Our Policies

Effective Date: February 28, 2019 | Last Updated: January 2025

PRIVACY POLICY

Mountain Laurel Handrails (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operates the awoodrailing.com website (the “Service”). This privacy policy informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service.

INFORMATION COLLECTION AND USE

We collect several different types of information for various purposes to provide and improve our Service to you.

PERSONAL DATA

While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you (“Personal Data”). This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Email address
  • First name and last name
  • Phone number
  • Address, State, Province, ZIP/Postal code, City
  • Cookies and Usage Data

USAGE DATA

We may also collect information on how the Service is accessed and used (“Usage Data”). This Usage Data may include information such as your computer’s Internet Protocol address (IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers, and other diagnostic data.

TRACKING & COOKIES DATA

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our Service and hold certain information. Cookies are files with a small amount of data which may include an anonymous unique identifier. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.

Examples of cookies we use:

  • Session Cookies: We use session cookies to operate our Service
  • Preference Cookies: We use preference cookies to remember your preferences and various settings
  • Security Cookies: We use security cookies for security purposes

USE OF DATA

Mountain Laurel Handrails uses the collected data for various purposes:

  • To provide and maintain our Service
  • To notify you about changes to our Service
  • To provide customer support
  • To gather analysis or valuable information to improve our Service
  • To monitor usage of our Service
  • To detect, prevent, and address technical issues
  • To process and fulfill your orders
  • To communicate with you about your orders and our products

TRANSFER OF DATA

Your information, including Personal Data, may be transferred to and maintained on computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

Mountain Laurel Handrails will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

DISCLOSURE OF DATA

Mountain Laurel Handrails may disclose your Personal Data in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  • Comply with a legal obligation
  • Protect and defend the rights or property of Mountain Laurel Handrails
  • Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
  • Protect the personal safety of users of the Service or the public
  • Protect against legal liability

SECURITY OF DATA

The security of your data is important to us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

We may employ third-party companies and individuals to facilitate our Service, provide the Service on our behalf, perform Service-related services, or assist us in analyzing how our Service is used. These third parties have access to your Personal Data only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

GOOGLE ANALYTICS

We use Google Analytics, a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize ads of its own advertising network.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. For more information on Google’s privacy practices, please visit: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en

LINKS TO OTHER SITES

Our Service may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with Personal Data, please contact us.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the “effective date” at the top of this policy. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Effective Date: February 28, 2019 | Last Updated: January 2025

RETURNS & REFUNDS POLICY

GENERAL RETURN POLICY

Due to the custom, handmade nature of our products, we maintain a strict no-return policy on all orders. Each railing section is built to your specific measurements and specifications, making them non-returnable and non-refundable.

EXCEPTIONS

Returns or replacements may only be considered in the following circumstances:

  • Manufacturing Defects: If there is a defect in materials or workmanship that occurred during manufacturing (not due to shipping, installation, or customer error)
  • Shipping Damage: Damage that occurred during transit, reported within 24 hours of delivery with proper documentation
  • Order Error: If we shipped the wrong product due to an error on our part

NON-RETURNABLE CIRCUMSTANCES

Returns will NOT be accepted for:

  • Incorrect measurements provided by customer
  • Change of mind or project cancellation
  • Color variations due to natural wood characteristics
  • Damage occurring after delivery or during installation
  • Products that have been modified, cut, or altered
  • Normal weathering or aging of natural wood products

Effective Date: February 28, 2019 | Last Updated: January 2025

Shipping Policy

PROCESSING TIME

After your order is finalized and payment is received, production typically takes at minimum 7-10 business days. Custom orders may require additional time depending on complexity and current production schedule.

SHIPPING METHOD

Orders are shipped via freight carrier in custom-built palletized crates. These crates are designed to fit in a standard pickup truck and can be moved by forklift.

IMPORTANT DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Your delivery address must be accessible to a full-size, 53-foot tractor trailer
  • A valid phone number must be provided for the delivery driver to schedule delivery
  • Someone must be available to receive the shipment during business hours
  • Unloading equipment (forklift or dock) may be required depending on order size

SHIPPING AREAS

We ship nationwide throughout all 50 United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. We can also ship international. International shipping rates and delivery times vary by location.

SHIPPING COSTS

Shipping costs are calculated based on your delivery location (city, state, and ZIP code) and the total linear footage of your order. Please contact us for a shipping quote specific to your project.

DELIVERY INSPECTION

Upon delivery, you or your representative must:

  • Inspect the shipment immediately for any visible damage
  • Note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing
  • Take photographs of any damaged items while the driver is present if possible
  • Report damage to us within 24 hours
  • Keep all packaging materials for insurance claims

Effective Date: February 28, 2019 | Last Updated: January 2025

SHOP POLICIES

Please read these policies carefully before placing an order. By purchasing from Mountain Laurel Handrails, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these policies.

  1. NO REFUNDS, RETURNS, CANCELLATIONS, OR EXCHANGES ON PANEL ORDERS

   All orders are custom-made to your specifications and are considered final sale. We do not accept returns, offer refunds, process cancellations, or allow exchanges on orders once they have been placed.

 

  1. NO CANCELLATIONS AFTER PRODUCTION BEGINS

   Once the production process has been initiated or started, cancellations are not permitted. All our products are handmade items and are not mass-produced. If a cancellation is requested after production has begun and we choose to cancel the order (due to circumstances beyond the customer’s control), a restocking fee of 35% will be charged.

  1. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY

   It is the customer’s responsibility to read the entire product description, specifications, and installation instructions before placing an order. This includes verifying measurements, materials, finishes, and all other details. We cannot accept returns or offer refunds due to customer error in ordering.

  1. SHIPPING DAMAGE REPORTING

   Any shipping damage must be reported within 24 hours of receiving the product. All original packaging must be kept intact, and photographs of the damage must be taken for insurance claims to be processed. Failure to report damage within this timeframe may result in denial of replacement or refund.

Effective Date: February 28, 2019 | Last Updated: January 2025

DISCLAIMERS & WARRANTIES

LIMITED WARRANTY

Mountain Laurel Handrails (Winter Sun Construction, LLC) expressly disclaims all warranties of quality, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Our products are natural wood products subject to natural variations in color, grain, and characteristics. While we take great care in selecting and crafting each piece, we cannot guarantee uniformity across all sections or perfect matching between different orders placed at different times.

WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY

We warrant that our products are free from defects in materials and workmanship at the time of shipment. This warranty is limited to the replacement of defective products and does not cover installation costs, shipping costs, or consequential damages.

NATURAL PRODUCT DISCLAIMER

Mountain Laurel is a natural product harvested from forests. As such:

  • Color variations are normal and expected
  • Each piece is unique in appearance
  • Natural aging, weathering, and color changes will occur over time
  • Minor cracks, checks, or splits are natural characteristics of wood and are not defects
  • The wood will respond to changes in humidity and temperature

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE DISCLAIMER

Mountain Laurel Handrails provides general installation instructions and guidelines. However:

  • Professional installation is recommended
  • We are not responsible for installation errors or damage occurring during installation
  • Proper maintenance and finishing (staining/sealing) are the customer’s responsibility

Effective Date: February 28, 2019 | Last Updated: January 2025

⚠️ CODE COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITY

Customers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all local city, county, and state building codes.

Building codes vary by location and may change over time. While our standard railings are designed to meet common code requirements such as the 4-inch sphere rule, it is your responsibility to verify that the product meets your local requirements before installation. We recommend consulting with your local building inspector or a licensed contractor familiar with your area’s codes.

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING – SHARP EDGES

Some panels and gates may have sharp edges.

These products are decorative in nature and include natural wood branches that may contain sharp points, edges, or protrusions. By purchasing our products, you acknowledge the following:

  • These products are NOT intended for use by children
  • These railings should NOT be climbed on by children or adults
  • Supervision of children around these products is required
  • Proper installation and maintenance are essential for safety

⚠️ LIABILITY RELEASE

By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

You release Mountain Laurel Handrails, Winter Sun Construction LLC, its representatives, successors, agents, and employees from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action related to:

  • Property damage of any kind
  • Personal injury of any kind
  • Death or serious bodily harm

This release applies to any incident associated with the use, installation, maintenance, or presence of our products, whether arising from negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED AND NOTIFIED OF THESE POTENTIAL RISKS, AND YOU ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY BY PROCEEDING WITH YOUR PURCHASE.

⚠️ COLOR DISCLAIMER

Important Notice Regarding Color Representation:

Please be aware that due to variations in computer monitors, mobile device screens, browsers, and display settings, the colors shown in our product photographs and on our website may appear different from the actual product colors.

Natural wood products also vary in color due to:

  • Natural variations in the wood itself
  • Different harvest times and locations
  • Aging and weathering processes
  • Stain and finish application variations

WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THE COLORS YOU SEE ON YOUR DEVICE WILL EXACTLY MATCH THE PRODUCT YOU RECEIVE. COLOR VARIATIONS ARE NOT CONSIDERED DEFECTS AND ARE NOT GROUNDS FOR RETURNS OR REFUNDS.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions about these policies, our products, or need assistance with your order, please contact us:

Mountain Laurel Handrails
Winter Sun Construction, LLC
131 Franklin Plaza, #304
Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: 828-342-0873
Email: info@awoodrailing.com
Website: awoodrailing.com

Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST

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