Manufacturing & Quality Policy

This policy defines Timber Build’s manufacturing standards and explains the difference between natural variation in wood appearance and true manufacturing defects. We aim to set clear expectations for wood behavior, finish options, and allowable tolerances across our product lines.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all Timber Build products, including wood brackets, corbels, knee braces, rafter tails, columns, and custom-manufactured woodwork. It covers:

  • Dimensional and machining tolerances
  • Visual characteristics and natural wood variation
  • Species-specific behaviors, including checking and cracking
  • Finish option expectations
  • Conditions that qualify as manufacturing defects

2. Natural Wood Characteristics

Our products are made from real wood. Variations in grain, tone, knot presence, and color are expected and not considered defects. These characteristics are more pronounced with some species and finishes. For example:

  • Western Red Cedar may contain both heartwood and sapwood in the same piece, resulting in color variation.
  • Douglas Fir is more prone to long surface checks over time, especially in large timber sizes.

Checking (surface cracking) is a natural response of wood to environmental changes and should be expected, especially in pieces with thicker dimensions.

3. Checking & Crack Tolerances

We allow up to ¼″ (one quarter inch) of open surface checking in any product as standard tolerance. Larger timbers may naturally develop wider checks, especially in dry climates or during seasonal changes. These do not affect structural integrity and are not considered defects.

Only cracks that meet all of the following conditions may qualify as a defect:

  • Wider than ¼″ open gap and
  • Compromise the structure or intended use of the product

Hairline checks, drying splits, or seasonal movement in the wood are considered standard natural features.

4. Finish Options & Appearance Selection

Each product finish option will influence its appearance tolerance. For more details, visit our Appearance Selection and Products Options pages. Highlights:

  • Standard Selection: Accepts variation in tone and minor checking. Best for paint or projects not requiring tight color match.
  • Paint Grade: May include filled knots, glued joints, and sections joined for stability. Not recommended for stain.
  • Color Match Selection: Hand-selected pieces matched for stain consistency. Premium price. Best choice when visual grain and tone alignment is important.

5. Dimensional & Machining Tolerances

All parts are manufactured to target dimensions, with normal tolerance based on species and cut type. Nominal dimensional deviation (typically less than 1/16″) is expected due to wood movement or machining behavior.

Major miscuts, misdrilled fastener holes, or incorrect part assemblies may qualify as defects and should be reported immediately.

6. Installation, Storage & Maintenance

Wood is a natural material that responds to storage and installation conditions. The following guidelines must be followed to maintain product quality:

  • Store flat and dry, protected from direct sun and weather
  • Install with proper ventilation and drainage in exterior use
  • Use appropriate finish (paint or stain) on all sides of product

Failure to follow recommended installation or finishing instructions may result in movement or checking that is not covered under our warranty or replacement policy.

7. What Qualifies as a Manufacturing Defect

Examples of issues that may qualify for repair, replacement, or credit at our discretion include:

  • Incorrect product dimensions beyond standard tolerance
  • Open cracks wider than ¼″ that affect mounting or performance
  • Improper machining or assembly (e.g. misaligned parts, loose adhesive joints)
  • Damage during manufacturing or transit that impairs function

8. What Is Not a Defect

All of the following are natural, expected characteristics of real wood and are not considered defects under any circumstance:

  • Checking or cracking within tolerance
  • Grain direction, mineral streaks, or tone variation
  • Knots within normal grade limits
  • Warp or twist from storage in uncontrolled environments

9. Reporting & Resolution

We inspect every item before shipping. If you believe your product contains a manufacturing defect:

  • Report it to us within 7 days of delivery for visible issues
  • Use photos to clearly show the concern and describe the impact
  • We may request return, offer repair, or provide replacement depending on the situation

Our liability is limited to the cost of the product itself. We do not reimburse for finishing, installation, labor, or consequential damages.

10. Updates

This policy may be revised at any time. Always refer to the latest version published on our website.