Residential Warranties

Hardwood Bargains covers its hardwood flooring products under the following warranties:

Limited Lifetime Structural Defect Warranty

Hardwood Bargains warrants to the original purchaser for residential installation that its products are free from structural defects. Flooring must be installed by a licensed professional in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Hardwood Bargains installation instructions. Failure to install in accordance with the instructions will void this warranty.

30-Year Limited Surface Finish Warranty

Hardwood Bargains warrants to the original purchaser for residential installation that, under normal residential conditions and with proper maintenance, its surface finish will not wear through for 30 years from the date of purchase. Flooring must be used under normal residential traffic conditions, and all care and maintenance instructions provided by Hardwood Bargains must be followed for the warranty to be valid. Normal use is defined as light to moderate foot traffic. The use of other products not approved by Hardwood Bargains may damage the floor and void this warranty.

5-Year Light Commercial Warranty

Hardwood Bargains warrants its hardwood flooring for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase under light commercial use. Light commercial use includes spaces such as boutiques, offices, and other low-traffic commercial environments. This warranty covers the same conditions as our Lifetime Finish and Lifetime Structural Warranties.

Residential Exclusions

Buyer’s exclusive remedy and Hardwood Bargains’ sole liability on any claim shall be limited to the repair or replacement of the visibly defective products or refund of the purchase price only, at our option. Hardwood Bargains' limited warranty does not cover the following conditions:

- Scratches, indentations, or damage caused by accidents, negligence, everyday wear, abnormal wear, and abuse including heavy or concentrated foot traffic, spiked heel shoes, house pets, sand, grit, abrasive substances, and heavy objects or furniture rolled or dragged across the surface.

- Insect infestation after the products have left our factory.

- Knot holes, wormholes, splits, heartwood, mineral streaks, and any imperfection in the surface of the floor.

- Variations of color, shade, or texture of the floor from those shown on samples or photographs.

- Color change due to UV light exposure. Area rugs should be moved periodically to minimize the effects of ultraviolet light on the flooring.

- Splits, checks, or cracks in the flooring used in environments that are excessively dry, excessively humid, or prone to dramatic variations in humidity.

- Damage due to water saturation including but not limited to building leaks, plumbing leaks or overflows, leaks from dishwashers or refrigerator ice making units, wet or damp basement/crawlspaces, concrete sub-floors that have not cured, plywood sub-floors with excessive moisture, etc. Wet-mopping is also excluded.

- Noises such as popping, crackling, or squeaking.

- Structural damage due to job site-related moisture issues and failure to comply with radiant heat requirements.

- Stains due to oil or other liquid spillages.

- Loss of gloss or build-up of dulling film due to lack of maintenance or improper maintenance.

- Failure to support furniture with floor protectors made of non-staining felt or non-pigmented hard plastic.

- Telegraphing.

- An edge to splinter or chip caused by moving heavy objects across the floor.

- The use of putties during and after the installation of wood flooring is considered normal and is not cause for a claim against this warranty.

- Any flooring installed over a radiant heat system.

- Any associated costs such as labor or any other related material. We are not responsible for any labor charges of any kind either in the reinstallation or in the dismantling and removal of products previously installed, and cabinets, appliances, furniture, or other fixtures, etc.

- Products sold final sale or “AS IS”.

- Defects not exceeding 20% of the total flooring order.

- Job-site environmental issues and sub-surface deficiencies.

- Pre-installation inspection responsibilities of the installer/homeowner.

Radiant Heat

The warranty will be void if any of the requirements in the ‘Radiant Heat Systems’ section of the Installation Instructions are not fully met. Note that moderate surface checking, cracking (especially at the ends of boards and around knots), shrinkage, gapping between planks, and slight cupping are to be expected and do not constitute a product defect. Failure to comply with all requirements may result in structural damage including wood shear, which will not be covered by this warranty.

General Terms and Conditions

- The manufacturer’s liability under this warranty is limited to the actual replacement cost of material and reasonable labor only.

- Incidental or consequential costs associated with repairing or replacing a damaged flooring product are not our responsibility.

- New or replacement hardwood flooring required to settle a claim is not guaranteed to match the existing hardwood flooring or retailer display samples.

- The manufacturer is not responsible for matching the hardwood flooring to other products, such as cabinets, stair railings, trim, and moldings.

- No other warranties, express or implied, are made, including merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.

- Under no circumstances shall we be liable for loss or damage associated with special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

- No installer, retailer, agent, or employee of our company has the authority to increase or alter the obligations or limitations of this warranty.

Conditions

This limited warranty is subject to the following conditions:

- The flooring must only be used indoors in residential areas.

- Surface wear must not result from incorrect maintenance or accidents such as damage caused by scratching, impact, and cutting.

- Surface wear must be readily visible (approximately 10% of the installed floor). Gloss reduction is not considered surface wear.

- Our products are free from manufacturing defects in lamination, milling, and assembly for as long as you own them.

- The products will not buckle, cup, or warp when properly installed and normal humidity in the home (40%-60%) is maintained.

- Variations in grain pattern, color, and/or texture are normal and not considered defects. The natural color changes occurring in wood over time are not warranted.

- Normal expansion and contraction of wood flooring are expected and are not covered by this warranty.

Warranty Exclusions

This warranty does not cover:

- Pre-installation job site testing and preparation failures.

- Inspection failures prior to installation.

- Installation failures per manufacturer and industry guidelines.

- Failure to remove excess adhesive during installation.

- Improper maintenance.

- Failure to maintain a consistent indoor temperature of 65°-85°F and relative humidity levels of 40%-60%.

- Damages from accidents, negligence, abuse, or abnormal wear.

- Damages from water saturation, extreme environmental conditions, harsh chemicals, and unsuitable cleaning products.

- Damages from natural disasters or insect infestation post-manufacture.

- Improper finish work post-installation.

- Use of adhesive or tape on flooring surface.

- Wet mopping, steam cleaning, or power scrubbing.

- Scratches or stains from pets or other animals.

- Alterations of the original product.

- Mechanically fastened products against squeaking or popping sounds.

- Floor color changes due to UV light exposure.

- Pre- and post-installation inspection responsibilities and defect tolerances.

Preventive Care and Maintenance

- Use rugs at entrances to prevent abrasives from being tracked onto the floor. Clean or replace rugs as needed.

- Apply felt pads on all furniture legs to prevent scratches. Use caution when moving furniture or appliances.

- Protective mats must be used under rolling chairs to prevent premature wear or damage. Failure to use proper floor protection may void the warranty.

- Maintain a relative humidity level between 45%-60% for the health of your wood floor.

- Avoid using high-heels or spiked sports shoes on wood flooring.

- Wipe up spills quickly and sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt, dust, and abrasives from damaging the finish.

- Use appropriate cleaning products for hardwood flooring.

- Avoid waxes, polishes, oil-based detergents, or abrasive cleaners.

- Spray a light mist of cleaner onto the floor and mop in the same direction as the strips.

- Never pour water or liquid cleaner directly onto the floor surface.

- Avoid steam cleaners or wet mopping.

- Trim pets' claws to avoid scratching the floor.

- For difficult stains, use a cloth dampened with a suitable cleaner.

- For large scratches or damage, consult a professional.

- Use UV protective film on windows to minimize color changes.

Claims Procedure

To file a warranty claim, contact Hardwood Bargains Customer Service at 877-853-5667 or info@hardwoodbargains.com. Include your proof of purchase, a detailed description of the issue, and photos if possible. An NWFA certified inspector must perform an independent inspection to proceed with a claim. The customer is responsible for the initial inspection cost. If the inspector determines the floor is faulty, Hardwood Bargains will reimburse the inspection cost as part of the warranty process.

Replacement/Repairs

Hardwood Bargains reserves the right to repair any floors and/or use our own source to obtain an installer for replacement flooring. The homeowner is responsible for clearing any items placed over the affected areas. If a concern covered by the warranty affects less than 20% of the installed floor area, we will repair or replace only the affected planks. In the event of a repair, this warranty remains effective on the repaired floor.

Jurisdiction: This warranty shall be governed by, construed, and enforced by the laws of the State of Texas. Buyer or any derivative claimant hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any Texas or Federal Court sitting in Austin, Texas, over any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Warranty or the Products purchased hereunder and agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined exclusively in such court.