Warranty

Please check our website at www.sonomawoodfloors.com for any updates to this Limited Warranty Document.  If a version more recent than Rev3 5/2023 is present, please see that document instead.   

Pre-Installation Warranty: Sonoma Wood Floors are shipped in sealed packaging to keep the product stable. However, we require inspection of the material prior to installation. It is imperative that the homeowner look at the material to determine whether the color and appearance of the floor are what they expected. Wood materials have inherent character that cannot always be fully viewed in a display sample or handset. Any questions involving your flooring, please contact your retailer/distributor before starting installation. Samples exposed to ultraviolet light can also experience changes. Inspect all materials carefully prior to installation. 

Warranties do not cover materials with visible defects once they are installed. Installation constitutes acceptance. 

Residential Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty: Sonoma Wood Floors warrants that the floorboards will remain free from manufacturing defects for as long as the SWF (Sonoma Wood Floors) installation instructions have been followed, NWFA jobsite environmental requirements have been met, the specified SWF Care and Maintenance Instructions have been adhered to, and the original purchaser owns and occupies the home. In the unlikely event that any structural aspect of the plank fails, Sonoma Wood Floors will repair, or replace (our option) the failed planks of your floor. Sonoma Wood Floors warranty is limited to covering just the material cost of the flooring.  Incidental costs are not covered under any Sonoma Wood Floors warranty. 

Residential Limited Surface Finish Warranties: 

• For UV Matte Lacquer finishes: Our UV Lacquer finishes in residential settings are guaranteed to not wear through for a period of 25 years (for the original owner, non-transferable) under normal and reasonable residential foot traffic as long as the SWF specified Care and Maintenance Instructions have been adhered to. 
  
   
• For UV Oil finishes: Our UV Oil finishes in residential settings are guaranteed to not wear through for a period of 5 years (for the original owner, non-transferable) under normal and reasonable residential foot traffic as long as the SWF specified Care and Maintenance Instructions have been adhered to. 

Commercial Warranties (UV Matte Lacquer finish) : 

5-Year Commercial Structural Warranty 

Sonoma Wood Floors warrants that the floorboards will remain free from manufacturing defects for 5 years from the original date of (store) purchase if the SWF (Sonoma Wood Floors) installation instructions have been followed, NWFA jobsite environmental requirements have been met, the specified SWF Care and Maintenance Instructions have been adhered to, and the original purchaser owns and occupies the commercial property. In the unlikely event that any structural aspect of the plank fails, Sonoma Wood Floors will repair, or replace the failed planks of your floor (our option). Sonoma Wood Floors warranty is limited to covering just the material cost of the flooring.  Incidental costs are not covered under any Sonoma Wood Floors warranty. 

3-Year Light Commercial Finish Warranty:  Our UV Lacquer finish in light commercial settings are warranted to not wear through for a period of 3 years (for the original owner, non-transferable) under normal and reasonable light commercial foot traffic as long as the SWF specified Care and Maintenance Instructions have been adhered to. 

Claims Administration: In the unlikely event that any structural aspect of the plank fails. Sonoma Wood Floors will repair or replace the failed planks of your floor (our option). Sonoma Wood Floors will repair or replace the floors one time only. After one time repair or replacement Sonoma Wood Floors’ warranty obligations will be complete and no further warranties will be offered for that job. If a claim needs to be started, an inspection by the retailer is required. A Dealer Inspection Report must be filed with our local distributor. Should the retailer be unable to resolve the issue, a follow-up inspection will be conducted by the Sonoma Wood Floors’ Regional Distributor. 

Exclusions to Warranties 

1. Color Variation: Wood is a natural product and will vary in color and grain appearance from board to board. This is considered a natural aspect of the product and is not considered a defect. 

 

2. Light/Sunlight Exposure: Changes may occur when wood is exposed to UV rays from sunlight, fluorescent, LED, and incandescent bulbs. Window coverings, UV resistant tint, and solar screens can minimize, but not eliminate this natural process. 

 

3. Squeaky Floors: Squeaks are related to movement. Incorrect installation methods or structural issues create squeaking and is not considered a defect. 

 

4. Pre-Installation Inspection of Boards: Boards containing manufacturing defects are eligible for replacement. Return unused boards for free replacement material- the perceived defect should be discussed with the retailer and or distributor before any returns are to be set aside. Selection of planks as "defective" without involving retailer and or distributor will not qualify for any replacement, returns or cancellations.  Material that is subjectively viewed as defective, but meets Sonoma Wood Floors and industry standards for grade, will not be replaced. Boards that are installed when visibly defective will not be eligible for replacement- boards with visible defects should not have been installed. 

 

5. Improper Installation: Failure to follow SWF (Sonoma Wood Floors) Installation Instructions or NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) installation guidelines will invalidate the warranty.  Sonoma Wood Floors should be installed by a licensed installer/contractor. In absence of proof of installation by a licensed installer, the warranty is deemed void.

 

6. Gloss Levels and Color Variation: Wood is a natural product.  Its color and gloss level can vary from board to board. This is not deemed to be a product defect.

 

7. Adverse Environment: Damage created by moisture (originating from any source), sharp objects, sand, gravel, other abrasive material, loss of sheen, scratches, high heels, dents caused by heavy or sharp objects or unprotected chair/furniture legs, pet urine, vomit, or pet claw damage is excluded from this warranty. Use of hardwood flooring in laundry rooms and full bathrooms is not recommended. When moving appliances use proper appliance dolly’s, glides, or 1/8” Masonite on the floor shiny side down. Rolling appliances directly across the floor will damage the hardwood floor.  Such damage is not covered under warranty. 

 

8. Reaction to Environmental Conditions: Wood is a product of nature. As a natural material, it will expand and contract as it gains and loses moisture. Some gaps between the boards during low-humidity seasons are normal and not considered a defect. Maintaining optimum humidity levels of 35 to 55% and temperatures between 50 and 80°F will minimize these occurrences. Allowing relative humidity levels to fall below 35% can result in structural damage to the floor such as large gaps, splits in the surface, distortion of the boards and structural failure. Humidity levels above 55% can result in surface warping and structural failure of the boards. Normal expansion and contraction of wood floors may create minor separations between boards based on weather conditions and outside factors. This is not considered a manufacturing defect.

It is contractor and/or homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that Sonoma wood floor is the right choice for the specific environment of the product installation and usage. 

 
9. Maintenance: Full compliance with SWF (Sonoma Wood Floors) Care and Maintenance Instructions is required. The proper hardwood floor cleaner must be used. 

• For UV Matte Lacquer finish colors: Daily/weekly cleaning with microfiber pad is recommended to keep floor clean from sand and grit. Only a damp mop should be used. No wet mop or abrasive cleaner should be used. You may use Bona wood floor cleaner made for UV Matte Lacquer finish and Blanchon cleaner to clean your floors.
  Please refer to Sonoma Wood Floor Care and Maintenance instructions for more detailed instructions.
• For UV Oil finish colors: Daily/weekly cleaning microfiber pad is recommended to keep floor clean from sand and grit. Only a damp mop should be used. No wet mop or abrasive cleaner should be used. You may use Ciranova cleaner and Woca cleaner for UV Oil finish your floors.
  Please refer to Sonoma Wood Floor Care and Maintenance instructions for more detailed instructions.

We warn against the use of too much water or liquid when cleaning your hardwood floors. Damp or dry mop is appropriate, but not wet mopping. Spills must be wiped up immediately to prevent damage to the boards. Use of steam cleaners will damage the floor and invalidate the warranty.

10. High Traffic Areas: High traffic areas may experience faster finish wear through. More than 10% of the total surface area must be affected for the Residential and Commercial Finish Warranties to apply. Please note scratches are not covered under warranty.

11. Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear is not covered under SWF manufacturer’s warranty.

 

12. Radiant Heat:  Sonoma Wood Floors is not warranted for use over radiant heated floors. 

13. FLOOR DARKENING OR NATURAL COLOR CHANGE: Normal exposure to any lighting source will bring about changes in any hardwood floor due to the natural aging/oxidation process. Over time, this process will cause your flooring to take on a deeper, richer, and darker look. For the first 6 to 8 months, rugs and other furnishings that screen or block the flooring from natural or room lighting should be moved occasionally. This will minimize any appearance of discoloration under these objects. This is not a product defect and is not covered by any warranty.

14. Changes made to the planks after installation: Any changes made to the Sonoma Wood Flooring planks after installation by way of sanding, re-staining or refinishing the product will void the warranty as the product has been changed from its original state.

15. Internet Purchases: Sonoma Wood Floors does not warrant products purchased on the internet. Only products purchased from an authorized displaying dealer and serviced locally will be covered under warranty. Any claim must be accompanied by an original dealer invoice and original dealer inspection report. 

This warranty is limited to residential and light commercial use and does not apply to industrial or medium to heavy commercial use. When unauthorized maintenance products are used or when wet mopping occurs, the warranty becomes void. If any product is abused, improperly installed (see installation instructions), or damaged by moisture intrusion, plumbing leaks, insects, building defects, floods, or circumstances beyond our control, the warranty is no longer valid. Sonoma Wood Floors will not be responsible for any special, incidental, or consequential damages including inconvenience or loss of time. This warranty applies to all Sonoma Wood Floors products purchased after Oct 1st, 2022. It is valid for the original purchaser/resident only and is non-transferable. No agent, dealer, fabricator, installer, or employee of Sonoma Wood Floors is authorized to alter or increase the terms, limitations, or obligations of this warranty. In the event warranty service is required, please contact your original Sonoma Wood Floors re-seller to arrange an evaluation of the floor. Should further evaluation be needed, your retailer will need to contact the local distributor to begin the warranty process. The local distributor will forward the inspection report to Sonoma Wood Floors for review.

Warranty Disclaimers 

Any warranties arising out of this sale in addition to the above limited warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to the limited warranty for residential finish wear described above. Sonoma Wood Floors (SWF) shall not be liable for loss of use, or any other incidental or consequential costs, expenses or damages incurred by the purchaser or by any other person. The remedies as described in these warranties are the sole and exclusive remedies available to you for any breach by Sonoma Wood Floors of the expressed an implied warranties arising from the sale. These warranties exclude consequential and incidental damages, including but not limited to removal or damage of moldings, cabinets, built-in appliances, carpeting, drywall, wallpaper, paint and all relocation costs associated with any repair or replacement of the flooring. You must understand and agree that all incidental and consequential damages are solely your responsibility and are excluded as a potential remedy for any breach by Sonoma Wood Floors of the expressed an implied warranties arising from this sale. Some states do not allow limitations on the available remedies, or the length of an implied warranty or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. These warranties give you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary from state to state. Unless a statement made in this document is specifically identified as a warranty, any other statements made herein, or by your seller, are not warranties and are not part of the basis of the bargain for the sale of the hardwood floors. Any and all warranties, except those limited warranty provided herein, are specifically disclaimed and excluded. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of California and any applicable federal laws of the United States of America. Any action brought seeking the resolution of any controversy arising out of or relating to any warranties referenced herein shall be brought into the courts of the state of California, County of Orange.