At this point, these are in review. Use these as a general guideline. When finalized, these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the GrainStories website (the “Site”) and any purchase, commission, or engagement for products and services offered by GrainStories / TheGrainStudio (“GrainStories,” “we,” “us,” “I,” “our”). By accessing the Site or placing an order, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or place an order.

1) Definitions

• “Custom Work”: Any made-to-order item created to your requested size, design direction, material selection, or finish.

• “Ready-to-Ship”: A completed item listed for sale as-is.

• “Reclaimed/Salvaged Wood”: Wood sourced from prior-use structures, offcuts, reclaimed boards, or recovered lumber.

2) Our Materials, Process, and the Nature of Reclaimed Wood

GrainStories specializes in reclaimed and salvaged materials. Each piece will show natural variation and may include character marks such as knots, checking, grain swirl, color variation, nail holes, mineral streaks, sapwood/heartwood contrast, saw marks, and repaired areas.

Wood is a natural material and moves with seasonal humidity. We build with best practices to reduce movement, but we cannot eliminate it. Minor movement, subtle checking, and finish patina are normal and not considered defects.

Availability note (important): Because reclaimed supply is unpredictable and each board is unique, it may not be possible to source the exact look/species/board width/“perfect match” within a desired timeframe. If material constraints arise, we may recommend (a) an alternative reclaimed material, (b) a design adjustment, (c) a timeline adjustment, or (d) cancellation per Section 8.

3) Quotes, Estimates, and Scope

Any pricing, timeline, or design guidance provided before an invoice is issued is an estimate only. Your invoice (and any attached specification sheet) defines the final scope, price, and payment schedule.

4) Custom Work Process and Approvals

Custom Work begins after written approval of:

• approximate dimensions

• design direction / style

• material direction (e.g., walnut reclaimed, mixed reclaimed, epoxy use, etc.)

• finish direction

• price and payment schedule

You are responsible for reviewing and approving measurements, drawings (if provided), and finish direction. Changes after approval may require additional time and cost.

Experimentation: Some projects may involve prototyping, testing finishes, or new joinery/epoxy approaches. When experimentation is part of your project, we will communicate what is exploratory and what outcomes may vary (especially with reclaimed wood and epoxy).

5) Lead Times and Scheduling

Lead times are estimates. Delays may occur due to reclaimed material sourcing, wood acclimation, shop scheduling, cure times (epoxy/finish), subcontractor availability (if applicable), shipping carrier delays, or events beyond our control (see Section 18).

6) Pricing, Deposits, and Payments

Payment terms are stated on your invoice. Deposits may be required to reserve a build slot and begin material selection. Final payment is typically required before shipping/delivery/installation unless your invoice states otherwise.

7) Hard “No Returns” on Custom Work

All Custom Work is final sale — no returns, no exchanges, and no refunds once production begins.
This policy exists because Custom Work is built specifically for you and cannot be resold as standard inventory.

GrainStories will still make every reasonable effort to meet your expectations, including clear communication, progress visibility where feasible, and quality checks prior to delivery.

8) Cancellations (Custom Work)

Because Custom Work reserves labor time and may commit materials:

• If you cancel before production begins, the deposit handling will follow your invoice terms.

• If you cancel after production begins, you are responsible for completed work-to-date and any non-recoverable materials, plus any applicable fees stated on the invoice.

Material-availability exception: If reclaimed material availability makes it impractical to produce the agreed design within a reasonable time and you do not approve alternatives, GrainStories may cancel the project. In that case, we will reconcile fairly based on actual materials purchased and work performed to date (per invoice terms).

9) Ready-to-Ship Items: Returns

If you purchase a Ready-to-Ship item, return eligibility (window, condition requirements, restocking fees, and who pays return shipping) will be stated on the product listing or your order confirmation. Custom-sized modifications to Ready-to-Ship items convert the order into Custom Work and become final sale.

10) Shipping, Delivery, and Risk of Loss

Shipping/delivery options and charges are shown at checkout or on your invoice. Risk of loss transfers to you upon carrier pickup (shipping) or upon hand-off/completion of delivery (local delivery).

Inspect items promptly upon arrival. If there is carrier damage, keep all packaging and notify us within 48 hours so we can assist with documentation and claims.

11) Local Delivery & Optional Installation (Virginia Area)

In some situations, GrainStories may offer local delivery and/or installation. Availability depends on location, project scope, schedule, and site conditions. Installation is not guaranteed unless explicitly included on your invoice.

Client responsibilities:

• Provide safe access to the site, clear workspace, and accurate measurements.

• Confirm wall/substrate conditions are suitable (studs/masonry/anchors as needed).

• Confirm fireplace clearances, heat exposure, and code compliance for your home.

• If electrical work is needed (LED drivers, hardwiring, switched circuits), a licensed electrician may be required. GrainStories does not guarantee compliance with local electrical/fire codes unless explicitly stated in writing.

GrainStories is not liable for failures due to unsuitable site conditions, hidden structural issues, prior water damage, settling, or improper substrate construction.

12) Care, Maintenance, and Intended Use

Unless stated otherwise, GrainStories pieces are intended for indoor, climate-controlled use. Excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture, or large humidity swings can cause movement or finish changes and may void warranty coverage.

13) Limited Workmanship Warranty

Unless otherwise stated on your invoice, GrainStories provides a limited workmanship warranty for [X months / 1 year] from delivery for defects in craftsmanship under normal indoor use.

This does not cover:

• natural wood movement, checking, knots opening, color shift, or finish patina

• normal wear and tear

• damage from misuse, accidents, improper cleaning, or improper installation

• environmental damage (humidity swings, heat, sunlight, water exposure)

• third-party modifications or repairs

Remedy is at our discretion: repair, component replacement, or other reasonable remedy.

14) Photography & Videography

We may photograph or film builds, progress, and final results for portfolio and marketing. By commissioning work, you grant permission for us to use images/video of the piece and non-identifying installation views unless you opt out in writing before production begins. We will not publish your address or personal identifying information without permission.

15) Intellectual Property

All Site content (photos, videos, text, designs, branding) belongs to GrainStories or its licensors and may not be copied or used for commercial purposes without written permission. Purchasing a physical piece does not transfer design rights, photos/videos, or branding rights.

16) Website Use

You agree not to misuse the Site, attempt unauthorized access, scrape content, or interfere with Site operation.

17) Disclaimers

The Site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available.” We do not guarantee uninterrupted access or error-free operation. Product descriptions are provided in good faith; natural material variation is expected.

18) Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond our reasonable control, including reclaimed material shortages, carrier delays, severe weather, fire, flood, power outages, or government actions.

19) Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, GrainStories will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages. Our total liability for any claim will not exceed the amount you paid for the product/service giving rise to the claim.

20) Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold GrainStories harmless from claims arising from your misuse of the Site, breach of these Terms, improper installation, or violation of law or third-party rights.

21) Governing Law & Venue (Virginia)

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Any disputes will be brought in the state or federal courts located in Virginia unless otherwise required by law.

22) Contact

Questions about these Terms or an order:
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