Understanding Flooring Warranties: What You Need to Know

Flooring warranties are an important safeguard for both materials and installation workmanship. Knowing the scope, duration, and requirements of each warranty helps you protect your investment and ensures long-term performance. In this article, we break down the key warranty types and considerations for your next project.

Key Warranty Considerations

1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty: Covers defects in the flooring product itself—such as wear, fading, and structural failure— typically for 10–25 years depending on the material.
2. Workmanship Installation Warranty: Provided by your installer, this warranty addresses issues caused by improper installation (e.g., buckling, gaps) and generally ranges from 1–5 years.
3. Extended & Third-Party Warranties: Optional policies that extend coverage beyond standard terms or cover additional damage types, such as moisture or pet-related wear.
4. Maintenance & Care Requirements: Adhering to manufacturer-recommended cleaning and maintenance protocols is often required to keep warranties valid.
5. Limitations & Exclusions: Review warranty fine print for exclusions (e.g., improper subfloor conditions, harsh chemicals) and coverage caps on labor or replacement costs.