Howard Lumber Co

Such a struggle. The best parts: the employees I interacted with were so very helpful, kind, attentive - so much so, I was thrilled to be able to use their products. They advised me on proper tools I needed to complete a few trim products- so helpful! The worst parts: I submitted my house plans, window list, spec exterior/interior door request. I was assured quote would be provided in 1-2 days. 6 weeks later- only a door quote for 1/4 doors was sent. (No material listed for the door- solid what?) I'm patient- I queried several times if quote was coming- no response to my requests. But, I did receive a terse message warning me I was not allowed to contact vendors directly. The note implied I tried to buy directly from the vendor. No. I contacted a vendor (one of four they source) to verify if they could make my door and a general idea of pricing on woods (white oak has zoomed). I was forced to do this bc I needed an idea of custom door costs to include in my building plan I submit to my lender. Having no quotes on windows or exterior door it was a necessary step. Most door manufacturers offer pricing tools- their sources did not. I went in to check in and was treated coldly by the rep...he 'thought' he had emailed me some window quotes but he had not. He went to print them out- admitting no full quote. He even asked why I just don't go to another lumber yard- that seemed adversarial. Bottom line- one of his managers admitted they do not like working with owner/builders. While that is reasonable, I have completed several projects as GC and not your one off builder. If I am spending 50k on windows/doors- I need a quote and specifications. I never changed the type of windows or doors- those were set from the get go. This manager was curt, a bit of a jerk, and I knew working with these biases and inability to communicate would spell inconsistencies in my project. I'll still shop here if other options don't carry something I need - the nice people working there deserv...

Been waiting 2 hours busted out the lawn chair only 2 trucks in front and none of us moved screw this place

Bad experience , this is what they deliver for their customers.

We ordered 90 surfaced cedar boards and had to return 7 due to defects and added an additional 2. No big deal but it took a month and a half to FINALLY get the replacement boards but only after having to call at least twice a week to get a status on them. Once they finally got the replacements we informed them we would like to cancel the additional boards because they had not arrived yet. We were asked wait till Monday and if we didn’t need them they would refund our money. Called to get the refund and they said the boards we’re waiting for us to pick up. They wouldn’t refund because it was a special order. I hope I never have to use this company again!

Wish I had read the reviews before purchasing from Howard. Had the product delivered since I don’t have a truck and their delivery charge was about the same cost as renting a trailer. I am new to the area and generally prefer lumberyards for two reasons. They usually have higher quality and cheaper prices than the big box stores, however I found that these advantages do not exist at Howard’s. Their prices are the same as Lowes (at least for their pressure treated lumber) which wouldn’t matter if the quality was better but it is not even on par. What was delivered was stuff that would have been put in Lowes discount bin due to how poor quality it was. I had to redesign my build since at least 20% of the boards were unusable for what I had intended for them. Worst of all I had some sheet goods delivered as well and it is a real shame when the cabinet grade plywood has it face veneer completely sheared off of one section. Was told by the delivery worker that they would bring a replacement out. About three weeks later when I asked when the replacement would be brought out they said they had no idea what I was talking about. Yes, I could have brought the piece back for replacement but as I stated above that would require me renting a trailer now defeating the purpose of having it delivered in the first place. In summary next time I need lumber I will get my pressure treated from Lowes (only other option for above ground grade in the area) and simply rent a truck or trailer for less than Howard’s delivery fee. For my sheet goods I will go back to Howard’s main competition, Mulherin, for my sheet goods which I have purchased before and been very happy with the quality.