Solid flooring warranties vary by material and manufacturer, but there are some common features and conditions you should be aware of:
Engineered Wood:
Engineered wood flooring typically comes with a warranty covering structural integrity and manufacturing defects, often lasting between 10 and 30 years, and sometimes even a lifetime. To keep your warranty valid, you must follow the manufacturer’s installation and care instructions. Damage caused by moisture, misuse, or improper maintenance is usually not covered.
Laminate Flooring:
Laminate floors are generally protected by warranties against manufacturer defects, such as issues with the structure or wear layer. These warranties often range from 10 to 30 years. However, they do not cover water damage, scratches, or problems resulting from incorrect installation or cleaning with improper products.
Solid Wood Flooring:
Solid wood flooring warranties usually cover structural integrity and manufacturing defects for a period of 10 to 30 years. Like engineered wood, these warranties exclude damage from moisture, improper installation, and normal expansion or contraction of the wood.
Tiles:
Tile flooring warranties can vary significantly, but many offer coverage for 10 to 25 years. They typically protect against manufacturing defects, as long as the tiles are installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Damage from impact, subfloor issues, or improper care is not covered.
General Conditions:
To ensure your warranty remains valid, always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions, use recommended products, and avoid exposing your flooring to excessive moisture. Failure to do so, or using harsh chemicals and improper cleaning methods, can void your warranty. It’s also important to keep proof of purchase and register your flooring if required. If you ever need to make a claim, you’ll likely need to provide evidence of proper care and installation.