Customer Care & Warranty

At North Valley Woodworks, we take pride in crafting solid hardwood furniture designed for years of everyday use. We want you to understand the natural characteristics of your furniture, how to care for it, and the warranty protection included with your purchase.

Our Customer Care & Warranty Guide

Natural Wood & Cosmetic Standards

Learn what to expect from genuine solid hardwood furniture, including natural grain variations, knots, color differences, and handcrafted characteristics.

Limited Warranty

Review our 5-year materials and workmanship warranty and 1-year NVWW-applied finish warranty, including coverage, exclusions, and important conditions.

Furniture Care & Maintenance Guide

Find practical instructions for cleaning, protecting, and maintaining your handcrafted furniture for years to come.

Download the Complete Guide

• Download the Complete Customer Care & Warranty Guide (PDF)

Our complete guide includes all three documents in one convenient PDF that you can view online, download, or print for future reference.

We encourage you to review these documents before placing your order. If you have questions about your furniture or warranty coverage, please contact North Valley Woodworks.

Natural Wood & Cosmetic Standards

North Valley Woodworks furniture is individually handcrafted from natural materials. No two boards - and no two finished pieces - will be identical. These standards explain the natural variations and handcrafted characteristics customers should expect from solid-wood furniture.

By placing an order with North Valley Woodworks, the customer acknowledges and accepts these standards as part of the purchase.

1. Natural Wood Characteristics

Natural characteristics such as knots, knot openings, small checks, splits, mineral streaks, grain variations, color variations, sapwood, heartwood, and other naturally occurring characteristics may be present in solid-wood furniture. These characteristics contribute to the individual appearance of real wood and are not necessarily defects.

Knots, voids, checks, and other natural characteristics may be left open, filled, stabilized, or otherwise treated at NVWW's discretion, based on their location, size, stability, intended use, and the overall character of the piece. Filled areas may remain visible and may differ in color, texture, or sheen from the surrounding wood.

Natural checks, splits, or openings may develop or change over time as solid wood responds to its environment. Minor changes consistent with normal wood movement are not considered defects.

2. Natural Wood Movement

Solid wood responds naturally to changes in temperature, humidity, and its surrounding environment. Expansion, contraction, minor checking, cracking, cupping, bowing, twisting, joint movement, and other dimensional changes may occur throughout the life of solid-wood furniture.

Minor movement consistent with the natural characteristics of solid wood is not considered a defect in materials or workmanship. NVWW does not warrant solid-wood furniture to remain perfectly flat or dimensionally unchanged throughout its life.

Seasonal changes may also result in minor gaps or movement between boards, leaves, joints, or other solid-wood components. Minor seasonal changes of this nature are characteristic of solid-wood furniture and are not considered defects.

On tabletops constructed with breadboard ends, seasonal expansion and contraction of the main tabletop may cause the breadboard ends to extend slightly beyond the sides of the tabletop or become slightly recessed from them at different times of the year. This movement is a normal characteristic of properly constructed solid-wood breadboard ends and is not considered a defect.

3. Dimensions & Wood Thickness

Because each piece of NVWW furniture is individually handcrafted, finished dimensions may vary slightly from the dimensions ordered.

Unless otherwise specifically agreed to in writing, finished length, width, and height may vary by up to 1/2 inch from the stated dimensions.

Solid-wood thicknesses are nominal and approximate. Finished thickness may vary as a result of milling, flattening, sanding, wood movement, and the natural characteristics of the individual boards.

4. Stain & Color Variation

Wood is a natural material, and variations in grain, color, density, and porosity affect how individual boards accept stain and finish. Color and tone may therefore vary between individual boards, components, and pieces of furniture even when the same wood species, stain, and finishing process are used.

Stain colors, finish samples, photographs, digital images, renderings, and previously completed furniture represent the general appearance of a finish and are not guarantees of an exact color match.

Differences in wood species, grain, sanding, distressing, age, lighting, and display settings may affect the appearance of a finished piece. These variations are not considered defects.

When multiple pieces are ordered together, NVWW will make reasonable efforts to achieve a visually cohesive finish; however, exact color uniformity or matching is not guaranteed.

Custom color matching, when offered, is an approximation and is not guaranteed to produce an exact match to existing furniture, flooring, cabinetry, photographs, samples, or other materials. NVWW determines whether a requested custom match can reasonably be achieved.

5. Surface & Finish Characteristics

NVWW furniture is handcrafted and hand-finished. Minor variations in surface texture, sanding, stain absorption, sheen, filler, and other finish characteristics may occur and are part of the handcrafted nature of the furniture.

Wood grain, knots, filled areas, end grain, and individual boards may accept stain and finish differently, resulting in natural variations in color, texture, and sheen.

Hand-applied finishes may include reasonable variations that would not be present in mass-produced furniture. Physical samples, digital images, renderings, photographs, and previously completed furniture represent the general appearance of a finish and are not guarantees that the completed furniture will appear identical.

6. Distressing & Textured Surfaces

Distressing, band-sawn surfaces, saw marks, wire brushing, hand-planed effects, and other textured or aged finishes are intentionally irregular. The location, depth, pattern, and appearance of these characteristics will naturally vary across individual boards and from one piece of furniture to another.

Textured and distressed surfaces are not intended to be uniform or perfectly smooth. Some areas may receive additional sanding, filling, or other treatment as NVWW determines appropriate during the finishing process.

Samples, photographs, digital images, renderings, and previously completed furniture represent the general character of a distressing or texture option and do not guarantee an identical pattern or appearance.

These variations are part of the intended handcrafted character of the furniture and are not considered defects.

7. Joinery & Construction Characteristics

Depending on the design and construction method, joints, seams, filled areas, fasteners, hardware, plugs, or other construction details may be visible.

Wood filler, epoxy, plugs, or other appropriate materials may be used at NVWW's discretion to fill, stabilize, reinforce, or improve natural wood characteristics or construction areas. These materials may remain visible and may differ in color, grain, texture, or sheen from the surrounding wood.

Certain fasteners or hardware may remain visible where appropriate for the design, construction, assembly, adjustment, or serviceability of the furniture. Their presence is not considered a defect.

Minor visibility of joints, seams, glue lines, filled areas, or other construction details may occur and is consistent with handcrafted solid-wood furniture.

8. Natural Aging & Color Change

Wood and furniture finishes naturally change in color and appearance over time. Exposure to sunlight, artificial light, air, heat, and normal use may cause wood and finishes to lighten, darken, amber, fade, or otherwise change in appearance.

Items placed on furniture for extended periods - including decorations, placemats, table runners, appliances, or other objects - may cause surrounding areas to age or change color differently from covered areas.

These changes are a natural part of the aging of wood and finish and are not considered defects. Differences may also develop between table leaves or components that receive different amounts of light or use.

9. Normal Wear & Use

Furniture will naturally show signs of use and aging over time. Changes in appearance resulting from normal use - including minor scratches, dents, wear, changes in sheen, and other surface changes - are not considered defects in materials or workmanship.

Damage resulting from misuse, improper care, excessive moisture or heat, spills, household chemicals, cleaning products, abrasion, impacts, pets, or other external causes is not considered a manufacturing defect.

10. The Character of Handcrafted Furniture

Every piece of NVWW furniture is individually handcrafted from natural materials. Variations in grain, color, texture, knots, distressing, dimensions, joinery, and finish are inherent characteristics of handcrafted solid-wood furniture and contribute to the individuality of each piece.

NVWW furniture is not intended to have the absolute uniformity of mass-produced or synthetic products. Reasonable variations consistent with the materials, construction methods, finish, and design of the furniture are not considered defects.

Handcrafted character does not excuse defective materials or workmanship.

Potential Defects & Warranty Evaluation

These standards describe the natural variations and handcrafted characteristics of NVWW furniture and are not intended to excuse defective materials or workmanship.

Conditions that appear excessive, materially affect the normal use or structural integrity of the furniture, or otherwise appear inconsistent with the intended quality of NVWW furniture are eligible for warranty evaluation under the NVWW Limited Warranty.

Limited Warranty

North Valley Woodworks warrants NVWW-manufactured furniture purchased for normal residential use against defects in materials and workmanship, subject to the terms and limitations of this Limited Warranty.

Unless specifically identified by NVWW as outdoor furniture, NVWW furniture is designed and warranted for use and storage only in a climate-controlled indoor environment. Use or storage outdoors or in non-climate-controlled environments - including garages, sheds, storage units, moving containers, covered patios, porches, or similar spaces - is outside the scope of this Limited Warranty.

This warranty applies to the original purchaser only, is non-transferable, and begins on the date the furniture is delivered to the original purchaser or picked up by the original purchaser. NVWW may require proof of original purchase.

1. Warranty Periods

Materials & Workmanship - 5 Years

NVWW-manufactured residential furniture is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for five years from the date of delivery or pickup.

NVWW-Applied Finish - 1 Year

Finishes applied by NVWW are warranted against defects resulting from NVWW's finishing materials or workmanship for one year from the date of delivery or pickup.

2. Natural Wood & Cosmetic Standards

The NVWW Natural Wood & Cosmetic Standards describe natural characteristics, variations, aging, and movement inherent in handcrafted solid-wood furniture and should be read together with this Limited Warranty.

Characteristics and conditions identified in those standards as normal or inherent to handcrafted solid-wood furniture are not defects in materials or workmanship.

3. What This Warranty Does Not Cover

This warranty does not cover normal wear or aging; natural characteristics or normal movement of solid wood as described in the NVWW Natural Wood & Cosmetic Standards; or damage resulting from improper care, misuse, accidents, impacts, pets, excessive moisture or dryness, heat, sunlight, liquid exposure, improper storage, cleaning products, chemicals, abrasives, or other external or environmental causes.

This warranty also does not cover damage or excessive wood movement resulting from use or storage outside a climate-controlled indoor environment.

This warranty also does not cover damage caused or contributed to by alteration, modification, repair, refinishing, disassembly, or installation performed by someone other than NVWW.

4. Manufacturer-Supplied Products & Components

Furniture, seating, hardware, or components manufactured and/or finished by a third party are covered by the applicable manufacturer's warranty, if any. NVWW will reasonably assist the original purchaser with a valid manufacturer's warranty claim for products purchased through NVWW.

When NVWW performs additional work on a manufacturer-supplied product, including finishing, assembly, modification, or other workmanship, that work is covered under the applicable NVWW warranty for no longer than the warranty period provided by the manufacturer for the underlying product. If the applicable NVWW warranty period is shorter, the shorter NVWW warranty period applies.

5. Warranty Evaluation

To request warranty service, the original purchaser must contact NVWW and provide reasonable information regarding the condition, which may include photographs, video, proof of purchase, and other information reasonably requested by NVWW.

NVWW may require inspection of the furniture before determining whether a condition is covered under this Limited Warranty.

NVWW will evaluate the furniture and relevant circumstances to determine whether the condition results from defective materials or workmanship, natural wood characteristics or movement, environmental conditions, improper care, misuse, or another cause.

6. Warranty Remedies

If NVWW determines that a condition is covered under this Limited Warranty, NVWW will determine the appropriate remedy at its discretion. The remedy may include adjustment, stabilization, repair, modification, replacement of an affected component, or replacement of the affected piece.

Replacement of an entire furniture set is not required when a covered condition affects only an individual component or piece.

Because wood and finishes naturally vary and change over time, NVWW does not guarantee an exact match in color, grain, texture, sheen, or appearance between repaired or replacement materials and the original furniture.

If an identical material, component, finish, or product is no longer reasonably available, NVWW may use a reasonably comparable substitute when performing covered warranty service.

7. Warranty Service & Transportation

NVWW will determine the appropriate method and location for inspection and warranty service.

Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by NVWW, the customer is responsible for making the furniture available at NVWW's designated service location for inspection or warranty service requiring physical access to the furniture.

Warranty coverage does not include transportation, shipping, delivery, travel, or other costs associated with transporting furniture to or from NVWW's designated service location.

NVWW may, at its discretion, provide or arrange pickup, delivery, on-site inspection, on-site service, or another method of service. Any such accommodation does not create an obligation to provide the same or similar service for other or future warranty claims.

NVWW is not required to authorize or pay for repairs performed by a third party because the furniture cannot reasonably be transported to NVWW's designated service location.

Repairs, refinishing, transportation, or other corrective work performed or arranged without prior written authorization from NVWW will not be reimbursed under this warranty.

NVWW will make reasonable efforts to complete approved warranty service within a reasonable period based on the nature of the work, material availability, production requirements, and other relevant circumstances.

8. Additional Limitations

To the extent permitted by applicable law, NVWW is not responsible for incidental, indirect, or consequential damages arising from a warranty claim or from the use or inability to use the furniture.

This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

Furniture Care & Maintenance Guide

Your North Valley Woodworks furniture is handcrafted from real wood and designed for years of everyday use. Because solid wood naturally responds to its environment, proper care and reasonably stable indoor conditions will help preserve its appearance, finish, and structural stability.

1. Climate-Controlled Indoor Use & Storage

Unless specifically identified by NVWW as outdoor furniture, NVWW furniture is intended for use and storage only in a climate-controlled indoor environment.

Do not use or store indoor furniture outdoors or in garages, sheds, storage units, moving containers, covered patios, porches, or other spaces that are not continuously climate controlled.

For best performance, NVWW recommends maintaining indoor relative humidity between approximately 30% and 55%.

Avoid prolonged exposure to unusually dry or humid conditions and rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Furniture should also be kept away from direct sources of extreme heat, moisture, or dry air when practical.

Solid wood will continue to expand and contract as environmental conditions change. Some seasonal movement is normal even when furniture is properly cared for.

2. Routine Cleaning

For routine cleaning, dust or wipe the furniture with a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth.

When additional cleaning is necessary, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water. For more difficult cleaning, a small amount of mild dish soap and water may be used. Do not saturate the surface. Wipe away any remaining moisture with a clean, dry cloth.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, abrasive pads, ammonia or ammoniated cleaners, bleach, strong solvents, harsh household chemicals, and other products that may damage or dull the finish.

When using a cleaning product for the first time, test it in a small, inconspicuous area before using it on the entire surface.

Do not use steam cleaners on NVWW furniture.

Do not apply furniture polish, wax, oil, conditioning oil, or other aftermarket finish products unless specifically approved by NVWW. These products are unnecessary for routine care of the protective finish and may alter its appearance or complicate future finish repairs.

Do not routinely use disinfecting wipes, sanitizing sprays, degreasers, multipurpose household cleaners, or other chemical cleaning products on the furniture unless specifically approved by NVWW. These products may contain alcohol, ammonia, solvents, or other ingredients that can damage or alter the finish.

3. Spills & Moisture

Wipe spills promptly with a soft, absorbent cloth.

NVWW's protective finish provides resistance to moisture encountered during normal household use, but the furniture should not be treated as waterproof. Do not allow standing water, spills, or condensation to remain on the surface for extended periods.

Use coasters beneath beverages, particularly cold drinks that may produce condensation. Use an appropriate protective barrier beneath flowerpots, vases, or other objects that may introduce moisture.

Do not leave wet towels, damp placemats, wet dishes, or other moisture-containing materials on the furniture.

When cleaning the furniture, use only enough moisture to clean the surface and dry the surface afterward.

4. Heat Protection

Use trivets, hot pads, or other appropriate heat-resistant protection beneath hot cookware, serving dishes, and similar items.

Do not place hot cookware, pans, baking dishes, or other excessively hot objects directly on the finished surface.

Avoid positioning the furniture immediately adjacent to fireplaces, wood stoves, heating vents, radiators, or other significant heat sources when practical.

5. Sunlight & Natural Aging

Wood and furniture finishes naturally change color as they age. Exposure to sunlight can accelerate this process.

When practical, avoid prolonged direct sunlight. Window coverings or other UV-reducing measures may help limit uneven color change in areas receiving significant sunlight.

Periodically move placemats, table runners, decorations, centerpieces, and other objects so that the surrounding wood receives more even exposure to light.

Natural color change and aging are expected characteristics of real wood and finish.

6. Table Leaves

Store removable table leaves flat and properly supported in a clean, dry, climate-controlled indoor environment.

Do not store leaves for extended periods leaning vertically against a wall or other surface.

Avoid storing leaves in garages, attics, sheds, non-climate-controlled storage units, moving containers, or other areas exposed to significant changes in temperature or humidity.

Because leaves stored separately from the table may receive different amounts of light and use, some difference in color or appearance may develop over time.

7. Solid-Wood Movement & Breadboard Ends

Solid wood naturally expands and contracts as environmental conditions change. Some seasonal movement is normal even when furniture is properly cared for.

On tables constructed with breadboard ends, seasonal movement of the main tabletop may cause the breadboard ends to extend slightly beyond the sides of the tabletop or become slightly recessed at different times of the year. This is a normal characteristic of traditional solid-wood breadboard construction.

Maintaining a reasonably stable, climate-controlled indoor environment will help minimize excessive wood movement.

8. Moving & Handling

Lift furniture when moving it rather than dragging it.

Large or heavy pieces should be moved with adequate assistance and supported from their structural base or frame. Avoid lifting or carrying furniture solely by tabletop overhangs, leaves, or other projecting components.

Do not place excessive weight on unsupported table edges, leaves, or other components not designed to bear concentrated loads.

Furniture hardware may occasionally require inspection or tightening as a result of normal use and seasonal movement.

9. Protecting the Finish

Use reasonable care when placing hard, sharp, abrasive, wet, or hot objects on finished surfaces. Appropriate protective materials such as coasters, trivets, placemats, and felt pads can help reduce normal wear.

Avoid leaving rubber, vinyl, plastic, or similar materials in prolonged contact with the finished surface unless they are known to be compatible with furniture finishes.

10. If a Problem Develops

If you notice significant cracking, joint separation, unusual movement, finish failure, or another condition that concerns you, contact North Valley Woodworks before attempting repair, refinishing, sanding, touch-up, or other corrective work.

Photographs and a description of the condition can often help NVWW determine the appropriate next step.

Warranty coverage and service are governed by the North Valley Woodworks Limited Warranty and Natural Wood & Cosmetic Standards.