Three years ago, our company office in Chicago underwent a much-needed renovation. As part of the upgrade, we decided to replace the outdated, scuffed floors with something modern, durable, and professional-looking.
After going through many options, we went with Empire Flooring, and it’s a decision I’m thrilled about to this day. From their stellar service to the flooring’s lasting quality, Empire exceeded my expectations at every step.
Here are my journeys, experiences, and reasons why I think Empire Flooring has been a game-changer for our office.
Why We Chose Empire Flooring?
So, when we decided to renovate our office here in Chicago, we knew that flooring was going to be a huge challenge because, with over 40 employees, there is some real daily demand on the floor.
Our old floors constantly showed all sorts of scuffs, dents, and wear from rolling office chairs, heavy foot traffic, and dropped boxes. The endurance of the flooring was one of the most important considerations, and after considering several options, Empire Flooring was highly recommended for its durability and longevity.
Three years down the road, their flooring has thrived perfectly, showing no signs of wear despite the general hustle and bustle.
Functionality alone was not enough; we wanted flooring that looked fantastic and gave the office a professional appearance. We use wood-look vinyl to bring some warmth and elegance to the reception and workstation areas with high traffic.
But for quieter areas, we use gray laminate for break rooms and private offices with sleek, modern vibes. Empire’s team assisted us in visualizing the best options by bringing samples to the office and even laying them out in different spaces to see how they would look in natural light an experience that made all the difference.
Ease of maintenance was a significant factor too. We didn’t have time for an office as busy as ours with hours spent cleaning. Empire flooring makes it so easy to keep things in order a mop of everything here, and then we vacuum almost daily.
The first time coffee was spilled in the break room, I was sure we were left with a stain. But easily wiped off, no trace was left behind. With Empire’s affordable pricing, excellent warranty, and optional insurance coverage, it is clear to me that choosing Empire was indeed the right decision for us.
Features of Empire Flooring to Like
Scratch Resistance
Our floor covers in the workstations have been a star performer. Just imagine that every day, employees move chairs around or drag them to nearby desks while holding team discussions.
I would think one time, “These planks will never make it past one year.” Fast forward now, three years later, and the floor still looks perfect. For instance, an intern once accidentally dragged along a metal desk, bracing myself for a scratch still nil.
Stain Resistance
Laminate flooring in the break room gets its fair share of abuse. Coffee spills? Check. Juice mishaps? Double check. Just last month someone spilled a full bottle of soda and left it unnoticed for hours.
When we wiped it up, I was amazed to find no stains, no sticky residue, just clean. The laminate’s protective coating has been a lifesaver, saving us from countless potential disasters.
Durability
I can’t count how many office events and client meetings we’ve hosted in the reception area. One memorable time, we had to rearrange the space for a product launch, dragging heavy furniture across the premium vinyl flooring.
Certain we’d find scuffs or dents afterward, the planks held up like a champ. No scratches, no warping just pristine flooring that continues to impress clients when they walk in.
Ease of Installation
It was an absolute pleasure to have Empire’s installation crew on board. They treated this 2,000 square feet with military precision and completed the job in three days flat.
To this day, I recall the lead installer explaining their process to avoid minimal disruption to our workday. They also moved our furniture with care, leaving no trace of their being there cleaning up after themselves, and left us with a spotless, ready-to-use office.
Our Empire Flooring Choices
In our fast-paced Chicago office, we found two types of Empire flooring to meet its specific requirements. High-traffic areas were covered with premium vinyl planks, while laminate flooring was installed in areas with low traffic. Both have proved their worth with everyday wear and tear.
We chose vinyl flooring for the reception, conference rooms, and workstation areas because of their durability and premium quality. Its waterproof and scratch-resistant design has been a game changer.
I do remember that one snowy morning when employees tracked in salt and slush everywhere, leaving puddles all over the place. At first, I panicked, assuming that all this water was going to seep into the floor. But after a quick mop, the floors looked like nothing had happened – no stains, no damage, just clean and shining.
Other times, we included a product launch in the reception area that required moving heavy furniture around. I was dreading scratches, but this flooring held up perfectly with all the moving around.
For break rooms, private offices, and hallways, laminate flooring was chosen due to affordability and good looks. And while aesthetics have a part in it, it’s also built for real-life messes.
One very messy lunch period ended with someone knocking over tomato sauce in the break room. Hours went by before we got around to cleaning it, and when we did, the laminate wiped clean without so much as a hint of the spill.
Its stain-resistant finish has been a lifesaver in a space prone to coffee drips, snack crumbs, and all other kinds of everyday messes.
Empire Flooring Review: 3 Years Update
Installation Experience
I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism and efficiency exhibited by Empire Flooring personnel when they came to install our flooring three years ago.
In our Chicago office, we selected premium vinyl flooring for high-traffic reception, workstations, and conference rooms, and laminate flooring for break rooms, private offices, and hallways. Their team prepared the subfloors meticulously, carefully moved all of our furniture, and worked in sections to not interrupt our operations.
They completed the entire 2,000-square-foot space within just three days, which worked out perfectly for our packed schedule. What was remarkable is that they provide free sub-floor analysis and moving of furniture as part of their service, with no hidden fee and no surprises at the end.
Even their lead installer walked me through what would happen in their process and how those materials would treat our office conditions.
Maintenance Experience
Keeping the flooring has proven to be much simpler than I thought; we have developed a routine that keeps it fresh as it was installed on the first day.
Vinyl flooring, for example, requires as little as a weekly mop and daily vacuuming for its constant foot traffic or from reckless rolling office chairs. I remember one instance where we received a shipment of heavy office equipment.
One box was dragged across the floor, and I thought for sure that was going to leave some kind of mark, but the vinyl showed no signs of scuffing whatsoever. The laminate in the break room is just the same.
Spills and stains are dealt with immediately using a soft mop with a laminate-safe cleaner, leaving the surface looking pristine at all times. The most memorable incident was when someone spilled an entire cup of hot coffee in a private office it wiped up in seconds without leaving any residue or warping.
Costing
Here is the cost breakdown of our project: the vinyl flooring for 1,200 square feet costs $6,000 while the laminate flooring for 800 square feet was $2,400, both prices including installation.
Empire provided a five-year warranty on materials and labor, which was reassuring, although I did add the extra insurance policy with extended coverage for $600. This would cover accidental damage, which has proven to be useful in a busy office where accidents are not entirely infrequent.
I wasn’t sure about the investment at first, but after three years, the floors have certainly proven their value. They’ve handled heavy traffic, spills, and even furniture rearrangements without a hitch, making it one of the smartest decisions we’ve made for our workspace.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly durable vinyl, even in heavy-use areas.
- Stain-resistant laminate saves the day in messy situations.
- Wide range of styles to fit any decor.
- Professional and efficient installation team.
- Comprehensive warranty for added peace of mind.
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs compared to some competitors.
- Laminate isn’t the best choice for rooms where moisture will be present for extended periods.
Conclusion
Empire Flooring transformed our Chicago office into a sleek, efficient, and very low-maintenance place. From the scratch-resistant vinyl across the workstations to the stain-resistant laminate in the break room, every choice has proven its worth.
I was very impressed at how Empire balanced aesthetics and practicality. Three years on, the floors still appear as fresh as they had been on the day of installation, and that is no small feat in a busy workplace like ours.
If you are indecisive about flooring, my advice is simple: go with Empire. It’s going to be an investment in quality, durability, and peace of mind that you will not regret.
FAQs
How long will Empire Flooring last in a commercial environment?
Empire’s commercial-grade flooring maintains its appearance after 3+ years of intense daily use. Their vinyl planks withstand rolling chairs, heavy foot traffic, and furniture dragging without visible wear. The protective coatings resist scuffs even when metal furniture is accidentally dragged across the surface.
What’s included in Empire’s installation service?
Empire provides comprehensive installation that includes free subfloor analysis, furniture moving, and meticulous preparation. Their teams work in sections to minimize business disruption and typically complete 2,000 square feet in just three days. They leave no mess behind and provide a detailed walkthrough of the completed work.
How does Empire Flooring handle water damage and spills?
Empire’s vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, making it perfect for areas prone to spills or tracked-in moisture. Their laminate features protective coatings that repel stains when promptly cleaned. Even substances like coffee, tomato sauce, and snow slush wipe away without leaving marks or causing damage.
What warranty and protection plans does Empire offer?
Empire provides a five-year warranty covering both materials and workmanship. For additional protection, they offer optional insurance ($600 for a 2,000 sq ft office) that covers accidental damage. This combination provides comprehensive coverage for businesses where unexpected floor damage might occur.
What’s the real cost of Empire Flooring compared to alternatives?
Though initially pricier than some competitors (approximately $5/sq ft for vinyl and $3/sq ft for laminate installed), Empire delivers exceptional long-term value. The minimal maintenance requirements, durability, and continued aesthetic appeal make the investment worthwhile for businesses concerned about total ownership cost.
How do I choose between Empire’s vinyl and laminate options?
Choose Empire’s premium vinyl for high-traffic areas requiring waterproof, scratch-resistant flooring with a warm, elegant appearance. Select their laminate for lower-traffic areas where you want a sleek, modern look at a more affordable price point. Empire’s design team helps visualize options in your actual space.
What maintenance is required for Empire Flooring?
Empire Flooring requires minimal upkeep. Vinyl needs only weekly mopping and daily vacuuming in busy areas. Their laminate stays pristine with regular vacuuming and occasional cleaning with laminate-safe products. Both resist staining and scratching, eliminating the need for specialized cleaning regimens or refinishing.
How does Empire’s flooring impact office aesthetics and functionality?
Empire transforms workspaces with modern, professional flooring that enhances both appearance and functionality. Their extensive style options complement any decor while providing practical benefits like noise reduction, comfort underfoot, and easy furniture mobility. Clients consistently notice and comment on the premium look.
