Warranties on Hardwood Floor Refinishing: What You Need to Know

At Choice Hardwoods, we understand that refinishing your hardwood floors is a significant investment, and we want you to feel confident in the work that we do. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “What kind of warranty do I get with my hardwood floor refinishing project?” After all, you’re trusting us with your floors, and you want to know that if something goes wrong, you’re protected.

In this article, we’ll dive into what warranties on hardwood floor refinishing typically cover, and what you can expect from Choice Hardwoods specifically. We’ll explain the scope of our warranty, what’s covered, and what isn’t, so you can have clear expectations about your project and the post-project support you’ll receive. We highly recommend homeowners to verify before signing any contacts for work to fully discuss the warranty of floor refinishing with your chosen hardwood flooring expert. 

What Does a Warranty on Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cover?

First, let’s take a step back and understand what a warranty for refinishing hardwood floors generally includes. A hardwood floor refinishing job is much more than just applying a fresh coat of finish. It involves sanding down the surface to remove any imperfections, stains, or previous finishes and then reapplying a new stain and protective topcoat.

Since refinishing your floors requires a significant amount of skill, precision, and the right equipment, most professional companies back up their work with warranties to give you peace of mind.

When it comes to Choice Hardwoods, we back our work 100% in regard to the sanding and finishing portion of your project. This means that once we’ve completed the refinishing process, we guarantee that the work we’ve done is flawless.

• Sanding: The sanding portion of the refinishing process is crucial. It removes the old, worn finish and smooths out the wood’s surface, allowing for a clean base to apply the new stain and finish. We guarantee that this process will be done thoroughly, without leaving behind any sanding marks or imperfections. If something is wrong with the sanding job — such as uneven areas or sanding marks — we’ll take care of it at no additional charge.

• Finishing: Once the floor has been sanded, we apply the new finish. Whether you choose a stain with a polyurethane topcoat or a natural finish, we ensure that the finish is applied properly. We use high-quality products that will stand up to normal wear and tear, and we guarantee that the application will be even and smooth. If the finish starts to peel or show signs of improper application, we will come back and address the issue without charging extra.

What’s Not Covered by Our Warranty?

While we stand behind our sanding and finishing work 100%, there are certain situations where we cannot cover damages or issues under our warranty. It’s important to understand the limitations of a warranty so that you’re not caught off guard if something happens after the project is complete. Here’s what’s not covered:

1. Damage Caused by the Homeowner or Third Parties

Our warranty covers the work we’ve done, but once the job is complete and approved by you during the final walk-through, any damage caused after the fact will not be covered. This includes:

• Scratches or scuff marks caused by pets, furniture, or moving equipment: If your movers, appliance installers, or even you yourself cause scratches or scuff marks after the floor has been finished, these are not covered under the warranty.
• Accidental damage: If someone in the household accidentally spills something on the floor or drops a heavy object that causes damage to the finish, these things are not covered.

We understand that accidents happen, and it’s a part of life. That’s why we encourage homeowners to be cautious with their newly refinished floors during the first few weeks to allow the finish to fully cure.

2. General Wear and Tear Over Time

Like all home improvement projects, hardwood floors will naturally experience wear and tear over time, even if they’re refinished. Our warranty doesn’t cover:

• Normal use and aging: As your floors are walked on, they will eventually show signs of wear. High-traffic areas may experience more noticeable signs of aging. While our finishes are durable, the natural process of wood changing color and getting worn down from foot traffic is not something that we can cover under warranty.
• Dirt and debris: No finish can protect against the build-up of dirt, debris, or dust that accumulates over time. Regular cleaning and care are essential to maintaining your floor’s appearance, and unfortunately, our warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by neglect or improper cleaning methods.

3. Post-Project Maintenance Issues

After the final inspection, we do not cover ongoing maintenance. You’ll be responsible for taking care of your floors through regular cleaning, preventative care, and following the proper maintenance guidelines we provide. If the floors are exposed to excessive moisture, harsh chemicals, or improper cleaning tools, this could lead to damage or premature wear that our warranty does not cover.

Our Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: Courtesy Follow-Up

At Choice Hardwoods, we want to ensure that your experience with us is not only professional but also positive in the long run. That’s why, as a part of our commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide a courtesy follow-up about a month after your project is complete.

During this follow-up, we’ll check in with you to ensure that you’re satisfied with the work, and if you’ve noticed any minor scratches or marks from normal use, we’re happy to help address those concerns.

• Minor scratches or imperfections: If small imperfections have occurred in the weeks after the project, we’re usually happy to come back and touch up the floors. We understand that minor scratches can happen, especially when moving furniture or just daily wear, and we do our best to help correct these small issues as a courtesy to our customers.

It’s our way of showing that we stand by the quality of our work and want you to feel confident about your floors even after the job is finished.

Handling More Serious Issues

In some cases, issues may arise that are more than just a minor scratch or two. If you notice something more serious — such as the finish not adhering properly, or areas of the floor that look like they weren’t finished correctly — it’s important to reach out to us right away.

We’ll handle these types of issues on a case-by-case basis. If there’s a genuine issue with the finish or sanding that’s due to improper application or the use of faulty materials, we’ll take care of it free of charge.

It’s rare for this kind of issue to arise, but if it does, we’ll make sure it’s addressed promptly and to your satisfaction. Our goal is always to leave our customers with floors they can enjoy for many years, and we believe in standing behind our work.

Warranties for Hardwood Floor Installation

It’s important to note that our warranty process differs when it comes to installation. Hardwood floor installation involves many more variables than refinishing. The quality of the subfloor, the humidity and temperature conditions of your home, and the type of wood being installed can all impact the long-term performance of the floors.

For instance, with installation, we guarantee the craftsmanship of the installation itself, but the warranty may not cover issues like:

• Warping or cupping caused by high humidity or water damage.
• Buckling due to improper subflooring or foundation issues.
• Expansion of the wood caused by temperature fluctuations or poor acclimatization of the materials.

These types of issues are typically more environmental or structural, so we address them on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that any installation-related issues are resolved efficiently.

What to Expect from Our Warranty

Our Choice Hardwoods warranty for refinishing covers the sanding and finishing process completely, ensuring that the job is done correctly and professionally. We’re committed to helping you maintain the beauty of your floors, so we provide follow-up care and touch-ups for minor scratches as a courtesy. For more serious issues, we’ll assess the situation and, if needed, correct it at no extra cost to you.

However, as with any project, proper care and maintenance on your part are key to ensuring your floors stay beautiful for years to come. By understanding what’s covered under our warranty and what isn’t, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly refinished hardwood floors with confidence and peace of mind.