City Lumber: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service (In Many Cases): You’ll find incredibly helpful and patient staff who go above and beyond. They’ve assisted customers with complex projects, even during emergencies. One shopper received personalized guidance on mailbox replacement, including material selection, fitting, and even cutting materials to size. Another shopper received helpful assistance selecting and planning materials for a major home renovation project, including receiving the best prices compared to 5 other companies. Several reviews praised the staff’s friendliness and willingness to help locate needed items.
• Extensive Lumber Selection: The location boasts an impressive lumber selection, notably including top-quality cedar. A large warehouse houses a wide variety of construction materials, including lumber, concrete sacks, roofing materials, and landscaping supplies.
• Convenient Loading: You can easily load purchased materials directly into your truck or trailer from readily accessible stacks. This makes for a quick and efficient shopping experience.
• Competitive Pricing: Prices are competitive with other suppliers, and even better than some larger chains. One customer mentioned saving money compared to other options.
• Wide Variety of Products: Besides lumber, you’ll find a great assortment of tools, hardware, lighting, gardening supplies (including high-quality plants), and even plumbing supplies. They also offer custom lumber cutting services.
• Free Delivery: City Lumber provides reliable free delivery service for garden supplies in the Astoria area.
• Local Ownership & Support: This is the oldest hardware store in the state and is locally owned and operated, offering personalized service and support to the community.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that customer service can be inconsistent. Some shoppers have reported encountering rude and unhelpful staff. One customer had a particularly negative experience involving damaged materials and a dismissive staff member. Another described an interaction where a staff member was unhelpful and dismissive, seemingly due to a lack of understanding of the customer’s needs.
• Limited Selection in Some Areas: While the lumber selection is excellent, some shoppers have noted that the selection of other items is not as extensive. One customer mentioned that they rarely find what they need there. Another mentioned a limited selection.
• Potential for Damaged or Substandard Materials: One shopper reported receiving cedar fencing with numerous defects (large knots, knot holes, and damaged pieces), despite assurances that the wood was high-quality. There have also been incidents of special orders being damaged due to improper storage.
• Store Policies: In the past they have enforced mask mandates, even when staff were not wearing masks themselves.