TERMS & CONDITIONS
Kindly review our policies and warranty information carefully before placing an order. If you have any questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. By proceeding with your order, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms outlined in our policies.
WOOD COUNTERTOP POLICY
1: Wood countertops:
Wood Variations
Every countertop will showcase distinctive grain patterns and color variations, enhancing the character and allure of your piece. These natural differences in the wood are a celebrated aspect of our craftsmanship. We handpick each wood slab with care to guarantee the highest quality and most striking patterns for your countertop.
Surface Finishes
We offer a range of finishes to suit your preferences, with various sheens and treatments available. For those who favor a natural, matte look, we also provide oil polishes.
- Fine Sanding: This technique creates a smooth surface with closed pores, resulting in a lighter stain and a more refined, polished appearance.
- Distressed Finishing: By leaving the pores open, this finish allows the wood to absorb more stain, achieving a deeper, richer color with a rustic, textured look.
- Oil Polishes: These provide a natural finish that highlights the wood’s grain and color, while also offering protection against moisture and daily wear
Maintenance & Durability
Although our countertops are treated with multiple layers of protective finish, they remain vulnerable to scratches and wear over time. To help preserve their beauty, we recommend regular care—such as using cutting boards and avoiding direct contact with hot pots and pans. Light scratches are a natural part of daily use and contribute to the character of a well-loved, authentic wood surface.
- Preventative Care: Use cutting boards and trivets, and avoid prolonged exposure to water to maintain the countertop’s appearance and longevity.
- Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap; steer clear of harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Acclimatization & Warping
Wood is a natural material that responds to changes in its environment, so it’s essential for your wooden countertop to acclimate to the space where it will be installed. Proper acclimatization helps prevent warping and ensures the long-term durability of your piece.
- Acclimatization Process: Before installation, allow the wood to rest flat in the environment where it will be placed for at least 72 hours. Ensure the countertop is exposed to air, with small spacers underneath to promote airflow around the wood.
- Warping: While proper acclimatization minimizes the risk, slight warping can still occur over time due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. To reduce this, keep the humidity levels in your home consistent and avoid placing the countertop near heat sources or areas with extreme temperature changes.
- Steel Reinforcement Bars: For added stability, we offer the option of installing steel reinforcement bars beneath the countertop to further reduce the likelihood of warping.
Small Surface Imperfections
Wood is a natural, living material, and each slab features its own distinct characteristics, including minor surface imperfections. These imperfections do not affect the functionality or durability of the countertop; instead, they contribute to its unique beauty and charm.
- Knots and Grain Patterns: Small knots and variations in the grain are inherent to the wood and add to the character of the countertop. We ensure these features do not interfere with the surface’s usability.
- Natural Cracks: Over time, minor cracks may appear as the wood adjusts to its environment. These are common in solid wood countertops and are not considered flaws. Depending on your preference, they can either be left as-is or filled.
- Sealing and Finishing: We apply multiple layers of food-safe sealant for a hygienic surface, but given the nature of wood, slight texture variations may occur.
- Ongoing Maintenance: To maintain a smooth, protected surface, periodic re-sealing may be needed to preserve the finish and enhance durability.
Edge Profiles
We offer six standard edge profile styles for our countertops:
- Straight Edge
- Beveled Edge
- Eased Edge
- Bullnose Edge
- Ogee Edge
- Waterfall Edge
Minor Tearout and Edge Profile Accuracy
When shaping the edge profiles, minor tearout can occasionally happen, particularly when working with natural wood. Tearout refers to small chips or rough spots along the edges. We address these areas with meticulous sanding and filling to ensure a smooth, refined finish.
Sink & Hob Cutouts
We pay special attention to sealing the areas around sink and cooktop cutouts to ensure long-lasting durability and protection against water damage. These sections receive extra layers of finish to guard against moisture penetration. However, they do require ongoing maintenance and should be regularly inspected for signs of water damage, heat exposure, or general wear.
Maintenance Tips:
- Routinely inspect for any signs of water or heat damage.
- Reapply sealant as needed to maintain protection.
- Use heat shields beneath and along the sides of countertops near ovens to prevent damage.
INSTALLATION TIPS
Proper installation is essential to protect against water damage and ensure the long-term durability of your countertop.
- Silicone Sealing: Apply silicone sealant along joints and against walls to create a watertight barrier, safeguarding the wood from moisture.
- Heat Shielding: Install heat shields beneath and along the sides of countertops near ovens to prevent heat damage.
- Installation Support: Feel free to reach out to us for any guidance or advice during the installation process.
LEAD TIMES
Each order is custom, and our lead times vary based on wood availability and the time of year. For more details, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our typical lead time is 4-8 weeks.
RETURN POLICY
Return Policy
General Return Conditions
- Notification Period: To initiate a return, please notify us within 7 days of receiving your order. Returns requested after this period cannot be accepted.
- Return Window: Returns must be processed within 30 days from the original delivery date.
- Condition of Items: Items must be returned in their original, unused condition, with all packaging and documentation intact. We cannot accept returns for items that have been used, damaged, or altered in any way.
Custom and Personalized Orders
- No Returns: Custom and personalized orders are non-returnable and non-refundable. This includes any items made to your specifications or personalized.
- Approval Process: Before production begins, we will provide detailed specifications and mock-ups for your approval. Once you confirm the details, the order is final, and returns cannot be accepted for reasons such as dissatisfaction with design, dimensions, or materials.
- Sample Option: We offer the option to purchase samples. Please contact us for more information.
Defective or Damaged Items
- Inspection: Please inspect your order upon delivery and notify us immediately if there are any defects or damages.
- Reporting Issues: If you receive a defective or damaged item, please contact us within 7 days of delivery to arrange for a return, replacement, or refund. We may request photos or additional details to process your claim.
Refunds, Replacements, and Exchanges
- Inspection: After we receive your returned item, we will inspect it and notify you whether your return has been approved or rejected.
- Resolution Options: If your return is approved and the item is in satisfactory condition, we will first offer a replacement or exchange. If these options are not feasible, we will consider issuing a refund. Please note that lead times will apply if the order needs to be remade.
- Processing Time: Refunds, when applicable, will be processed within 30 business days and credited to your original payment method.
- Restocking Fee: A 15% restocking fee may apply to returns of non-defective items.
Non-Returnable Items
- Custom Orders: As previously mentioned, custom or personalized products are non-returnable.
- Final Sale Items: Items marked as “final sale” or “clearance” are not eligible for return or exchange.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Limited Warranty
We proudly stand behind the quality of our products, offering a one-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, or improper installation.
1. Warranty Coverage
1.1 Scope
- This limited warranty applies to all wood products manufactured by Woodt.
- It covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use during the warranty period.
1.2 Duration
- The warranty is valid for one year from the date of delivery.
- For custom and personalized orders, the warranty period also begins on the date of delivery.
2. What is Covered
- Structural Integrity: Any defects affecting the product’s structure, such as splitting or cracking due to faulty materials or workmanship.
- Finish: Issues with the finish, including peeling, bubbling, or flaking, that occur under normal use and conditions.
3. What is Not Covered
- Normal Wear and Tear: Damage resulting from everyday use, such as scratches, dents, and surface imperfections.
- Improper Use: Damage due to misuse, neglect, abuse, or improper installation.
- Environmental Factors: Damage from exposure to extreme conditions, including moisture, humidity, direct sunlight, or temperature fluctuations.
- Unauthorized Modifications: Any modifications or repairs performed by unauthorized individuals or entities.
- Natural Variations: Differences in wood grain, color, and texture are natural characteristics of wood and are not covered by this warranty.
4. Shipping and Delivery
4.1 Damage During Shipping
- If visible damage occurs during shipping, please have the delivery driver note the damage before you sign for the delivery.
- If the item is severely damaged and unusable, we recommend refusing the shipment, and we will arrange for a replacement as soon as possible.
- For concealed damage, please contact us within one business day of receiving the product to report the issue.
5. Specific Product Considerations
5.1 Minor Warping
- Minor warping or cupping is not considered a defect. Wood naturally expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause slight warping, especially in unfinished products. Proper installation can often correct this.
5.2 Unique Wood Characteristics
- All images on our website represent actual products. However, each piece of wood is unique, so natural variations in grain, color, and texture are to be expected and are not considered defects. Actual colors may differ slightly from what is displayed on your screen.
5.3 Unfinished Countertops
- Unfinished countertops must be finished and installed within one week of delivery to be covered under warranty. They should be finished and installed in accordance with our Countertop Finishing and Installation Guide.
5.4 Cutting Boards
- Cutting boards must be re-seasoned and maintained as per our Cutting Board Care and Maintenance Guide to maintain warranty coverage.
5.5 Knots and Imperfections
- Unless otherwise noted in the product description, the underside of countertops and wood stair parts may have knots or other imperfections that are not considered defects. Character-grade and knotty-grade products will have visible knots or imperfections on the top surface.
5.6 Prefinished Products
- Prefinished products, including countertops, cutting boards, and stair parts, are not covered under warranty for scuffs, scratches, or other finish damage caused during installation or normal wear and tear.
6. Warranty Claims
6.1 How to Make a Claim
- To file a warranty claim, please contact us at info@woodt.co.za with the following information:
- Proof of purchase
- A description of the defect, along with supporting photographs
- Your contact information
6.2 Evaluation Process
- Upon receiving your claim, we will assess the issue and determine if it is covered under warranty.
- We may request additional information or photographs to assist with our evaluation.
6.3 Resolution
- If the warranty claim is approved, we will, at our discretion, repair or replace the defective product or offer a refund.
- In most cases, the defective product will need to be returned to us for repair or replacement. Depending on the nature of the issue and your location, repairs may be carried out on-site, or we may send you a replacement product.
7. Warranty Exclusions
This warranty will be void if:
- The product is not installed according to our Countertop Finishing and Installation Guide.
- The product is not maintained as specified in our Cutting Board Care and Maintenance Guide.
- The product has been exposed to unstable conditions, such as extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations, prior to finishing or installation.
- Wood countertops are not installed within one week of delivery.
- Wood countertops and cutting boards finished with mineral oil are not re-seasoned regularly (at least once a month or more frequently as needed).
- Countertops with overhangs greater than 200mm that are not adequately supported.
- Countertops with stove or sink cutouts exposed to high heat or moisture without proper protection.
- Wood countertops with Mineral Oil or Salad Bowl Finish exposed to moisture or high temperatures.
- Natural color changes over time.
- Damage caused by misuse, neglect, alteration, accidental, or intentional damage.
8. Limitation of Liability
- This warranty is exclusive and supersedes all other warranties, whether express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
- To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the repair, replacement, or refund of the defective product. We are not responsible for any incidental, consequential, or indirect damages resulting from the use of our products.
9. Governing Law
- This warranty is governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from this warranty will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.
10. Changes to Warranty Policy
- We reserve the right to update or modify this warranty policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website and will apply to claims made after the update.
11. Contact Information
- For questions or concerns regarding this warranty, please contact us at info@woodt.co.za.
SHIPPING POLICY
Shipping Policy
Delivery & Shipping
All of our products are handcrafted and made to order with careful attention to detail. We prioritize quality and work to dispatch your order as promptly as possible after production.
Courier Partners
To ensure reliable and timely delivery, we work with trusted courier services:
- The Courier Guy: Our preferred partner for nationwide door-to-door deliveries across South Africa.
- FastWay: Known for efficient logistics solutions across various regions.
- Aramex: Specializes in global express shipping and logistics.
- DHL: Offers fast international express delivery and logistics services.
Using Your Own Courier
If you prefer to use your own courier service, you’re welcome to arrange the shipping yourself. Please note the following:
- Woodt will not be held responsible for any delays, damages, or issues that may occur during transit when using a third-party courier.
- Contact us to coordinate the details for collection and packaging if you choose to use your own shipping provider.
Protective Packaging
We take extra care in packaging your order to ensure it arrives safely:
- Boxing and Crating: Depending on the size and fragility of your items, we use strong boxes or custom crates to protect your products during transit.
- Padding and Cushioning: Fragile items are carefully padded to prevent damage.
- Sealing and Labeling: Each package is sealed securely and labeled clearly to ensure easy handling and tracking.
While we take all necessary precautions to protect your order, please note that shipping carries inherent risks. Once your order leaves our facility, we are not responsible for any issues that arise during transit.
We highly recommend inquiring about shipment insurance to protect the full replacement value of your order in case of incidents such as theft or damage. Insurance options may vary depending on the courier and specific shipment terms.
Self-Collection and Personal Delivery
- Self-Collection: You have the option to pick up your order directly from our location.
- Personal Delivery: We offer personal delivery to select areas, as well as professional delivery during installation services.
Estimated Delivery Times within South Africa
- Main City Centres: 1-3 working days
- Outlying Areas: Up to 7+ working days
- Heavy Goods, Bulk Purchases, or Regional Areas: 3-5 working days
Order Processing
Order processing includes verification, quality checks, and packaging, typically taking 1-3 business days.
Delivery Delays
While we aim to meet estimated delivery times, please be aware of the following:
- Fridays: Shipments are not processed on Fridays.
- Customs and Border Delays: Delivery times may be affected by customs clearance procedures, particularly for shipments within Africa.
After You Place Your Order
Once your order is confirmed, you will receive an email notification. Be sure to check your spam folder and mark us as a trusted sender to ensure you receive shipping updates and tracking information promptly.
By placing an order with Woodt, you agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.
PRIVACY POLICY
Privacy Policy
Clause 1
- For the purposes of this section, Personal Information will be understood in accordance with the definition provided in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“the Act”). We also subscribe to the principles for electronically collecting personal information outlined in the Act, and the further legislation referred to therein. We endeavour to ensure the quality, accuracy and confidentiality of Personal Information in our possession.
- In adopting this Privacy Policy, we wish to balance our legitimate business interests and your reasonable expectation of privacy. Accordingly, we will take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access to, or disclosure of your Personal Information. However, it is impossible to guarantee that your Personal Information shall be 100% secure.
- In utilising our website, using our services or otherwise if your information is submitted to us through a lead generation services, users may be asked to provide the following information (Personal Information):
- emails are collected only if the user subscribes to the newsletter
- We will attempt to limit the types of Personal Information we process to only that to which you consent to (for example, in the context of online registration, newsletters, message boards, surveys, polls, professional announcements, SMS, lead generation, MMS and other mobile services), but, to the extent necessary, your agreement to these this Privacy Policy constitutes your consent as contemplated in section 69 of the Act. Where necessary, we will seek to obtain your specific consent in future instances should we deem same required by law and where your consent herein might not be lawfully sufficient.
- We will not collect, use or disclose sensitive information (such as information about racial or ethnic origins or political or religious beliefs, where relevant) except with your specific consent or in the circumstances permitted by law.
- By agreeing to the terms contained in this Privacy Policy, you consent to the use of your Personal Information in relation to:
- The provision of marketing related services to you by us
- Although absolute security cannot be guaranteed on the internet, we have in place up-to-date, reasonable technical and organisational security measures to protect your Personal Information against accidental or intentional manipulation, loss, misuse, destruction or against unauthorised disclosure or access to the information we process online.
- While we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any Personal Information you provide us, we will continue to maintain and improve these security measures over time in line with legal and technological developments.
- We store your Personal Information directly, or alternatively, store your Personal Information on, and transfer your Personal Information to, a central database.
- Your information will not be stored for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy or as required by applicable legislation.
- The Personal Information we collect from users shall only be accessed by our employees, representatives and consultants on a need-to-know basis, and subject to reasonable confidentiality obligations binding such persons.
- We shall have the right, but shall not be obliged, to monitor or examine any information and materials including any website link that you publish or submit to us for publishing on the Site. You shall be solely responsible for the contents of all material published by yourself.
- We constantly review our systems and data to ensure the best possible service to our users. We do not accept any users, or representatives of users, under 18 years of age or who otherwise does not have the relevant capacity to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
- We will not sell, share, or rent your Personal Information to any third party or use your e-mail address for unsolicited mail. Any emails sent by us will only be in connection with the provision of our services and/or the marketing thereof.
Clause 2
Log Files
2.1 When you visit the website, even if you do not create an account, we may collect information, such as your IP address, the name of your ISP (Internet Service Provider), your browser, the website from which you visit us, the pages on our website that you visit and in what sequence, the date and length of your visit, and other information concerning your computer’s operating system, language settings, and broad demographic information. This information is aggregated and anonymous data and does not identify you specifically. However, you acknowledge that this data may be able to be used to identify you if it is aggregated with other Personal Information that you supply to us. This information is not shared with third parties and is used only within the company on a need-to-know basis. Any individually identifiable information related to this data will never be used in any way different to that stated above, without your explicit permission.
Clause 3
Disclosure of Personal Information
3.1 We do not disclose your Personal Information to anyone outside Party.
Clause 4
Cookies
4.1 We use cookies. A cookie is a small piece of information stored on your computer or smart phone by the web browser. The two types of cookies used on the Website are described below:
4.1.1
“Session cookies”: These are used to maintain a so-called ‘session state’ and only lasts for the duration of your use of the Website. A session cookie expires when you close your browser, or if you have not visited the server for a certain period of time. Session cookies are required for the Platform to function optimally, but are not used in any way to identify you personally.
4.1.2
“Permanent cookies”: These cookies permanently store a unique code on your computer or smart device hard drive in order to identify you as an individual user. No Personal Information is stored in permanent cookies. You can view permanent cookies by looking in the cookies directory of your browser installation. These permanent cookies are not required for the website to work, but may enhance your browsing experience.
Clause 5
Links from the website
5.1
The services available through the Website, may contain links to other third party websites, including (without limitation) social media platforms, payment gateways, appointment scheduling and/or live chat platforms (“Third Party Websites”). If you select a link to any Third Party Website, you may be subject to such Third Party Website’s terms and conditions and/or other policies, which are not under our control, nor are we responsible therefore.
5.2
Hyperlinks to Third Party Websites are provided “as is”, and we do not necessarily agree with, edit or sponsor the content on Third Party Websites.
5.3
We do not monitor or review the content of any Third Party Website. Opinions expressed or material appearing on such websites are not necessarily shared or endorsed by us and we should not be regarded as the publisher of such opinions or material. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices, or content, of other websites, either.
5.4
Users should evaluate the security and trustworthiness of any Third Party Website before disclosing any personal information to them. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage in whatever manner, howsoever caused, resulting from your disclosure to third parties of personal information.
Clause 6
Application Of The Electronic Communications And Transactions Act 25 Of 2002 (“Ect Act”
6.1 Data Messages (as defined in the ECT Act) will be deemed to have been received by us if and when we respond to the Data Messages.
6.2 Data Messages sent by us to a user will be deemed to have been received by such user in terms of the provisions specified in section 23(b) of the ECT Act.
6.3 Users acknowledge that electronic signatures, encryption and/or authentication are not required for valid electronic communications between us and users.
6.4 Information to be provided in terms of section 43(1) of the ECT Act:
6.4.1 Users warrant that Data Messages sent to us from any electronic device, used by such user, from time to time or owned by such user, were sent and or authorised by such user, personally.
6.4.2 This Website is owned and operated by Woodt.
6.5 Contact Number: 0448680147.
6.5.2 Website – located at www.woodt.co.za.
6.5.3 Email address: info@woodt.co.za.
Clause 7
Lodging of Complaints
7.1 We only process your Personal Information in compliance with this Privacy Policy and in accordance with the relevant data protection laws. If, however you wish to raise a complaint regarding the processing of your Personal Information or are unsatisfied with how we have handled your Personal Information, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:
7.1.1 Telephone: +27 (0) 10 023 5207; or
7.1.2 Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za.