Cosmetic Standards
At Trail’s Edge Woodworks, LLC, we take immense pride in each unique piece of furniture and product we create. Our products are handcrafted using solid wood and meticulously finished to provide a personal touch that you will cherish. Given the handmade nature of our items, variations and imperfections in the wood are not only expected but celebrated. Just as every tree is unique, so is every piece of furniture, board, kennel, or outdoor item we craft and finish for you.
Please read through our cosmetic standards below before placing an order.
NOTE: By placing an order with us, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in these cosmetic standards.
Wood Grain & Color Variation
Every piece of furniture or board will have a unique grain pattern and slight color variation due to the natural properties of wood. We cannot guarantee exact color matches to previous products, as every piece of wood accepts finishes differently. While we will use the requested hardwood and finish or paint color for your order, the color may vary slightly from the image or table you had in mind. This is normal and expected. We are unable to rework finishes to achieve a perfect match.
MATCHING STAIN COLORS
We do NOT match stain colors from photographs. Our focus is on enhancing the natural beauty of various hardwoods, which makes exact color matching difficult. Custom color work is available only through the approval of sample finish boards. Once a finish sample is approved, we cannot rework the final product to match a specific idea, as variations in grain and color are inherent to the wood.
TEXTURE & FINISH COLOR
The finer the finish on your table, the lighter the resulting color. Conversely, the more distressed a table is, the darker the color will appear. This is due to the wood’s pores: finely sanded wood has closed pores, absorbing less finish and resulting in a lighter color. Distressed wood, with open pores, absorbs more finish, resulting in a darker color. Please be aware that a non-distressed, finely finished table will look different from a heavily distressed one, even if they share the same finish.
CUTTING & CHARCUTERIE BOARDS
Our cutting and charcuterie boards are made from solid hardwood, each one unique in grain and color. The natural variations in the wood will be visible, and no two boards will be exactly alike. Please be aware that:
- Wood Grain & Color: As with all solid wood products, variations in grain, color, and pattern will occur. This is part of the board’s unique beauty.
- Usage & Care: These boards are designed for everyday use, but regular maintenance, such as oiling, is recommended to keep them in good condition. Scratches, knife marks, and other signs of use will accumulate over time. This natural wear is not considered a defect.
- Custom Work: Custom engraving or shapes are available upon request, but specific requests for color or pattern matching cannot be guaranteed due to the natural characteristics of the wood.
For detailed instructions on how to care for your cutting or charcuterie board, please refer to our Care Instructions on our website.
DOG KENNELS
Our dog kennels are built with solid wood, combining durability and beauty to create a functional yet aesthetic piece for your home.
- Wood Variation: As with all our furniture, the wood used for kennels will vary in grain and color. These variations are natural and should be expected.
- Structural Integrity: Kennels are built to be sturdy, but slight imperfections in the wood, such as knots or surface texture differences, are normal and part of the handcrafted process. Expansion and contraction due to temperature or humidity changes may occur over time and are not considered defects.
- Lead Time & Custom Orders: As each kennel is custom-built, lead times are estimates. Please allow extra time for larger or more intricate designs.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Our outdoor furniture is crafted with the same care as our indoor pieces, but special attention is given to materials and finishes to ensure durability in outdoor conditions.
- Wood & Finish: Outdoor furniture is made with solid hardwood or other weather-resistant materials. Natural variations in the wood will be visible, and no two pieces will be identical. To protect your furniture from the elements, we apply finishes that help resist moisture and weathering. However, periodic maintenance may be required.
- Weathering: Over time, exposure to the elements will cause wood to weather and change color, often resulting in a silver-gray patina. This is normal and expected. If you prefer to maintain the original finish, regular care, such as reapplying a protective sealant, is recommended.
- Wear & Tear: Outdoor furniture may experience surface imperfections such as minor cracks or warping due to environmental factors. These changes are not considered defects but are part of the natural aging process of the wood.
For more information on how to properly care for your outdoor furniture, please visit the Care Instructions section of our website.
GENERAL VARIATIONS IN FURNITURE
Our handcrafted furniture may include open knots, visible brush strokes, micro-imperfections, textural variations, distress marks, exposed screws, wood filler marks, joint lines, and other distinctive characteristics. Due to the custom nature of our work, we allow up to a 1” variance in dimensions. Wood may expand or contract with temperature and humidity changes; this does not affect structural integrity and is not considered a defect.
If you seek machine-manufactured perfection, handcrafted furniture may not be for you. We celebrate the true uniqueness of each piece we build, and we hope you will too.
REGULAR WEAR AND TEAR ON YOUR FURNITURE
At Trail’s Edge Woodworks, we use natural, non-toxic, low-VOC finishes that allow you to feel and appreciate the wood’s natural beauty, rather than a plastic-like coating. Over time, your table will experience scratches, which are a natural part of daily use. We cannot guarantee scratch-free furniture, and normal wear is not covered under our guarantee.
To protect seat surfaces, consider using cushions or avoid sitting with abrasive materials such as blue jeans with buttons or zippers. Our goal is for you to enjoy the natural beauty of our handcrafted pieces for years to come.
LEAD TIMES
Lead times provided at the time of order are estimates only. We strive to meet these timeframes but cannot guarantee specific delivery dates, especially during busy periods or due to unforeseen issues. Please plan for the possibility that your furniture may arrive later than anticipated to ensure it meets our high-quality standards. If you are ordering for a specific occasion, please understand we cannot guarantee delivery by that date.