Fabrica Hardwood Flooring


Fabrica Hardwood Flooring: Technical Specifications and Design Performance for Architectural Specification

Introduction: The Legacy of Precision and Quality

For over five decades, the Fabrica brand has been a foundational name in the luxury flooring industry. Originally established as a premier manufacturer of high-end broadloom carpet and custom rugs, the company expanded its expertise into the hardwood sector to meet the rigorous demands of the architectural and design communities. The brand’s guiding philosophy, “Quality Without Compromise,” serves as the benchmark for its hardwood division, ensuring that every plank meets stringent aesthetic and structural standards.

In the contemporary landscape of building materials, architects and facility managers require products that bridge the gap between artisanal beauty and industrial-grade performance. Fabrica Hardwood Flooring addresses this need by utilizing advanced engineering techniques, premium wood species, and environmentally responsible finishing processes. As a division of The Dixie Group, Fabrica leverages extensive supply chain transparency and technical resources to provide specification-ready flooring systems suitable for high-end residential, hospitality, and luxury multi-family developments.

Product Range and Material Composition

Fabrica’s hardwood portfolio is categorized into distinct collections, each engineered to address specific design intents and performance requirements. The brand primarily utilizes European White Oak, American Walnut, and Maple, selected for their grain density and dimensional stability.

The Artisan Custom Hardwood Collection

The Artisan collection represents the pinnacle of Fabrica’s engineering capabilities. This system is designed for projects requiring a bespoke aesthetic with the reliability of a pre-finished engineered platform. Key features include:

  • Format: Planks are available in widths of 7 inches, 8 inches, and a striking 10-inch profile.
  • Construction: A 100% pure hardwood construction that emphasizes grain continuity and structural integrity.
  • Color Permeation: Unlike surface-level stains, many Artisan products utilize reactive coloring processes that penetrate the wood fiber, ensuring that the visual depth remains consistent even after years of foot traffic.
The Heritage Collections

In addition to the Artisan line, Fabrica offers several curated collections inspired by classical European architecture and modern minimalism. These include the Chateau, Versailles, and Citadel collections. These lines utilize a multi-ply engineered core, typically consisting of cross-laminated Baltic Birch. This construction is essential for facility managers concerned with hygroscopic movement, as the cross-ply layers counteract the natural expansion and contraction of the wood in fluctuating humidity environments.

Design & Aesthetic Impact in Modern Environments

For interior designers, the visual versatility of Fabrica Hardwood Flooring provides a sophisticated foundation for biophilic and modern design approaches. The brand focuses on Large Format Specification, with many collections featuring lengths up to 112 inches. These elongated planks reduce the number of end-joints in a space, creating a more cohesive, expansive visual that is highly sought after in open-plan commercial and residential interiors.

Texture and Finish Sophistication

The aesthetic impact of Fabrica flooring is defined by its nuanced textures. The brand employs several mechanical and hand-applied techniques to enhance the natural character of the wood:

  • Wire-Brushing: Removes the softer springwood to highlight the harder grain patterns, providing a tactile surface that masks minor abrasions.
  • Hand-Scraping: Adds a subtle, undulating depth that mimics historic reclaimed timber.
  • Low-Luster Finishes: Fabrica predominantly uses matte and ultra-matte finishes. These coatings align with contemporary design trends that favor a natural, "oil-rubbed" look while maintaining the protection of a modern urethane system.

This adaptability makes Fabrica an innovative interior design material capable of anchoring a wide range of styles, from the rustic textures required in mountain modern hospitality projects to the clean, rift-sawn aesthetics of urban high-rises.

Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics

Architects and specifiers must prioritize technical data to ensure long-term project viability. Fabrica flooring is engineered to meet and exceed industry standards for wear resistance and dimensional stability.

Engineered Core and Wear Layer

The performance of a Fabrica plank is rooted in its Sawn-Face Veneer. Unlike peeled or sliced veneers found in lower-grade products, sawn-face veneers provide the same visual character and grain orientation as solid wood. Wear layers typically range from 3mm to 4mm, allowing for multiple refinishing cycles over the floor's lifespan—a critical factor for facility managers calculating Life Cycle Cost (LCC).

Installation and Substrate Compatibility

As specification-ready flooring systems, Fabrica products offer flexible installation methods:

  • Glue-Down: Recommended for commercial applications to provide a solid acoustic profile and maximum stability.
  • Nail/Staple: Ideal for residential plywood subfloors.
  • Float: Possible with specific underlayment systems to address sound transmission class (STC) requirements in multi-family units.

Furthermore, the engineered construction makes Fabrica flooring compatible with most hydronic radiant heating systems, provided specific installation protocols are followed regarding slab temperature and moisture barriers.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Fabrica is committed to providing sustainable flooring solutions that contribute to healthy indoor environments. This commitment is evidenced through several key initiatives:

  • Regulatory Compliance: All products are CARB Phase II compliant and meet the strict standards of the Lacey Act, ensuring that all timber is legally and responsibly sourced.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Fabrica utilizes low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes and adhesives, which are essential for projects seeking LEED or WELL certifications.
  • Resource Efficiency: Engineered wood is inherently more resource-efficient than solid wood, as it allows for a greater yield of high-quality visual faces from a single log, reducing the overall environmental footprint of the material.
Professional Scenarios and Application Performance

In high-traffic hospitality environments, such as boutique hotel lobbies or luxury suites, Fabrica’s Citadel and Fortress collections provide the necessary impact resistance. The aluminum oxide-reinforced finishes create a barrier against micro-scratching from grit and heels, while the reactive stains ensure that any deeper gouges do not reveal a contrasting "white" wood underneath.

For high-end residential projects, the Artisan Custom collection allows architects to specify exact color palettes that harmonize with custom millwork and cabinetry. The ability to request samples and consult with Fabrica’s technical representatives ensures that the final installation aligns perfectly with the initial design vision.

Conclusion and Specification Assistance

Fabrica Hardwood Flooring stands as a performance-driven solution that does not sacrifice aesthetic integrity. For the professional specifier, it offers a rare combination of design flexibility, technical clarity, and long-term durability. By focusing on wide-plank formats, premium sawn-face veneers, and sustainable manufacturing, Fabrica remains a leader in the luxury hardwood market.

To support your next project, the following resources are available to ensure accurate specification:

  • Product Samples: Available upon request to verify color and texture under project-specific lighting.
  • Technical Data Sheets: Detailed information regarding Janka hardness ratings, flame spread ratings, and VOC emissions.
  • Specification Consultations: Direct access to brand representatives to discuss subfloor preparation and custom color development.

For further information or to review the complete collection of innovative interior design materials, visit the official Fabrica website or contact your local architectural representative.


57390-2143