Last week, we helped a family choose between Garrison hardwood and GAIA luxury vinyl for their kitchen renovation. The deciding factor? Their two golden retrievers and three kids under ten. This scenario plays out daily in our showroom—customers love the look of hardwood but need the practicality of waterproof flooring.
We’ve been matching flooring to lifestyles for years, and now we’re bringing that expertise to four premium manufacturers: GAIA, Fabrica, Masland, and Garrison. Each excels in different areas, and knowing their strengths helps you make the right choice the first time.
Understanding Premium Flooring Quality
What Actually Makes Flooring “Premium”?
Premium flooring costs more upfront but saves money over time. A $2 vinyl plank might seem like a bargain until it needs replacing in five years. Meanwhile, that $4 GAIA SPC or $8 Fabrica carpet still looks great after a decade.
The difference comes down to three things: materials, construction, and backing. Premium manufacturers control their supply chain. Garrison selects specific oak trees. Masland sources wool from particular New Zealand farms. This control means consistent quality.
Real Performance Differences
In our experience installing thousands of floors, premium products handle daily life better. Spilled wine on cheap carpet? Permanent stain. On Fabrica’s STAINMASTER-treated nylon? Wipes clean with water. We’ve seen $100,000 renovations ruined by saving $2,000 on flooring.
GAIA Flooring: Innovation in Waterproof Luxury
What Makes GAIA Different
GAIA specializes in SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) luxury vinyl—the flooring that changed everything for water-prone areas. Their Atticus GA10856 from the Black Series ($6.00 per square foot) passes our “ice bucket test.” Leave ice melting on it overnight, and there’s zero damage or warping.
Their collections break down simply:
- Black Series: Modern grays and deep browns
- Red Series: Warm, traditional wood tones
- White Series: Light, coastal-inspired shades
Best Applications
Perfect for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, mudrooms
Good for: Any room where kids or pets play
Skip if: You want the prestige of real hardwood in formal spaces
What to Expect
Installation runs 1-2 days for most homes. GAIA clicks together without glue—some handy homeowners install it themselves. The 6mm to 10mm thickness options affect both price and sound dampening. Go thicker if you have an active household.
Fabrica: Five Decades of Carpet Excellence
What Makes Fabrica Different
When a Fabrica sales rep visited last month, they brought their Chez velvet plush—the softest carpet we’ve ever felt. At $14 per square foot, it’s an investment, but customers who bought it five years ago say it still feels new.
Fabrica controls everything in their Southern California facility. Their Golden Anniversary Collection celebrates 50 years with 50 coordinating colors across three constructions. The Décor by Fabrica line starts around $8 per square foot—still premium, but more accessible.
Best Applications
Perfect for: Master bedrooms, formal living rooms, home theaters
Good for: Any room where comfort matters most
Skip if: You have multiple pets or need easy-clean flooring
What to Expect
Custom orders take 3-4 weeks. Standard colors ship faster. Installation requires skilled professionals—this isn’t apartment-grade carpet. Plan for furniture moving and a full day per 1,000 square feet. The Green Label Plus certification means no chemical smell during or after installation.
Masland Carpets: Heritage Since 1866
What Makes Masland Different
Masland’s STRONGWOOL changed how we think about wool carpet. Traditional wool stains easily and costs a fortune. STRONGWOOL resists stains naturally while keeping wool’s benefits—temperature regulation, sound absorption, and that luxurious feel.
Their 1866 by Masland collection features patterns you won’t find elsewhere. Model Americana combines traditional motifs with modern colorways. Starting around $4 per square foot, it bridges the gap between premium and ultra-luxury.
Best Applications
Perfect for: Bedrooms, home offices, formal dining rooms
Good for: Allergy sufferers (wool naturally resists allergens)
Skip if: You need bulletproof stain resistance
What to Expect
Most Masland styles ship within two weeks. Their million-square-foot facility means consistent availability. The Infinity Custom Rugs program takes 6-8 weeks but delivers exactly what you envision. We’ve helped customers match paint colors, artwork, even vintage furniture.
Garrison Flooring: Hardwood Artistry
What Makes Garrison Different
Garrison doesn’t just make floors—they create heirlooms. Their French Connection Provence (model GFFCOB7102) features 7-inch wide planks with hand-applied wire brushing. Each box looks slightly different because real craftspeople, not machines, create the distressing.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Double kiln-drying: Wood moisture content below 7%
- 9-11 UV coats: Industry standard is 3-5
- 4mm+ wear layers: Can refinish 2-3 times
Best Applications
Perfect for: Living rooms, dining rooms, hallways
Good for: Homes wanting authentic character
Skip if: You need perfectly uniform flooring
What to Expect
Lead times vary from 2-6 weeks depending on the collection. The Villa Gialla European Oak can include planks up to 7 feet—stunning but requires experienced installers. Figure $3-5 per square foot for installation on top of material costs ($6-12 per square foot).
Making Smart Flooring Decisions
Key Comparison Points
After installing all four brands repeatedly, here’s our honest assessment:
Moisture Resistance
- GAIA (completely waterproof)
- Garrison (excellent with proper finishing)
- Fabrica/Masland (avoid moisture)
Maintenance Requirements
- GAIA (sweep and damp mop)
- Garrison (periodic refinishing)
- Masland (professional cleaning annually)
- Fabrica (professional cleaning 2x yearly)
Installation Complexity
- GAIA (DIY possible)
- Masland/Fabrica (professional required)
- Garrison (expert installer crucial)
Common Questions We Answer Daily
“Can luxury vinyl really look like hardwood?” Modern GAIA products fool most people. We’ve had contractors mistake it for real wood. The texture, variation, and matte finishes have improved dramatically.
“How long before carpet needs replacing?” Cheap carpet: 5-7 years. Masland: 10-15 years. Fabrica: 15-20 years with care. We still see 25-year-old Fabrica installations looking respectable.
“What’s the real difference between $4 and $8 carpet?” Density, stain resistance, and appearance retention. That $8 Fabrica carpet has nearly twice the fiber per square inch. It won’t crush under furniture or mat down in traffic patterns.
Why Work With Masters Wholesale
We stock samples from all four manufacturers in one location. See GAIA next to Garrison. Feel Masland versus Fabrica. Our installation network knows these products inside out—no learning on your dime.
More importantly, we sell across price ranges. If GAIA fits your needs at $6.00, we won’t push you toward $10 Garrison. Our reputation depends on your satisfaction years later, not today’s sale.
Ready to explore these options in person? Visit our Sacramento flooring gallery to see full displays. For personalized recommendations based on your specific rooms and lifestyle, request a consultation. We’ll help you invest wisely in floors that enhance your home for decades.
