We offer a 1-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship present at the time the product left our facility. Coverage begins on the date of delivery, applies to the original purchaser at the original delivery address, and is non-transferable. Your order confirmation is your proof of purchase. This warranty does not cover installation or assembly costs.
Our approach is repair first, replacement parts second, replacement of the shed as a last resort. This is better for you and it keeps usable material out of the landfill. Where a part can be repaired effectively, we will help you repair it before we consider replacing it.
At a glance
| What is covered | Defects in materials and workmanship present when the product left our facility — wall boards, manufactured components, hardware (hinges, latches, fasteners), doors and windows. |
|---|---|
| How long | 1 year from the date of delivery. No registration required. |
| Inspect and report | Inspect your kit on arrival, before assembly and before finishing. Report any shortage, damage, or visible defect within 30 days of delivery. |
| Your responsibilities | Store the kit flat and covered, assemble per the manual on a level, drained base, anchor the structure, and finish the wood within 30 days of assembly. |
| Add-ons | Windows and accessories purchased from SolidBuild and installed per our design are covered. Modifications outside our design void coverage. |
| After the warranty | SolidBuild Care — discretionary owner support beyond the warranty period. See below. |
When your kit arrives
Inspect the kit on arrival for completeness, quantity, and quality — particularly for missing or damaged parts — before assembly and before applying any finish. If you notice damage while the shipment is being unloaded, photograph it and note it on the BOL shipping form before you sign for it.
Report any shortage, damage, or visible defect as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after delivery. Call SolidBuild customer support at (800) 590-2508, ext. 1 and complete the Warranty Request Form, or email info@solidbuildwood.com. Include your order number, the full name on the order, and clear photographs and measurements of each piece so we can identify where it belongs.
We send replacement parts free of charge, and aim to ship within 2 business days of your report. Every kit also includes spare boards, so a single broken board does not have to hold up your build while a replacement is on the way.
Reporting after the 30-day window does not void your 1-year coverage. We will still work with you to sort it out, but you may be responsible for the shipping cost of replacement parts.
How replacement parts ship
Replacement parts ship by UPS or FedEx Ground, separately from your original kit. We aim to ship within 2 business days of your report, and ground transit typically takes another 3 to 7 business days depending on your location.
Ground carriers limit the length of a single package, so any replacement piece longer than approximately 100 inches is split into two sections with a matching angled (scarf) cut before it ships. This is done at our facility so the two halves seat together and overlap when you install them. It is not shipping damage, and it is not a partial shipment — both halves are in the box.
Join the two sections as shown in the assembly manual, and seal both angled cut ends when you finish or touch up the area. This applies only to replacement parts. Boards in your original kit arrive full length.
Understanding your natural wood shed
Your shed is built from slow-grown Nordic Norway spruce (Picea abies), kiln-dried to a controlled moisture content, inspected and graded, and milled to close tolerances so the tongue-and-groove panels fit cleanly. It is a solid-wood building, not a 2x4 frame with OSB or plywood siding, and it behaves like a living material.
Wood expands and contracts
Solid wood swells in humid conditions and shrinks in dry conditions. The tongue-and-groove profile is designed to accommodate this movement while staying weather-tight. Small gaps open and close between boards as humidity changes through the seasons, and they generally close again as conditions change. A gap that does not close is usually a sign that something is mechanically preventing the wood from moving — see "Letting the wood move" below.
Normal characteristics of solid wood
The following are natural characteristics of solid wood. They are not defects and are not covered by the warranty, because they do not affect the strength of the building:
- Surface cracks and checks — splits along the grain that do not pass through the board, occurring as the wood releases moisture.
- Knots and knot-holes — knots are a natural feature of wood and vary in size. Knot-holes up to approximately 3/8 inch are normal; larger knot-holes present at delivery are covered. Over time, particularly in hot, dry, or high-altitude regions, knots may shrink or loosen, and filling any that fall out is routine owner maintenance.
- Color variation and weathering — natural variation in tone, and graying or color change in unfinished or poorly maintained wood exposed to sunlight.
- Minor warping or twisting — slight movement that still permits the board to be installed and function.
- Resin pockets — natural deposits in spruce.
These characteristics are inherent to solid wood and cannot be eliminated. They are managed within reasonable limits through grading and inspection.
Owner care guide
Before assembly
Stack all shed parts flat and keep them well covered to protect the wood from the elements until you build. Assemble the shed within 30 days of delivery — longer delays allow boards to warp. If the shed is assembled past the 30-day mark we will still work with you, but expect a small fee to cover replacement part shipping.
Finishing the shed
Your shed ships unfinished (raw). Raw wood must be sealed and finished on the outside, or it will absorb moisture, swell, cup, and gray.
- Assemble first, then finish. Build the shed per the manual, then apply the finish. Do not pre-coat loose boards — coating boards individually can cause warping and prevent them from seating in the tongue-and-groove joints.
- Apply a region-appropriate finish within 30 days of assembly, or as soon as weather permits (finishes need dry wood and mild temperatures). Coat all exterior surfaces and all sides of the doors and windows. The interior may be left natural if you prefer. If you cannot finish within 30 days, protect the shed from rain in the meantime.
- Seal the board ends with extra care. End grain absorbs water faster than any other surface — this is true of factory-cut and field-cut ends alike. Make sure every exposed board end is thoroughly sealed.
- Re-seal on schedule to keep the shed protected. Neglect or failure to maintain the finish may void coverage for the resulting damage.
Choosing a finish for your region
The right finish depends on your climate, as does the re-coat interval. The wrong finish for a region is a common cause of premature failure.
| Region | Recommended finish | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast / Gulf Coast | Semi-transparent stain | Breathable; humidity cannot become trapped and blister a film |
| Southwest / High Desert | Semi-transparent stain (tinted, oil) | High UV degrades surface films; stain fades rather than peels |
| Midwest & Northern Plains | 100% acrylic paint or penetrating stain | Must flex through freeze-thaw without cracking |
| Pacific Northwest | Penetrating oil stain | Persistent damp blisters paint; stain sheds water and breathes |
| Northeast / East Coast | Premium paint | Mild four-season climate allows paint to reach full service life |
| Mountain West | Semi-transparent stain (UV absorbers) | High-altitude UV and large temperature swings crack rigid films |
Avoid clear (untinted) finishes in high-UV regions — pigment provides the UV protection. Use 100% acrylic paint in cold regions; vinyl-acrylic blends become brittle and crack.
Re-coat schedule
| Finish | Re-apply approximately every |
|---|---|
| Penetrating / semi-transparent stain | 2–4 years (sooner on sun-facing walls in the Southwest and Mountain West) |
| Premium 100% acrylic paint | 8–12 years on vertical surfaces (5–8 years in hot or damp regions) |
Knots and your region
Under paint, an oil-based stain-blocking primer (for example, Zinsser Cover Stain) handles knot bleed. Under stain, knots stay visible as natural character.
In hot, arid, and high-altitude regions, dryness and UV can cause knots to shrink, check, loosen, or occasionally fall out, leaving small openings that admit water. Maintain the finish on schedule, inspect knots periodically, and fill any loose or fallen knot-holes with an exterior-grade wood filler before re-coating. A film-forming finish (paint) caps knots better than a thin penetrating oil.
Foundation
Build on a level, stable, well-drained base — most commonly a concrete slab or a compacted gravel pad. Floor joists must not be in direct contact with soil or standing water. Additional approved foundation options are described in the SolidBuild foundation guide.
Anchoring and wind bracing
Anchor the shed and install the wind studs and braces in accordance with the manual. Proper anchoring and bracing are required for coverage and are essential in high-wind regions.
Letting the wood move
Use the spacing and movement-tolerant fixings specified in the manual. Do not glue boards together, run stiff conduit or fixtures that pin a wall from top to bottom, or bolt rigid shelving across more than four board courses. Solid wood must remain free to expand and contract vertically. Restricting that movement is the usual cause of a gap or split that does not self-correct. To add shelving or fixtures, fasten to a single board or use the movement-tolerant methods in the manual.
Site care
Maintain at least 12 inches of clearance between vegetation and the shed. Do not mound mulch or soil against the walls. Keep sprinklers off the structure and make sure water drains away from the base. In heavy-snow regions, clear excess snow from the roof.
What the warranty covers
Subject to the conditions and exclusions below, SolidBuild Inc. warrants that, at the time the product left our facility, the wood and components were free from defects in materials and workmanship. This single warranty covers all parts of the shed — wall boards, manufactured components, hardware, and doors and windows — for 1 year from the date of delivery.
A "defect" means a deficiency in our material or manufacturing that was present when the product left our facility. It is not a condition that arises later from assembly, finishing, placement, maintenance, weather, or the natural behavior of wood.
When your shed is assembled and the parts fit, the hardware functions, and the doors and windows close and operate properly, the building has demonstrated that it left our facility free from defects. From that point, the condition and service life of the shed depend on proper finishing, a stable foundation, correct anchoring and assembly, ongoing maintenance, and protection from the elements.
What is not covered
- Natural characteristics of wood — swelling, shrinking, seasonal gapping between boards, color change and graying, surface cracks and checks that do not pass through, knots and knot-holes within normal limits (including knots that shrink, check, loosen, or fall out over time, and any resulting water entry), minor warping or twisting that still installs, and resin pockets.
- Replacement parts over 100 inches shipped in two angled sections — long replacement pieces are split by design to meet ground carrier limits and are not a defect or a partial shipment.
- Failure to finish on time — wood not sealed and finished as required above, or damage resulting from it.
- Lack of or improper maintenance — failure to re-seal on schedule, or general neglect, including rot or decay arising from unprotected or poorly maintained wood.
- Restricted wood movement from assembly — gluing boards together, stiff conduit or brackets that pin the top and bottom of a wall, rigid shelving anchored across more than four board courses, over-tightening wind studs and braces, or screwing frames or fixtures across boards.
- Foundation — movement, settling, or an inadequate or un-level base; floor joists in direct ground contact.
- Roofing — roofing material and its installation are supplied and performed by the customer; water damage resulting from roofing is excluded.
- Finish quality and application — the paint or stain selected, and the quality of its application.
- Anchoring and bracing — failure to anchor, improper anchoring, or improper wind-stud and brace installation.
- Acts of nature and weather — floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, high wind, hail, lightning, fire, earthquake, and extreme or abnormal snow load.
- Pests — termites, wood-boring insects, other pests, mold, and mildew.
- Improper or incomplete assembly — failure to assemble in accordance with the SolidBuild assembly manual.
- Moisture and vegetation — sprinklers or irrigation striking the structure, standing water, or vegetation, mulch, or soil mounded against the walls.
- Unauthorized alterations — modifications, additions, or third-party accessories applied without our prior written approval, and any alteration that obstructs wood movement. Windows and accessories purchased from SolidBuild and installed per our design remain covered.
- Relocation — moving the structure after initial assembly voids coverage. If you need parts for a move, we can still help you source them through SolidBuild Care.
- Commercial or non-residential use.
- Normal wear, weathering, and fading.
- Installation labor and finishing costs, and incidental and consequential damages — loss of or damage to property stored inside, loss of use, or personal injury.
Conditions you must meet to keep coverage
- Inspection and reporting. Inspect your kit on arrival, before assembly and before finishing, and report any shortage, damage, or visible defect within 30 days of delivery, in writing, with photographs and your order number.
- Storage and assembly timing. Keep parts stacked flat and covered, and assemble within 30 days of delivery.
- Finishing. Apply a region-appropriate finish to all exterior surfaces within 30 days of assembly (or as soon as weather permits), seal all exposed board ends, and re-seal on schedule.
- Assembly. Assemble in accordance with the manual, including the clearances and movement-tolerant fixings that allow the wood to expand and contract.
- Foundation. Provide a level, stable, drained base, with no floor joist in ground contact.
- Anchoring and bracing. Anchor the shed and install wind studs and braces in accordance with the manual.
- Records. Keep your proof of purchase (order confirmation).
How to make a claim, and our remedy
Call (800) 590-2508, ext. 1 and complete the Warranty Request Form, or email info@solidbuildwood.com, as soon as possible after discovering the issue. Include your order number, the full name on the order, and clear photographs of the issue and of the foundation and site. We may request additional photographs or inspect the product.
Our remedy is repair first, then replacement parts, then replacement of the shed as a last resort:
- Repair first. Where practical, we will work with you to repair the issue, typically with guidance and spare parts.
- Replacement parts. If repair is not practical, we will supply the replacement part or parts, free of charge, and aim to ship within 2 business days.
- Replacement of the shed as a last resort. In the rare case that a defect runs through the kit and cannot be resolved with repair or with replacement parts, we will, at our discretion, replace the shed.
- If we cannot repair or replace the defective part within a reasonable time, we will refund the price of that part.
Shipping. If you reported the issue within 30 days of delivery, SolidBuild pays shipping to the original delivery address. If that window was missed, you may be responsible for shipping costs.
Stage of build. Before and during assembly, a defective part will be repaired or replaced as above. After the shed is fully assembled and finished, we will repair or supply a replacement for the defective part, but we will not refund the full purchase price and will not reimburse labor or finishing costs. A shed that assembled and functioned correctly demonstrated that it was free from manufacturing defects, so later issues generally arise from care or external conditions. Installation labor is the customer's responsibility. Repair or replacement of the defective part is at SolidBuild Inc.'s reasonable discretion and is your exclusive remedy under this warranty.
SolidBuild Care
Our support does not necessarily end when the warranty does. Through SolidBuild Care, we aim to help owners with issues that fall outside the limited warranty.
SolidBuild Care is provided at our sole discretion, as a gesture of goodwill. It is not a warranty, creates no legal entitlement, and does not extend the limited warranty. If something comes up — even after your warranty has ended — contact us and we will do our best to help. A lock fails, a hinge has rusted, a window grille breaks: reach out. Depending on the situation, SolidBuild Care may include advice, help sourcing replacement parts, or preferential pricing on components.
About Norway spruce
Norway spruce is not pine. It was and continues to be one of the main building materials in Northern Europe — the Scandinavians used it to build their ships hundreds of years ago, and there are buildings still standing and in use that are 200 to 300 years old. We have only been using milled logs for our products for 30 years, so we cannot tell you exactly how long they will last, but most of them are still standing and in great shape.
Even so, Norway spruce is a natural wood product and it needs protection. Assembled correctly on a solid, level foundation, painted or stained, and kept free of roof leaks, there is no expiration date on how long your shed will last. Re-paint or re-stain every 5 to 10 years, and expect to re-shingle roughly every 30 years. On an unstable or uneven foundation, unprotected from the weather, or with a leak, the shed will start to change color, some boards may warp, and the doors may stop closing properly. It will withstand far more than any comparable shed, but natural weathering will not look as good if the building is not cared for.
Frequently asked questions
What does my warranty cover, and for how long?
The solid wood and manufactured parts — including hardware, doors, and windows — against defects in materials and workmanship present when the shed left our facility, for 1 year from delivery. It does not cover the natural behavior of wood, or damage from assembly, finishing, foundation, weather, or maintenance, which are owner responsibilities.
How will my replacement boards arrive?
By UPS or FedEx Ground, usually shipping within 2 business days of your report and arriving 3 to 7 business days after that. Because ground carriers limit package length, any replacement piece over approximately 100 inches is split into two sections with a matching angled cut. Both halves are in the box, they join as shown in the manual, and the cut ends should be sealed when you finish or touch up the area. Boards in your original kit are not split.
Why are there gaps between the boards, or why did a gap appear after a few months?
Usually this is normal. Solid tongue-and-groove wood expands and contracts with the seasons, and small gaps open and close as humidity changes. The profile is designed for this and the gaps generally close again. A gap that does not close is most often caused by something mechanically blocking the wood from moving — for example, a shelf or fixture fastened across more than four board courses.
Do I have to stain or paint it, and by when?
Yes. Finishing the exterior is a condition of the warranty, and it is done after assembly: apply a region-appropriate finish to all exterior surfaces within 30 days of building it, or as soon as weather permits. The interior may be left natural if you prefer. Raw wood left unprotected will swell, cup, and gray.
Do I need to seal the boards before assembly?
No. Assemble the shed first, then finish it. Coating loose boards individually can cause them to warp and prevent them from fitting together. When you finish, take extra care to seal the ends of the boards, which absorb water fastest.
What finish should I use, and how often?
It depends on your climate — see the regional table above. In general, breathable penetrating stains suit humid, damp, and high-UV regions, and premium 100% acrylic paint suits temperate and cold regions. Re-coat roughly every 2 to 4 years for stains and every 8 to 12 years for premium paint in milder climates.
My shed has knots, cracks, or has changed color — is that a defect?
No. These are natural characteristics of solid wood and do not affect the strength of the shed. Structural problems present at delivery are a separate matter and are covered.
A knot loosened or fell out and water entered — is that covered?
This is a natural characteristic of wood, not a manufacturing defect, and it is most common in hot, dry, and high-altitude regions. Fill the opening with an exterior-grade wood filler and re-coat the area. Maintaining the finish on schedule prevents most occurrences.
Can I hang shelves or attach items to the walls?
Yes, if done per the manual. The wood must remain free to move vertically, so avoid anything that pins boards together — no gluing, no rigid floor-to-ceiling conduit, and no heavy shelving bolted across more than four board courses. Attachments that block wood movement can cause gaps or splits and are not covered.
What base do I need?
A level, stable, well-drained foundation — most commonly a concrete slab or compacted gravel. Additional approved options are described in the foundation guide. Floor joists must not sit in soil or standing water.
What about sprinklers, plants, and landscaping?
Keep sprinklers off the shed, maintain about 12 inches of clearance around it, and do not pile mulch or soil against the walls. Resulting moisture damage is not covered.
What happens in a storm, heavy snow, or extreme heat?
Weather events — high wind, hail, heavy snow load, flood, lightning — are outside our control and are not covered. Anchor the shed per the manual and clear heavy snow from the roof.
A part was missing or damaged on arrival — what do I do?
Inspect the kit on arrival, before building or finishing, and contact us within 30 days of delivery with photographs and your order number. Reporting within this window ensures we cover replacement shipping. Reporting later does not void your 1-year coverage, but may make you responsible for shipping costs.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?
No. The warranty applies to the original purchaser at the original address and is non-transferable.
Does moving the shed affect my warranty?
Yes. Relocating the shed after assembly voids coverage, because re-assembly stresses the joints and structure. If you are planning to move the shed, contact us through SolidBuild Care — we can help you source any parts you need, though the move itself is not covered.
Legal disclosures
This is a Limited Warranty. It gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
To the extent permitted by law, any implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability, are limited in duration to the term of this written warranty — 1 year. SolidBuild Inc. is not liable for incidental or consequential damages.
This warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles, except where the consumer-protection laws of your state provide rights that cannot be waived.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This document is the entire warranty and supersedes any prior representation.
Contact
SolidBuild Inc.
6157 Knoll Way Dr, #102, Willowbrook, IL 60527
Phone: (800) 590-2508, ext. 1
Email: info@solidbuildwood.com
Warranty claims: Warranty Request Form