MATERIAL VARIATION GUIDE

Effective date: January 1, 2026
Last updated: January 1, 2026

This Material Variation Guide explains common, expected characteristics of natural materials and hand-finished furniture. These characteristics are normal outcomes of authentic materials and craftsmanship. They are not defects, do not affect structural integrity, and do not qualify for returns, refunds, or damage claims.

This Guide is part of (and incorporated into) our Terms and Conditions and supports our goal of transparent expectations and long-term satisfaction.

1. Why variation happens (in plain terms)
   Natural materials are not uniform like plastic or laminate prints. Wood has grain and mineral streaks, leather has unique markings, and stone has veining. In addition, many finishes are hand-applied, and upholstery is produced in dye lots. As a result, each piece will be slightly different—even within the same product line.

Key takeaway: The piece you receive will be consistent with the product description and finish family, but it will not be an exact replica of any photo, swatch, or prior piece.

1. Wood: grain, tone, and pattern differences (NOT DEFECTS)
   Wood is organic. Its appearance varies by species, cut (plain-sawn vs. quarter-sawn), growth conditions, and where the board was taken from the tree.

Common wood variations you should expect
• Grain pattern variation: straight grain, cathedral grain, swirl patterns.
• Color/tone variation: lighter/darker boards within the same finish, natural tonal shifts over time.
• Knots and knot shadows: small knots, healed knots, or knot “ghosting” under finishes.
• Mineral streaks and sap lines: naturally occurring lines or streaks in some species.
• Open grain and texture: some woods (e.g., oak, ash) have more pronounced texture than others.
• End-grain absorption differences: edges or end-grain areas may accept stain differently.

Wood movement and seasonal behavior
Because wood responds to humidity and temperature, you may observe minor seasonal changes such as subtle expansion/contraction. This can affect small tolerances (e.g., drawer feel) and is normal. Maintaining stable indoor humidity reduces movement.

Not defects: These variations are inherent and do not qualify for claims unless accompanied by a verified structural failure or functional defect.

1. Leather: character marks and natural “patina” (NOT DEFECTS)
   Leather is a natural hide with unique characteristics. Authentic leather will show natural markings and will develop patina with use.

Common leather characteristics you should expect
• Healed scars, insect bites, and growth marks: natural history of the hide.
• Wrinkles and creasing: especially in seating areas; increases with normal use.
• Pores and texture variation: different grain tightness across panels.
• Subtle shade variation: between panels or over time, influenced by dye lots and lighting.
• Natural stretch and softening: cushions and leather surfaces relax with use, improving comfort.

Color and sunlight
Leather can darken or lighten with exposure to sunlight and environmental conditions. Keep leather out of direct sun where possible.

Not defects: Natural markings, creasing, and panel-to-panel texture differences are expected and do not qualify for returns or damage claims.

1. Fabric and textiles: dye lots, weave, and performance variation (NOT DEFECTS)
   Textiles vary by dye batch, weave tension, and fiber blend. Even with the same fabric name, different production lots can differ slightly.

Common fabric characteristics you should expect
• Dye-lot variation: subtle shade differences from one batch to another.
• Weave variation: minor differences in texture, nap direction, or pattern alignment.
• Pilling: some fabrics may pill with friction; proper care reduces pilling.
• Wrinkling and relaxation: upholstery can soften and settle with use.

Pattern matching
For patterned fabrics, exact pattern matching across seams is not guaranteed unless expressly stated in writing and may not be feasible depending on the pattern repeat and product construction.

Not defects: Dye-lot shade variation, minor weave differences, and normal wear characteristics are not eligible for claims.

1. Stone, marble, and natural surfaces: veining and fissures (NOT DEFECTS)
   Natural stone has veining, tonal variation, and may include small fissures or micro-pits formed during geological processes.

Common stone characteristics you should expect
• Veining and movement: unique patterns, sometimes high-contrast.
• Color variation: tonal ranges within the same slab and between slabs.
• Natural fissures: small lines that may be filled and sealed; not cracks.
• Pitting and micro-texture: small pores or surface texture variation.

Not defects: Natural veining, tonal movement, and sealed fissures are expected and do not qualify for claims unless there is a verified structural issue or functional damage.

1. Metal, patina, and hand-finished surfaces (NOT DEFECTS)
   Many metal finishes are hand-applied or chemically treated to create depth.

Common metal/finish characteristics you should expect
• Patina variation: irregularities and tonal shifts that create a handmade look.
• Brush marks and directional grain: visible under certain lighting.
• Micro-variations in sheen: matte vs. satin differences across angles.
• Minor surface variation: subtle texture or “clouding” typical of artisanal finishes.

Not defects: Hand-finished variation is intentional and does not qualify for claims unless there is functional failure (e.g., coating flaking beyond normal expectations).

1. Finish differences and lighting effects (NOT DEFECTS)
   Finishes can appear different depending on:
   • Ambient light temperature (warm vs. cool lighting).
   • Time of day and sunlight direction.
   • Surrounding colors in your space (paint, flooring, rugs).
   • Screen calibration (photos are not definitive).

Not defects: Perceived color differences due to lighting and screen variance are not eligible for claims.

1. How to reduce “expectation mismatch” before ordering
   We strongly recommend:
   • Reviewing material descriptions and finish names carefully.
   • Requesting samples/swatches when available and viewing them in your home lighting.
   • Comparing swatches against your flooring and wall color at different times of day.
   • Asking our team for guidance if you are deciding between close shades or finishes.
2. When to contact us (and the 48-hour delivery rule still applies)
   If you believe you have received an item with damage or a manufacturing defect (not natural variation), contact us at info@garofano.store. If the issue is discovered after delivery, you must notify us within 48 hours of delivery under our Delivery & Inspection Policy, with photos and documentation.