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Version: 2011.07.01

Hardwood Floors Standards

Coverage Summary​

IssueCoveredPeriodNotes
Readily noticeable cosmetic defects listed on the Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form✓At Final Walkthrough/OrientationMust be on the form
Engineered/laminate scratches or construction damage listed on the form✓At Final Walkthrough/OrientationRepairs may not match the existing floor
Minor dust particles, fibers, and specks in the finish✗—Expected; not a Defect
Knot holes✗—Natural characteristic of wood
Separations between boards✗—Natural shrinkage from seasonal changes
Floors or sections that fail to match due to repairs✗—Pre-finished repairs will be visible
Routine maintenance✗—Homeowner responsibility

Performance Standards​

Orientation Inspection​

Standard: Hardwood floors must be installed without defects.

Coverage: During the Final Walkthrough/Orientation, Classic will confirm that the hardwood floors are installed without defects. Classic will correct any readily noticeable cosmetic defects with the floors that are listed on the Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form.

Finish Imperfections​

Standard: During the finishing of the floor, minor dust particles, fibers, and other specks from the air will settle into the wet finish.

Coverage: These minor imperfections are to be expected and will normally wear down over time. This is not a Defect in the floor and is excluded from this Limited Warranty.

Knot Holes​

Standard: Knot holes are natural characteristics of wood floor.

Coverage: During the Limited Warranty Period, Classic will not fill knot holes or replace boards due to the presence of knot holes.

Separations​

Standard: Due to seasonal changes that affect natural wood, shrinkage of the wood will result in separations between the boards in a hardwood floor.

Coverage: Since shrinkage is a natural occurrence, it is excluded from coverage by this Limited Warranty.

Repairs and/or Replacement of Engineered and Laminate Hardwood Flooring​

Standard: Since engineered and laminate hardwoods are pre-finished, repairs and replacement boards will be visible.

Coverage: When Classic performs a repair under the terms of this Limited Warranty, the repaired section or boards may not match the existing floor. Classic will not replace the floor or sections of the floor that fail to match due to repairs. Since this flooring is difficult to repair, Classic will only repair scratches or construction damage that is listed on the Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form.

What's Not Covered​

The following are excluded from warranty coverage:

  • Routine maintenance - You are responsible for routine maintenance of hardwood floors
  • Minor finish imperfections - Dust particles, fibers, and other specks that settled into the wet finish are expected and not a Defect
  • Knot holes - Natural characteristics of wood floor; boards will not be replaced or holes filled
  • Separations between boards - Natural shrinkage from seasonal changes is excluded
  • Mismatched repairs - Repaired sections or boards of pre-finished engineered and laminate flooring may not match; floors or sections that fail to match due to repairs will not be replaced
  • Full recoating after wax or unapproved cleaners - If you have installed wax or unapproved cleaners on the floor and a repair is needed during the Limited Warranty Period, Classic will only repair the immediate area of the repair and will not recoat the entire floor

Filing a Claim​

If you believe you have a warranty issue:

  1. Check whether the defect was listed on your Final Walkthrough/Orientation Form
  2. For engineered or laminate flooring, note that only scratches or construction damage listed on the form will be repaired
  3. Request Service

Care Tips: See Hardwood Floors Use & Care for maintenance and troubleshooting guidance.