Empire Today in Baltimore: Same-Day Carpet and Flooring Installation for Rental and Owner-Occupied Homes
Empire Today operates a mobile flooring service covering Baltimore and surrounding counties, specializing in carpet, laminate, vinyl, and wood installation with same-day or next-day scheduling and in-home measurement.
What Empire Today actually is
Empire Today is a national franchise with local crews serving the Baltimore area through appointment-based, in-home flooring sales and installation. The company focuses on speed and convenience: a sales representative measures your space, shows samples, provides a quote, and if you book the same day, installation can happen within 24 to 48 hours. This model appeals to renters, landlords managing turnovers, and homeowners on tight timelines more than to customers planning months ahead. The operation is residential only; they do not handle commercial jobs.
Services and pricing
Empire Today handles carpet, laminate, vinyl plank, and hardwood installation. They also perform removal of existing flooring. The company does not sell flooring materials separately; customers select and purchase through Empire Today's in-home consultation, which eliminates a trip to a showroom.
Pricing varies widely by material and square footage. Carpet typically runs $3 to $8 per square foot installed, depending on quality and padding. Laminate and vinyl plank generally fall in the $4 to $10 range installed. Hardwood costs more, from $8 to $15 per square foot or higher for premium species. These are rough ranges; exact costs depend on subfloor condition, removal scope, and local labor rates. Call for a quote tied to your specific job. Same-day booking usually triggers a small deposit (verify current terms). Installation is typically completed within one to two business days of purchase.
How Empire Today compares to other Baltimore flooring options
Baltimore has two main flooring paths: independent local installers and big-box retailers with installation services.
Independent installers like those found through contractor networks or referrals often allow more flexibility on material sourcing; you can buy from a specialty shop, then hire separate labor. This works well if you have a specific aesthetic in mind or want to comparison-shop materials first. Installation timelines are longer, typically one to three weeks out.
Big-box retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's) sell materials and coordinate installation through third-party contractors. Pricing is competitive, but scheduling is often slower than Empire Today, and quality of installation varies by contractor. You handle material selection at the store, which is useful if you want to see inventory but can feel overwhelming.
Empire Today's edge is speed and simplicity: one appointment, material selection and installation booked the same day, no separate contractor hunting. This suits people moving into a rental with worn carpet, landlords refreshing units between tenants, or homeowners who prioritize fast turnaround over custom material selection. Choose an independent installer if you already know what flooring you want and prefer to control the supply chain. Choose big-box retail if you want to browse materials in person before committing.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Empire Today suits renters facing move-in deadlines, landlords managing multiple unit turnovers, and homeowners wanting a straightforward installation without weeks of planning. Same-day or next-day scheduling eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple contractors.
It does not suit customers who want to select high-end or specialty materials unavailable through Empire Today's sample selection, or those planning a full-home renovation with design consultation and long-term project management. It also does not fit tight budgets seeking the absolute lowest cost; the convenience premium can add 10 to 15 percent versus buying materials separately and hiring a local installer directly.
What the first visit involves
A sales representative schedules an in-home appointment, typically within one to two business days. They measure all rooms requiring flooring, document subfloor condition, and show sample swatches of carpet, laminate, vinyl, or hardwood available for your price point. They answer questions about durability, maintenance, and warranty. A written estimate is provided on the spot. If you book same-day, a deposit is collected and installation is scheduled for the next business day or within 48 hours. The entire appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. If you decline, there is no obligation or follow-up fee.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Empire Today operates Monday through Saturday; call or use their online booking system to schedule. The representative comes to your address, so parking is handled at your home or rental. No in-office location visit is necessary.
Verify current appointment availability and deposit terms directly, as scheduling windows shift seasonally and by neighborhood demand. Installation crews typically work daytime hours, Monday through Friday, though Saturday appointments are available on a limited basis.
Empire Today fills a specific Baltimore need: fast flooring replacement for time-pressed renters and landlords who value same-week installation over material customization or design input.

