Riverhead Lumber: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll find consistently helpful and knowledgeable staff across various departments. Multiple reviews highlight the staff’s willingness to go the extra mile, providing comprehensive personal service for even large-scale projects like kitchen remodels (as in my experience with Beusha). Several staff members were specifically named for their outstanding assistance (Beusha, Sean, Chad, Jeremy, Ryan, Ray). Even the delivery drivers are praised for their friendly service and care in placing materials.
• Specialty Items and Custom Sizes: The location offers a good selection of hard-to-find items and custom sizes not readily available at big-box stores. This makes it ideal for unique projects and those seeking specific materials.
• Competitive Pricing (with caveats): While some items may be 15% more expensive than big-box stores, the superior service and access to specialty items often make the higher prices worthwhile, especially for difficult-to-source materials.
• Quality Products: The cabinets are described as beautiful, and the overall quality of materials is highly regarded. However, be aware of potential issues with older stock.
• Wide Range of Products: Shoppers can expect to find everything from lumber and building supplies to HVAC equipment and caulking. They even have a great selection for wood projects like building patio furniture.
• Reliable Service: Deliveries are consistently reported as on time and well-managed, with drivers taking care to place materials in the requested locations.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Potential for Outdated Inventory: I encountered some caulking with an expiration date from 2018, so it’s advisable to check dates before purchasing.
• Inconsistent Staff Experience: While most reviews rave about the staff, one negative experience reported unhelpful service from a staff member named Tom, suggesting potential variability in customer interactions.
• Higher Prices on Some Items: As noted, prices are sometimes 15% higher than big-box stores. This should be factored into your budget planning.
• Potential Bias Towards Large Contractors: A review mentioned a perception that the company prioritizes larger contractors over smaller individual projects. This might impact the level of attention or assistance you receive depending on the size of your project.