The Walnut Wood Works shop in Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Care & Warranty

Built right, or we make it right.

Walnut Wood Works•3-year craftsmanship warranty•Updated October 2026

How to look after a solid-hardwood countertop, shelf or mantel, and exactly what our 3-year craftsmanship warranty covers, plus returns and what to do if a delivery arrives damaged.

3 yearscraftsmanship warranty from delivery
2 weeksto change or cancel a custom order
30 daysreturns on brackets and tools
At deliverynote any damage on the receipt
Living with it

Care, by finish.

Every finish is food-safe once cured. Here's what each one asks of you. The finishes guide explains how they work.

Natural oil finish on black walnut
Natural oil

A wipe of oil, now and then

When the wood looks dry, wipe on food-grade mineral oil at night and wipe off the excess in the morning. You can't overdo it. Re-oil when water stops beading. Tung oil on walnut, mineral oil on the lighter woods.

Hardwax oil finish on black walnut
Hardwax oil

A refresher every few years

Wipe on a refresher coat every three to five years. No sanding needed.

Conversion varnish finish on black walnut
Conversion varnish

Essentially nothing

Clean with mild soap and water. Don't cut directly on it, and skip abrasive pads.

Every finish: wipe up standing water, don't leave a wet sponge or dish rack sitting on the wood, and use a trivet under hot pans. On an oil finish, a scratch or scorch sands out and blends back in with a little oil.

Installed walnut countertops and island
Before and after it arrives

Installation and humidity.

Solid wood moves a little as the air around it gets wetter or drier. Let your top sit in the room for a few days before installing, fasten it so it can move with the seasons (slotted brackets or elongated screw holes), and seal any edge you cut, including the edges of a sink opening.

Keep your home's humidity steady and avoid extremes: don't aim a humidifier at the wood, and don't install a top over an unconditioned space.

Every piece is built right, or we make it right.
The Walnut Wood Works promise
Our promise

The 3-year craftsmanship warranty.

Every countertop, shelf and mantel we build is covered for three years from delivery against problems with our craftsmanship, such as a glue joint that opens, a finish that fails, or a construction defect.

How it works: send us a few photos and a short description of what you're seeing. We review every claim personally and, when it's covered, we'll repair, refinish or replace the piece, whichever makes it right. In our experience, if a problem is going to appear, it almost always shows up within the first few months, so let us know early.

What isn't covered: solid wood responds to its environment. We can't cover movement, cracking or cupping that is clearly caused by humidity conditions in the home, and the warranty doesn't extend to water damage, everyday wear (knife marks, scorches, scratches), or pieces modified after delivery. We make the final call on each claim, and we'll always explain our reasoning.

Returns

Returns.

Custom walnut island top in a kitchen
Custom-made products

Change or cancel within two weeks

Countertops, shelves and mantels are built to your dimensions and can't be returned. You can change or cancel a custom order within two weeks of placing it.

Walnut Wood Works floating shelf bracket
Brackets and tools

30-day returns

Floating shelf brackets and tools can be returned within 30 days of delivery. The buyer pays return shipping.

Custom plywood shipping crate
At delivery

Delivery damage.

Inspect your delivery before the driver leaves. If anything is damaged, write it on the delivery receipt with the driver present.

Freight carriers only accept damage claims noted at delivery; without that note, we have no way to recover the cost from the carrier. Then send us photos right away and we'll take it from there.

Note it on the receipt, with the driver there. It's the one step that protects you.
Common questions

Care and warranty, answered.

What does the Walnut Wood Works warranty cover?
Every countertop, shelf and mantel carries a 3-year craftsmanship warranty from delivery, covering problems with how it was made, such as a glue joint that opens, a finish that fails, or a construction defect.
How do I make a warranty claim?
Send us a few photos and a short description of what you're seeing. We review every claim personally and, when it's covered, repair, refinish or replace the piece, whichever makes it right. If a problem is going to appear, it almost always shows up within the first few months, so let us know early.
What isn't covered by the warranty?
Solid wood responds to its environment, so movement, cracking or cupping that is clearly caused by humidity conditions in the home isn't covered. Neither is water damage, everyday wear such as knife marks, scorches and scratches, or a piece that has been modified after delivery. We make the final call on each claim and always explain our reasoning.
Can I return a custom countertop or shelf?
Custom-made countertops, shelves and mantels are built to your dimensions and can't be returned. You can change or cancel a custom order within two weeks of ordering.
Can I return brackets or tools?
Yes. Floating shelf brackets and tools can be returned within 30 days of delivery. The buyer pays return shipping.
What should I do if my delivery is damaged?
Inspect the crate before the driver leaves. Any damage must be written on the delivery receipt with the driver present, because freight carriers only accept damage claims noted at delivery. Without that note we can't recover the cost from the carrier. Then send us photos right away.
How often should I oil a butcher block countertop?
Whenever the wood starts to look dry, and more often near the sink and stove. Wipe on food-grade mineral oil at night, let it soak in overnight, and wipe off the excess in the morning. When water stops beading and starts darkening the wood, it's time for a coat.
Questions about a piece?

Call the shop.

931-488-8480, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Central.