Wood Disclaimer
The Nature of Hardwood: A guide to understanding organic variation. This document outlines the inherent characteristics of natural timber, including grain patterns, mineral streaks, color ranges, and the environmental requirements for preventing warping.
Last Updated: Nov 25th, 2025
1. The Organic Nature of Wood
Wood is a biological product, not a synthetic material manufactured in a mold. By purchasing from Unique Wood Products, the Customer acknowledges that they are buying a natural material created by the forces of nature.
No two trees are identical, and therefore, no two pieces of millwork will be identical. The distinctive grain patterns, color tones, and textures found in our stair treads and mouldings are the “fingerprints” of the forest and are considered marks of authenticity, not manufacturing defects.
2. Color & Grain Variation
A. Sample vs. Product
Samples, photographs, and images on our Website are intended to represent the general species and grade. They are not specific guarantees of the exact color or grain structure you will receive.
Heartwood vs. Sapwood: Many species contain both Heartwood (the darker, center section of the log) and Sapwood (the lighter, outer section). Your order may contain a mix of both, depending on the species selected.
Screen Accuracy: We cannot guarantee that the color you see on your computer or mobile screen accurately portrays the true tone of the wood.
B. Edge-Glued Panels (Stair Treads & Platforms)
Our 1″ treads and platforms are constructed using Edge-Glued Face Grain staves (solid strips of wood glued side-by-side).
Color Blocking: It is normal to see slight color variations between adjacent staves within a single tread. This is the structural standard for high-quality architectural millwork and is not a defect.
3. Species-Specific Characteristics
Different wood species behave differently. By selecting a species, you accept its inherent traits:
Red & White Oak: May contain “Medullary Ray Flakes” (tiger stripes) and occasional pin knots. White Oak colors range from wheat to greenish-brown; Red Oak from salmon to brown.
Hard Maple: Known for its creamy color, but often contains darker “Sugar Tracks” or mineral streaks. This is a natural characteristic of the Maple tree.
Hickory: The most dramatic domestic hardwood. Hickory is often “Calico,” meaning a single tread may feature stark contrasts between blonde sapwood and deep brown heartwood. This creates a rustic look and is not considered a defect.
Walnut: While prized for its dark chocolate tones, Walnut naturally contains creamy white sapwood streaks. We do not steam our Walnut to homogenize the color, preserving its natural vibrancy.
4. Environmental Response (Movement, Warping & Checking)
Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. It is technically “alive” even after milling.
A. Acclimatization Requirement
You MUST allow all wood products to acclimate in the installation environment for a minimum of 3-5 days before installation.
The HVAC system must be running.
Do not store wood in garages, basements, or sheds where humidity is uncontrolled.
B. Relative Humidity
To prevent warping, cupping, or splitting, the relative humidity of the home should be maintained between 35% and 55%.
Low Humidity (Winter): Wood shrinks, potentially causing gaps or checking (cracks).
High Humidity (Summer): Wood expands, potentially causing cupping or buckling.
Unique Wood Products is not liable for movement or failure caused by environmental conditions outside this range.
5. Finishing & Staining
We supply our products sanded to 120-grit, ready for final finish.
Stain Absorption: Different parts of the same board may absorb stain differently due to grain density variation. We recommend using a “Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner” to ensure even color application, especially on Maple and Pine.
Professional Recommendation: We strongly suggest testing your stain on a hidden area (underside) of the tread before finishing the entire staircase.
6. What Constitutes a Defect?
To ensure clarity, we define what is and isn’t a returnable defect:
A. Considered a Manufacturing Defect (Returnable):
Delamination (glue joint failure).
Machining burns or deep tear-outs that cannot be sanded out.
Incorrect dimensions (outside the ± 1/16″ tolerance).
Structural splits present upon arrival.
B. NOT a Defect (Non-Returnable):
Natural mineral streaks, gum pockets, or wormholes (in Rustic grades).
Color variation between staves.
“Ray Flakes” in Quarter Sawn or Rift Sawn Oak.
Hairline checks that develop after installation due to humidity changes.