Boyce Lumber & Design Center: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Extensive Selection: You’ll find a huge selection of building materials, including cabinets, doors (Simpson doors available, though see below), siding, lumber (wide variety, even for specific needs), framing materials, deck boards, railing, and even tools. They also carry various brands. The showroom is impressive, offering life-size models to inspire project ideas. I was even able to take home cabinet samples.
• Knowledgeable and Helpful Staff: Shoppers can expect excellent customer service. Many reviewers specifically praised staff members (Melody in cabinets, Mario Galfano, Nick, Cody Carlson in windows & doors, Larkin and Cody in sales, the entire team across different departments) for their helpfulness, knowledge of products and the building process, and willingness to go above and beyond. Their ability to help with custom design is a big plus.
• Competitive Pricing and Delivery: Boyce Lumber offers reasonably priced materials and will work to meet or beat competitor’s prices. Delivery is available with costs reasonable at $3/mile one way (as of May 2018). Their delivery people are also careful when unloading lumber.
• Family-Run Business with History: The store has been family run for over 80 years, providing consistent service and quality. It’s a place that clearly values its customers and employees.
• Consistent Quality: The lumber and other products are noted for their consistent quality and reliability, as is the delivery service. This is a place that prides itself on standing behind their products, at least for some items.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Door Department Issues: Be aware that while they carry high-end doors (like Simpson), the experience of getting a custom high-end door (>$4000) can be extremely frustrating and lengthy. I waited over 6 months initially for my door, then another 4 months after it was rejected due to defects. Even after all that time, it was still delivered with gaps and poorly fitted dowelings. The store did not stand behind the product and blamed improper storage, even though it was held inside my home for months to acclimate. The issue seems to be a wider issue, as the manufacturer (Simpson) shows similar problems in their reviews, highlighting how Boyce might lack adequate quality control or customer support in this specific department.