What is the Average Cost of One Room Empire Flooring? (5 Factors Revealed)
What is One Room Empire Flooring?
I’ve always enjoyed home projects—whether it’s gardening, painting walls, or especially flooring. There’s something satisfying about seeing a room totally transformed by a new floor. If you’ve ever wondered about Empire Flooring, especially what it would cost to update one room using their products, you’re not alone.
So, what is one room Empire flooring? Simply put, it means installing any of the flooring products offered by Empire in a single room of your home. Empire Flooring is a brand known for its quality hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, and vinyl products that cater to different styles and budgets. Whether you want a rustic hardwood look, durable vinyl for a busy kitchen, or cost-effective laminate for a bedroom, Empire Flooring has options.
What I find interesting—and what I want to share—is how the cost varies depending on several factors. Knowing these factors will help you plan better and avoid sticker shock when you get your first quote.
Getting to Know Empire Flooring: A Quick Background
Before digging into pricing, I want to share why I trust Empire Flooring products. Over the years working with homeowners and contractors, I’ve seen many brands come and go. Empire stands out because of its commitment to quality materials combined with affordability.
Empire Flooring started focusing on engineered wood and laminate products but has expanded into high-end hardwood and luxury vinyl tiles. Their products undergo rigorous quality testing for durability and finish consistency. For me, this means fewer callbacks for repairs or replacements after installation.
One notable feature of Empire is their range of finishes. They offer everything from matte natural looks to glossy polished floors that suit traditional or modern homes alike. This variety means you can customize your room’s feel without switching brands or compromising on durability.
1. Flooring Material Type: The Biggest Cost Driver
Let’s talk about flooring types because this is where your budget will flex the most.
Hardwood
Hardwood is timeless. I’ve installed Empire hardwood floors in multiple homes. It’s beautiful in living rooms and dining areas because it adds warmth and character. Empire hardwood typically costs between $8 to $15 per square foot just for materials. Labor for hardwood is more involved because it usually requires nail-down installation and finishing work.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood looks just like hardwood but is made by layering real wood veneer over plywood or high-density fiberboard. This design makes it more stable in moisture-prone areas like basements or kitchens. I’ve noticed that customers love engineered wood when they want hardwood aesthetics but need better durability against temperature changes.
Material costs here range from $5 to $10 per square foot. Installation can vary but often uses floating or glue-down methods which reduce labor time compared to hardwood.
Laminate
Laminate is a favorite for those on a budget. It’s made of fiberboard core with photographic layers mimicking wood or stone. It’s quick to install since it usually floats without adhesives. I installed Empire laminate in my nephew’s apartment—he wanted stylish floors but couldn’t spend much.
You’ll pay about $2 to $5 per square foot for laminate materials. Labor costs tend to be lower due to simple installation.
Vinyl Planks
Vinyl plank flooring has grown massively in popularity. It’s waterproof, very durable, and easy to clean. In my experience installing Empire vinyl planks in kitchens and bathrooms, clients appreciate the low maintenance and wide design choices.
Material prices vary between $2 and $7 per square foot. Vinyl often uses glue-down or floating installation.
Why Does Material Choice Matter So Much?
Each material has different production costs — hardwood requires expensive milling and finishing; vinyl involves complex layering for durability; laminate uses printed designs which are cheaper to produce. Also, installation techniques differ in complexity affecting labor costs.
From my perspective, choosing the right material means balancing price with how you use your room daily. A high-traffic family room benefits from durable vinyl or engineered wood over delicate hardwood.
2. Room Size and Layout: More Than Just Square Footage
When I quote flooring jobs, I always ask: “What size is your room?” This helps estimate material needs and labor hours. But size isn’t everything.
Simple vs Complex Layouts
A 200-square-foot rectangular bedroom is straightforward—less cutting and fitting involved. But a kitchen with cabinets, islands, or odd angles requires more precise cuts and time.
For example, I once installed flooring in a 150-square-foot kitchen that took longer than a 250-square-foot living room because of the cabinetry layout and appliances needing removal.
Waste Factor: Planning for Extra Material
Empire recommends factoring in a waste percentage when ordering materials—usually 5% to 10% extra depending on layout complexity. That extra material covers offcuts from angled cuts or mistakes.
3. Installation Method: What Works Best for Your Room?
The method used affects both cost and time.
- Nail-Down: Mostly for solid hardwood; requires precise nailing which takes longer.
- Glue-Down: Common for vinyl tiles or engineered wood in commercial settings.
- Floating: Popular for laminate and click-lock engineered wood; faster to install.
I tend to recommend floating floors for DIYers or rooms where moisture may be present because it’s easier to repair later if needed.
In my experience installing floating floors in guest rooms averaged $1.50-$3 per sq.ft. in labor cost, while nail-down hardwood installations can run $4-$7 per sq.ft.
4. Subfloor Prep: The Hidden Cost You Can’t Ignore
One lesson I learned early on was never to underestimate the subfloor condition.
If your subfloor is uneven or damaged, installers have to spend time leveling or repairing it before laying new flooring. This can add hundreds of dollars to your project but prevents future problems like squeaking or warped boards.
In one project, repairing a damaged subfloor added almost 20% to the total project cost but saved the client from costly reinstallation later.
5. Extras That Add Up: Baseboards, Transitions & Finishing
Don’t forget about finishing touches—baseboards, transition strips between rooms, stair nosing, or special finishes like matte coatings or hand-scraped textures.
These details enhance the look but increase costs depending on materials and labor involved.
Real-Life Case Studies: Breaking Down Costs Room by Room
Case Study 1: Living Room Hardwood Installation
- Room size: 220 sq.ft.
- Flooring: Empire solid hardwood (oak)
- Installation method: Nail-down
- Subfloor condition: Good
- Extras: New baseboards
Cost Breakdown:
| Item | Cost per sq.ft. | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material | $12 | $2,640 |
| Labor | $6 | $1,320 |
| Baseboards | – | $300 |
| Total | $4,260 |
It took four days including sanding and finishing onsite.
Case Study 2: Kitchen Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Room size: 140 sq.ft.
- Flooring: Empire luxury vinyl plank
- Installation method: Glue-down
- Subfloor condition: Needed leveling
- Extras: Threshold strip at doorway
Cost Breakdown:
| Item | Cost per sq.ft. | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Material | $5 | $700 |
| Labor | $4 | $560 |
| Subfloor prep | – | $250 |
| Threshold strip | – | $75 |
| Total | $1,585 |
Finished in two days with excellent durability for kitchen use.
Budgeting Tips From My Experience
I often get asked how to stick to a budget while getting quality floors:
- Pick materials wisely: Don’t choose top-tier hardwood if laminate suits your needs better.
- Simplify layout: Avoid unnecessary cuts by planning furniture placement.
- Inspect subfloors early: Catch hidden issues before installation day.
- Bundle extras: Buy baseboards and transitions with flooring from Empire suppliers for discounts.
- DIY prep work: If you’re handy, removing old flooring yourself can save labor costs.
Comparing Long-Term Costs: Maintenance Matters
Sometimes cheaper upfront floors cost more over time due to maintenance or replacement.
Empire hardwood needs occasional refinishing every 7-10 years but lasts decades if cared for right. Vinyl requires minimal upkeep but might need replacement sooner in heavy traffic areas (around 15 years typical lifespan).
Common Questions I Hear About Empire Flooring Costs
Q: Can I install Empire flooring myself?
A: Yes, especially laminate or floating vinyl floors are DIY-friendly if you have basic tools.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Usually 1-4 days depending on room size and complexity.
Q: Does Empire offer warranties?
A: Yes, they typically provide 10-25 year warranties depending on product type.
Wrapping Up My Thoughts on One Room Empire Flooring Costs
I hope sharing what I’ve learned helps you plan your flooring project confidently. The average cost depends heavily on your choices across these five key factors:
- Material type
- Room size/layout
- Installation method
- Subfloor condition
- Additional features
If you’re curious about your specific project costs or want a detailed estimate tailored to your room’s dimensions and location, just reach out—I’d be happy to help!
Would you like me to walk you through a custom estimate using your room details? Or maybe share tips on picking the best Empire flooring option for your lifestyle? Just ask!
