A&R Lumber: An Informed Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Extensive Selection: You’ll find a much wider variety of products than at big box stores like Home Depot. This includes specialty items like Unilock pavers, cedar clapboard siding (without finger joints), various species of wood (including rough sawn), railroad ties, landscape timbers, wire mesh for concrete, rebar, stainless nails, Schlage door knobs, granite mailbox posts, property markers, charcoal metal siding, grass seed, and wood pellets. They even carry PVC trim and all the necessary fasteners.
• Expert Product Knowledge: The staff, particularly Butch, is known for their helpfulness and ability to guide you towards the right products for your project, even if you’re a homeowner and not a contractor. They can assist with various project types, from walkways to larger-scale construction.
• Competitive Pricing: Prices are consistently lower than Home Depot’s.
• Convenient Layout: The store features a convenient circle drive that allows you to easily navigate the entire yard.
• Great for Contractors: This is a busy location, well-suited for contractors, with efficient forklift operations for deliveries.
• Strong Local Business: Supporting this independent lumberyard contributes to the local economy. They consistently maintain stock and are often able to obtain special items.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Customer Service Inconsistency: Be aware that some shoppers have reported negative experiences with the staff at the register, describing them as rude and unhelpful. While many praise the yard staff and Butch, interactions with the cashier may be unpredictable.
• Limited Appeal for Non-Contractors: One shopper felt unwelcome and that the staff wasn’t responsive to their needs for a smaller project (walkway stone). Their experience suggests that the focus might be more oriented towards larger-scale projects and contractors.
• Business Listing Accuracy: The business’s online listing as a “hardware store” may be inaccurate as it primarily focuses on lumber and related materials.
• Potential for Delivery Issues: While the forklift operator is praised, there’s a report of a company driver causing an accident, with the owner appearing uncooperative in resolving the issue.