Columbus Builders Supply: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Staff Expertise: You’ll find incredibly knowledgeable staff members like Mark, Allen, and Dan who can offer in-depth product advice and assistance with home projects. They go above and beyond to help customers find the right solutions. One shopper successfully found exactly what they needed after fruitless trips to big-box stores.
- Extensive Product Selection: The location boasts a wide variety of building materials, including steel and grout, and a particularly impressive selection of masonry materials. They also offer premixed concrete.
- Locally Owned and Long-Standing: Columbus Builders Supply has been serving Ohio for over 100 years with multiple locations, indicating a commitment to quality and community. One auto service shop has been a satisfied customer since 1960.
- Unique Showroom Experience: The showroom features impressive artwork, including a bricklayer representation and a Columbus skyline, offering a unique and engaging visit. The space is usually uncrowded.
- Concrete Services: While they don’t deliver premixed concrete, you can get it mixed onsite, a service some shoppers highly recommend. Be sure to have working trailer lights.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- High Prices: Be aware that prices are significantly higher than competitors. Steel, for example, was reported to be 220% more expensive than at the next closest competitor. This may make it a better “in-a-pinch” option than a regular supplier.
- Inconsistent Customer Service: While some staff members are praised for their expertise and helpfulness, others have been described as rude and uninterested in assisting customers. Your experience may vary depending on the staff member you encounter.
- Truck Delivery and Parking Issues: For semi-truck drivers delivering materials, the unloading process can be slow and the parking situation challenging due to local drivers blocking access. Heavy truck routes might also be closed, requiring drivers to potentially break traffic laws to access the site.
- Unilock Purchases: For Unilock products, consider visiting the Plain City location. The review specifically warns against SiteOne.
