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Ashby Lumber Company
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Hardware Stores Hardware Stores [Edit]
824 Ashby Ave(at 7th St)
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 843-4832
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Daisy A. said: "They are so helpful here, from helping me choose the right drain cleaner to letting me know of a supplier to go to for hard to find parts. They can also make copies of keys, which saved me a trip since they are right down the street…" read more »
33 reviews for Ashby Lumber Company
Review Highlights
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"Low prices, outstanding customer service, and great..." In 7 reviews -
"ashby lumber beats the shit out of home depot." In 10 reviews -
"A great selection and always helpful." In 3 reviews
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Sussu L.
Emeryville, CA
10/20/2011
Ashby Lumber came back with the best quote for materials for our project, facilitated next day delivery, asked the right questions to make sure we were buying the right things, and everyone was completely charming. The lumber was just delivered by the nicest guy who has ever delivered anything to my house. Even my carpenter is impressed.
It's the construction materials supplier of your dreams. -
Review from J P.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011
I've gotta recommend the plumbing department here. I'm on my second remodeling project now, and have come to trust and rely on Paul and Mary to figure out plumbing fixtures and get them at reasonable prices. Their expert advice comes with it - and is worth the weight of a solid gold bathtub.
On weekends they can get a bit busy, since they do spend time with customers answering questions and discussing options. It is worth the time to patiently wait your turn - they will give you the same attention which forced you to wait in the first place. They are also helpful over email for follow-up mid week.
I've also had good luck with their lumber yard, delivering accurately and on-time. Also, the place is huge. Spreading into a big building south across the road, It's good fun to explore.
Also, the window department. Despite their limited hours, much shorter than the rest of the place (only once was I able to get there in person) I have had very good success ordering windows over the phone. -
Review from Learnee L.
Emeryville, CA
7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hubby and I live 2 blocks away from Home Depot but still take the time to drive to this place and get most of the things we need for our home renovations.
Everyone knows what they are selling, they are helpful and reliable.
Prices are also reasonable.
We've a lot of trips to this place especially for the last 2 mos and we are pleased with their service. -
Review from Mary M.
Oakland, CA
6/8/2011
I had a great experience at Ashby Lumber! As a female that knows nothing about wood or tools, I always feel a little out of place going into a hardware store. I went to Ashby to get materials to make a couple large planter boxes for my backyard. I came in not really knowing where to begin but the friendly and knowledgeable staff took great care of me and my needs. I will definitely be back!
Low prices, outstanding customer service, and great products. Do yourself a favor and support this local business!!! -
Review from Meg B.
Berkeley, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
They have what you want, they know what they're talking about & will help you figure it all out. Bonus: They didn't frown at my two young sons trying to run amok.
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Review from Eric R.
Berkeley, CA
9/13/2010
I hate to give a local place a bad review. I will certainly come back and give Ashby Lumber another chance...but for now, I am very disappointed.
I just wanted simple baseboard for my kitchen, so I went to Ashby Lumber on Saturday afternoon. I approached the guy sitting under the Board of Fancy Things that showcases all their mouldings. I paused for a few seconds for him to look up from, well, nothing really...it just took him a while to do the looking up thing. He didn't smile or talk or anything, just looked at me, so I started the conversation. "I'm looking for a simple baseboard for my kitchen." He pointed up at the Board of Fancy Things, still silent, clearly thinking to himself, "man, I wish this guy wouldn't ask me stupid questions." So I looked. And looked. I studied each and every sample. Then I said "I just need the rectangular baseboard that's curved on one corner." He spoke. "We've got what's up there."
I couldn't find it, so I just...left. I left sad, because I know they had what I was looking for. I think it was so simple that it wasn't even on the Board of Fancy Things, but probably in some pile 5 feet from where I was standing. I left sad, because I really do like supporting local businesses. I left, I went to OSH, I walked to the moulding department, grabbed what I was looking for and was done in less than five minutes. -
Review from MissMaryAnn D.
Seattle, WA
12/22/2006
Support Indepndent Businesses!!
I miss Ashby Lumber.
They always cut my stuff to measure and loaded it up in my truck for me.
They asked about my projects and seemed genuinely interested in my window-seat-to-file-drawer conversion project or what have you.
Best of all - they looked me up and down just enough for me to feel cute, but not so I felt dirty - the boys at Ashby Lumber are real gentlemen! -
Review from Kelly S.
Berkeley, CA
8/31/2011
It's a hardware store too. So much better than Home Depot or Ace. The lumber is better quality and so are the bath fixtures, wood stains and other items. It does cost a tiny bit more which I am willing to pay since it's a local business.
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Review from Shib W.
Alameda, CA
5/14/2007
I was one of those (plentiful) idiots who thought they were getting a good deal by going to Home Depot for lumber and building materials. WRONG!
I went to Ashby lumber because I was in a *hurry* and didn't have the time to make multiple trips and pick out lumber at HD. I go to Ashby Lumber, and the counter gal rings me up, then gets someone to help me with the harware/metal/accessories I need. It all gets delivered to my curb/driveway the next day for $25. The wood was very good quality (straight, not knotty/sappy), and the price was great for everything from the lumber itself to piers to nails.
I was in and out in 15 minutes! I would have wasted a whole day at Home Depot and ended up with inferior wood -- and might have paid more for it.
I live right next to Home Depot, but I'm getting all my building supplies from Ashby Lumber from now on. They rock! -
Review from Eric B.
4/11/2011
Over the years, I've purchased lumber, tools, fixtures, and other home upgrade and repair items at Ashby Lumber. I like coming in here anyway because of all the hardware and how it's presented. I also appreciate the good service and their assistance in helping me the right decisions for what my home needs.
Listed in: Fix It Guys
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Review from Greg D.
Emeryville, CA
7/8/2009
What a breath of fresh air after being forced to visit Home Depot over the 4th of July weekend(Ashby Lumber was closed). It made me realize how much I love this store over the huge warehouse stores because you don't have to wander aimlessly for 6 hours looking for a list comprised of 3 things. Even though it is a lumber and door store they have a great selection of quality tools, plumbing and electrical supplies.
If they'll have what I need I head to Ashby Lumber over True Value, OSH or HD everytime, highly recommended. -
Review from plot t.
CA
9/27/2008
These dudes counted out 180 $.69 brackets for us.
They spent an hour talking over what kind of wood (and which of the choices would be cheaper).
They waited patiently while I did hasty math (that took forever, sorry).
When the ol' truck wouldn't take more than half the lumber, they pulled off the extra and held it for us -- when we came back after lunch, the dude recognized our truck and had our picked-through stack waiting for us on the forklift.
Web 2.0 means that we know how much things cost at which locations, and so do vendors. The difference will be service. Screw Home Despot. This is my only lumber & hardware store. -
Review from mahi m.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2010
Here's the thing about home repair projects - if you're not a pro, be prepared to spend a lot more time up front asking stupid questions. Ashby Lumber is a great place to do that. Sure, you should have some idea of what you want before you go there, but only at Ashby Lumber have I had someone spend thirty minutes with me finding the correct gas flange. Twice. Or showing me how you really can use the cheaper, standardized drain with your custom sink.
We're lucky to have a lot of good, smaller lumberyards to choose from in the East Bay, and I'm also a fan of Economy and Piedmont. But Ashby's customer service has really impressed me because they don't divide the world into "contractors" and "idiots." They also help those of us muddling through in the middle. -
Review from Donna C.
Oakland, CA
8/18/2011
Amazing customer service. Friendly, helpful employees. Convenient location. I'll be a customer for life after my great experience there recently.
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Review from Mai-Ling G.
Oakland, CA
11/22/2008
Much better than home depot, but still a bit disorienting for those of us who are still trying to figure out how to use a measuring tape.
I would really recommend Piedmont Lumber in Oakland:
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
They were very helpful in helping me navigate a small project. -
Review from Oakland Gal X.
Oakland, CA
12/29/2009
Very much a fan. Purchased our sink and faucets for our kitchen here as well as many other items here and there for a recent remodel. Customer service has been excellent and got an excellent price on our plumbing purchases.
When we learned the faucet set was missing a washer our sales person went out of his way to help solve the problem, first by giving us a piece from another set and then when that did not work he made sure the manufacturer got in touch with us directly to get us what we needed. Happy to support this local business. -
Review from Joy L.
Berkeley, CA
7/21/2008
My realtor recommended the bathroom fixtures section, in particular Jim Reegan. Both my realtor and he ROCKS!! He gives you the lowdown on the toilets, faucets, sinks, and tubs. He also gives you nice copies of each item and write down the price (which is lower than what the catalog says). I like when someone who knows his s*** tells you his opinion. Apparently he's worked in that section for over a decade, and he picks out what they sell. Judging from complaints he receives from the various brands, he knows what breaks and what doesn't.
THUS if you're expecting cheap Home Depot brands, don't bother. If you want to get NICE fixtures, come here. -
Review from christian p.
Oakland, CA
12/2/2011
ashby lumber beats the shit out of home depot
knowledgeable staff!!!, great products and fair pricing
support small businesses and check them out! -
Review from Paul B.
Berkeley, CA
7/23/2010
These guys are great. A great selection and always helpful. They usually have a few guys working the floor, just to answer your questions and show you where things are.
The few times I bought large quantities, they have given me a volume price break, so they are willing to work with you. This is always my first stop for any home project... -
Review from GRAE K.
Alameda, CA
9/25/2010
Good service.I just needed some replacement slats for my bed.
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Review from Joseph Jr C.
Berkeley, CA
9/21/2010
Just don't shop for any home re-modeling materials here as they're bound to be as shoddy as the staff RUDE, OBNOXIOUS AND UNHELPFUL!
And if you're ever compelled to have to try and actually RETURN any unneeded or unused materials purchased, expect only the WORST possible reception!
Once we had to return a small surplus of materials--a measly six(6)pieces of plywood and twenty-six(26)pieces of crumbling sheetrock over-purchased by a mis-trusted handyman constructing a make-shift attic room in the house.
After we'd already unloaded the unwanted materials at the rear of their building this punk-ass employee named Jeff insists that we must keep the shit and that he'd re-deliver it if necessary, delivering to us on the side this carping lecture about how we weren't following some nebulous 'rules' since we didn't contact him first before returning the shit, griping further that he was just about to go home and couldn't conclude the business that day anyway--that he'd have to cut a check and then POST it to us later!
Claiming further that he couldn't give us the full guaranteed eighty(80)percent return since some of the already crumbling sheetrock got ever so slightly 'chipped' during the unloading.
Before that the shyster tried to get away with marking the sales invoice with just the return of the plywood--but not the sheetrock!
This punk-ass shyster actually preaches to my partner that he's doing her this big FAVOR for taking back the materials and didn't want to do business any further if she was going to act like a 'jerk with a bad attitude.'
That's when I finally had to step in and tell him to fuk off with the name-calling and that we'd sue their shyster asses in small claims court if they refused the return and gave us any further grief.
In the end they finally refunded the returned materials. End of story.
Just expect no CHEERFULLY refunded service at this dump because you just won't get it! -
Review from Robert P.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2007
Eh, for starters, I hate hardware stores. I don't understand hardware stores. I don't belong in hardware stores. I know this. However, from time to time, I get dragged to them because of work, and when this happens, my eyes glaze over just thinking of having to wander around these places looking at a bunch of crap that is of zero interest to me, and even worse, confusing to me. So when I was told I had to go to Ashby Lumber Company, I was not enthused in the least bit, but was content with not having to go to Home Depot. What I was met with was an associate with the least amount of personality (read: customer service) I have ever encountered, Wow, this guy really did take the cake for not really giving a shit. But after I left and got to thinking, I probably wouldn't give a shit if I sat on a stool all day and worked at a hardware store either. Luckily they had what we needed.
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Review from John H.
Berkeley, CA
10/26/2011
Custom cuts made quickly and very helpfully. Prices excellent. Quality of materials well above that in the giant operations.
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Review from Marcus K.
Oakland, CA
3/28/2009
Perhaps this store is okay for homeowners, but as a professional remodeler I avoid them like the plague. The staff is rude, the lumber sub par and the hardware selection lacking, to say the least. Until fairly recently they carried foundation vents that didn't meet the new California building code, causing me to lose whatever trust I still had in the knowledge of their staff.
In their favor, they are pretty cheap, and they're way better than Home Depot. Better than Home Depot is a thin standard to meet, however. For anything more than a few 2x4s or a couple of pieces of rock I'd spend the extra money at Truitt and White any day. -
Review from Karen F.
Oakland, CA
2/9/2011
I am an artist living in Oakland. I often have small, odd requests for lumber yard materials to use as art materials. I am always treated as a valued customer, even when I don't spend very much money. The sales people actually listen to me and allow me to be particular about the materials. They never try to sell me something I don't need, and go beyond the call of duty in order to satisfy my requests. Even though my orders don't make very much sense in the lumber yard world, I appreciate that I am always treated with respect at Ashby Lumber.
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Review from Andrew B.
San Francisco, CA
6/28/2010
Terrible customer service. I called to see if they had the product I needed before I made the trip to the store. Over the phone, they told me they had 'hundreds' of varieties of what I was looking for, but refused to specify if they had the one I was looking for. When I got there, not only didn't they have what I was looking for, but they would not help me by cutting a piece of wood for me to make it close to what I needed. One 45 degree cut in 1 piece of wood is all I needed. I left, empty handed, and found what I needed at Home depot. Thanks for the wasted trip, Ashby Lumber.
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Review from andrew w.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2011
I purchased some boards here, and recieved a lot of good advice from a patient salesman. I would come here again. I did note some resistence from the staff about doing work as others have said, but with a little persistance and enthusiasm, I won these guys over (actually my girlfriend's enthusiasm and persistance), and they really helped us.
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Review from Sue S.
Oakland, CA
2/20/2009
Great hardware/lumber store but the best and most surprising part is their plumbing showroom. They have a great selection of designer and affordable brands, and are really honest and helpful. They will not sell you junk as they won't even carry it. They will special order and they have great modern sinks and faucets on display, along with more classic things too. I have dealt with alot of plumbing suppliers for work and I know how complicated that world of choices can be.
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Review from Katrin L.
Berkeley, CA
2/25/2010
Great choice of products. I especially like the plumbing section, they can order almost everything really fast, the customer service is EXCELLENT and the prices extremely competitive. And I like the fact that it still has that small town feel, employes recognize you after a while and you can do things over the phone easily. My favourite remodeling-diy-hardware-store!
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Review from marcy v.
Alameda, CA
10/11/2011
not only has ashby lumber been a great resource for our construction company, blue lotus project, for many years, they also have a great contractor directory that has helped match us up with wonderful clients.
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Review from Jo Ellen L.
Oakland, CA
2/11/2011
I needed to purchase insulation for my home and went to Ashby Lumber. I would highly recommend them. The sales staff could not have been more helpful or knowledgable. It was a pleasure during business with them.
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Review from C. Y.
CA
8/9/2008
Very helpful. Selection is thorough but not huge. Very easy to do special orders. I like that they pick up the phone and will get you answers in a reasonable amount of time. Getting cut lumber is easy, though it's a good idea to double-check that you get what you actually ordered. If you shop there often, get an account; you get a small discount and can still pay by cash or card. Better than the rest!
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Review from M. M.
Vallejo, CA
3/4/2010
I'm new to the area and tried a few lumber store, ashby was the friendliest & the best prices in the lumber dept. and doors & window. they had better prices & 1000 times better service than truitt and white. this is my go to lumber yard.
