Use and Care Statement
Because of the inherent and natural properties of wood , L . J . Smith issues the following limited Warranty :
The product ( s ) furnished hereunder are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of delivery . L . J . Smith will , at its own expense and option , either repair or replace the defective product or refund the customer ’ s money provided that the customer has notified L . J . Smith and upon inspection , L . J . Smith has found such product ( s ) to be defective and covered by such limited warranty .
THE CUSTOMER ’ S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY HEREUNDER WILL BE LIMITED TO SUCH REPAIR , REPLACEMENT OR REFUND .
Building Codes and requirements vary from location to location , accordingly , L . J . Smith makes no express or implied warranty that this product complies with your local building code . Therefore , it is important to ensure compliance prior to installation . The foregoing warranty is contingent upon the proper use and installation of the products and does not apply to any product which has been repaired or modified by persons other than L . J . Smith .
THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES , EXPRESS OR IMPLIED , INCLUDING , WITHOUT LIMITATION , ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE . IN NO EVENT SHALL L . J . SMITH BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT , INDIRECT , INCIDENTAL , OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT ( S ) EVEN IF L . J . SMITH HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES .
NOTE : ALL STAIR PARTS ARE FOR INTERIOR USE AND INSTALLATION ONLY .
Extreme variances in temperature and humidity will cause kiln dried and laminated wood products to shrink and / or swell . Caution should be taken to avoid these variances .
In order to further clarify the treatment that wood stairparts should receive , L . J . Smith suggests that the following standards be observed :
STORAGE :
1 . Stairparts should be stored in an area free of excessive dust and dirt . Moisture is the enemy of any wood product and should be avoided . Wood and the cardboard boxes it is stored in may wick moisture from direct contact with concrete or any moist surface . L . J . Smith manufactures at 6-8 % moisture content . Any condition which varies this will cause shrinkage or swelling thus causing excess stress on glue joints and the surface of the wood .
2 . Stairparts should not be exposed to direct sunlight . Storage in heated areas may cause additional drying of the wood which may cause cracks and splitting . Wood should be stored at a consistent temperature and relative humidity ( recommended is 70 ° F and 35 % relative humidity ).
FINISHING TIPS : 3 . It is important that all parts be lightly sanded before finishing . Any excess glue or oil from a human hand can mar the evenness of your stair finish . Make sure all dust is removed to insure a smooth finish .
4 . Apply stain to a scrap piece of wood as a test piece . This will help you determine how much stain to apply and how long to leave it on the wood before wiping off any excess . The color may vary somewhat depending on various properties of the wood , such as end grain . Stain should be wiped on in small areas , then wiped off to desired darkness after no more than 2 minutes . Follow the recommendations of the stain manufacturer .
5 . After staining is complete and allowed to dry , apply finish . Polyurethane finishes provide the best protection and a fine finish as well as rapid drying time . After each finish coat is completely dry , buff lightly with steel wool ( 0000 grade ) or 220 grit sand paper . Try this first on a test piece or any inconspicuous area to determine how much pressure to use and avoid damage . Next , remove debris left from buffing by wiping with a tack cloth . Generally , three or four coats of finish are required . Follow the recommendations of the finish manufacturer .
It is essential that a minimum of three coats of finish be evenly applied to all surfaces : top , bottom , and ends . This will help insure that any excess gain or loss of moisture will be uniform thus reducing tendencies toward warpage and splitting .
No coating entirely prevents wood from gaining or losing moisture , but a proper finish which is evenly applied will help reduce the transmission of moisture to levels which the laminated wooden parts might tolerate .
6 . A fine furniture wax coat is recommended after finishing .
Form No . LJ-1095 Use
L . J . Smith Stair Systems ; 35280 Scio-Bowerston Road ; Bowerston , OH 44695 Phone ( 740 ) 269-2221 FAX ( 740 ) 269-9047
Copyright 1995 L . J . Smith Company