Slight color changes occur in wood floors gradually with time and exposure as a result of oxidation and/or photochemical activity.

Oxygen, temperature, light, and a few trace chemicals contribute to this gradual shading change, which is sometimes called “Patina or “Mellowing”.

Mellowing is a naturally occurring process and
it happens only on the surface of the wood
flooring. This process is not in any way due
to a poorly made product. Mellowing is not
a legitimate claim for repair or adjustment.

These types of normally occurring shading changes are not considered to be the same event as extreme color changes caused by the fading of dyes or pigment used in finishing the flooring. Extreme fading of dyes or pigments used may be reason for honoring a replacement of refinishing a floor.

“Dye Lot Variation” is a term to describe color variation of the finish for a product that exists as it is removed from the carton and never exposed to use. Color variation caused during manufacturing because of “dye lot variation” should be minimal with top quality flooring. It may exist to a greater degree in the economy-grade floors.