or-miss installation
Empire Flooring
Pros
- Premium materials and craftsmanship
- Hardwood flooring experts
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Very expensive
- Limited to hardwood only
- Smaller regional availability
Which Is The Better Choice?
So which flooring company is the right choice for your next flooring project? Here are some key factors to help decide:
If you want…
- Affordability above all – Express Flooring
- Variety of flooring product types – Express Flooring
- High-end hardwood floors – Empire Flooring
- Customizable options – Empire Flooring
- Meticulous installation – Empire Flooring
- Great customer service – Empire Flooring
Both Empire and Express Flooring have their advantages in certain categories. Define your priorities for budget, style, and service experience. Then you can determine which flooring company is the better match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
National Floors Direct and Empire Flooring offer similar premium hardwood floors, but have some notable differences. Empire Flooring is more specialized in custom hardwood, while NFD has a wider selection including carpets and laminate. For quality and customization of hardwood, Empire is likely the better choice between the two. However, National Floors Direct may be more affordable and has a larger national presence.
The best floor boards depend on your needs and budget. But here are some top options:
1. Red oak – classic, affordable, most popular hardwood
2. White oak – subtle grain, stains well, durable
3. Hickory – rustic, distressed look, very durable
4. Maple – smooth grain, works with any decor
5. Exotics – Brazilian cherry, acacia, Santos mahogany
6. LVT – luxury vinyl tile or plank, waterproof, affordable
The most expensive and durable flooring options include:
1. Exotic hardwoods – African mahogany, Brazilian cherry, tigerwood
2. Reclaimed hardwood – Antique oak, barnwood
3. Porcelain tile – Mimics look of natural stone, impervious to moisture
4. Natural stone – Marble, limestone, travertine
5. Solid hardwood – 3/4″ thick oak or hickory, site-finished
The most durable types of flooring include:
1. Ceramic and porcelain tile – Extremely hard, waterproof, handles heavy traffic
2. Natural stone – Holds up over decades, limestone is extremely dense
3. Solid hardwood – Oak, hickory, and exotic woods stand up to abuse
4. Luxury vinyl tile – Extremely scratch and water resistant
5. Epoxy floors – Nearly indestructible, used in garages and commercial kitchens
Final Thoughts
For most homeowners needing good-quality floors on a budget, Express Flooring is the better overall choice. But if you want truly exceptional custom hardwood floors, Empire Flooring’s expertise is worth the investment.
Do your research between these two reputable companies to make the smartest decision for your home.