The Lumber Boys

I have read the above review and hadn’t really seen the rudeness discussed. My 1^st several visits were great, both father and son (?) were there and the father was so great and clearly cared about his customers and neighbors. I did, however go in today and it was only the son. He was condescending and rude. Tried to sell me on an item I didn’t need and only grudgingly and after I insisted, sold me what I came in to get. Even if he was right (which he was not), there is no need to be an ass when interacting with customers!

VERY easy to deal with. Got what I needed when promised, and delivered without damages. The person who took my order even called back immediately when he realized he’d charged for the wrong thing (I didn’t specify, he didn’t either. no harm done). Good experience. And these «they’re not as nice to me as they could have been» comments are from tried and true entitled New Yorkers who are used to people wiping their asses for them. Get over yourselves — just because they didn’t have a cup of coffee and a croissant lightly toasted with raspberry preserves for you doesn’t mean they deserve to be called assholes.

These guys are fantastic. They offer a very affordable lumber cutting & delivery option which is surprisingly hard to find in the city. I’ve worked with Rob on two jobs now and it’s been nothing but professional. He works with me on the cuts to keep the costs down and minimize the scrap, and the cuts I’ve gotten have all been quite accurate.
If you’re going to get lumber delivered in Manhattan this is certainly the first place you should call. I’ve never actually been in the store itself but this service alone earns them 5 stars.

No love for the customer
I used to go to the old Lumber Boys
There was a white guy there behind the counter with a moustache who seemed to be the manager (or owner?) and worked there for several years.
He was always friendly and helpful and knowledgable.
Now the place has moved across the street. I’ve been in there twice.
Both times there was another white guy behind the counter with some facial hair. He has straight brown hair that goes down to his shoulders, yet it’s pulled back so his ears are exposed. He could pass for the other guy’s son but I don’t know if they’re related. This younger guy was very smug an ungracious both times and I don’t demand much. Terrible customer service, bad vibes. They don’t have a clue on the bare minimum of customer service
Maybe this place, as another reviewer mentioned caters more to contractors.
However the new store looks like any other local hardware store (as well as carrying more professional items)
Anyway if you are looking for home repair hardware with some other home décor and kitchen items want excellent customer service go to Basics Plus on 3^rd btw ⁴⁶⁄₄₇.
They have a pretty good selection and late hours (but not for pros or lumber)

Please, don’t go there. Rude people. They even don’t hide their stupid attitude!

Let’s not make this another review about Home Depot. Okay let’s do it, since it’s relevant and I need to make a few points. First of all, I’m not gonna lecture you on how big box stores are a blight on this city and a detriment to retail service and culture here as we know it. I’m going to assume, like me, you already know that, but sometimes fall into the trap of shopping there anyway. But really? What is happening to our fine city? Did you plan on living in the suburbs?
Anyway, I foolishly started a minor project at Home Depot, despite the fact that two days before I publicly announced that Ken Langone is a creep and I never am going to give Home Depot another dime of my money… So I’m strolling down the aisles there, helping myself for the most part… until I need a few 2×4’s. Nothing big. Can’t find anyone who works in the lumber department. I wait. I walk around. Notice a sign that says something like «only one cut per customer!» Oh there’s a guy… but he’s helping someone. Twenty minutes later, I still haven’t been helped. I purchase what I found and leave. Later I return 95% of those purchases. Yes, we are getting around to the subject of the review… I remember, though they closed their original location… I’m pretty sure the Lumber Boys are around the neighborhood somewhere (across the street, in case you are oblivious like I am).
So I go to Lumber Boys, with my somewhat vague plans of what I’m doing (building a wooden base for cart on casters, measurements not even fully figured out…) and even though there were about ½ a dozen phone calls and some customers in and out… and even though I put my stuff down thus obscuring an important paper they were searching all over for in the midst of some major business… the two guys there were able juggle everything, help me figure out the details, come up with solutions for my project, and provide me with the supplies I needed. Third guy downstairs did all the cutting… (take THAT Home Depot!). Right away. No hassel. My stuff was not big money for them, but it was a bit time consuming. I actually enjoyed the whole experience and learned a thing or two. Not saying the folks at Home Depot don’t know anything, or aren’t helpful (when you do find them), but you will speak to a different person in each department if you are doing even the smallest task. So don’t expect any one person there to know what you are doing and follow it through insuring you got the right kind of help. I really don’t know how Unilocalers can compare the two kinds of stores and say they got better service at Home Depot. It makes no sense. Went to Lumber Boys again today to pick up some stuff, including to replace drill bits I snapped. Again, quick and efficient service. And despite the comments here on Unilocal,they were friendly. They are just «real.» So I read here stuff about the attitude of the staff, but I’m looking at the big picture. So let’s address this because I see it in nearly every review here so why not…
When I write a review I ask myself: was my main objective entering this establishment accomplished? How did the business help me do this? How does the demeanor of the staff factor into this, and did it stand in the way of me getting what I sought after by going to the place? In some cases, you want things to be cozy and welcoming. However, I do not go to a hardware or lumber store to bond or hang out and shoot the breeze. Maybe some people do. And it’s not a restaurant. There’s no warm and fuzzy Starbuck’s type of coddling going on here, but you know… it’s just kind of a New York vibe. And try doing math, making corrections in your head because your customer can’t measure, has no idea what tools to use, what materials they are working with or their properties or what is out there, and reworking projects that could otherwise be a disaster– and do this all in the matter of minutes a person spends your store. There’s no time for small talk! People like me are walking in there about to build things that are structurally unsound! Lives and property can be at stake! Should they pretend you know more than you do? Have your poorly constructed project fall on your head because they don’t want to hurt your feelings? Focus! Lumber Boys will try to help you. Let them.

What terrible service!!! I went in to ask a very basic question about hanging a shelf and to get the necessary components. The man who «helped» me could not have been more of an ass. He was unbelievably consenting and rude. He is the reason I go to Home Depot. I truly hope he goes out of business.

THE WORST! I wish I could give this place 0 Stars. The staff’s attitudes here are the WORST I have ever experienced. Within one minute of asking about moldings the man I was speaking to replied, «F*** lady, I don’t have time for this s***.» All I asked was where the moldings were and if I could have some help with some questions. The conversation obviously sno-​balled from there. Manager/​Owner also did not seem to care when I called him.
Enough said. Will NEVER go back and I would suggest you do not either!

I needed to have some IKEA shelves cut to a different size. Phoned around various places in Manhattan, only to be told that they wouldn’t cut anything they hadn’t sold me before. Not the Lumber Boys. Friendly on the phone, no fuss when I arrived with my shelves. Absolutely recommend the place.

Nice small shop with a lot of necessities. Even though I am barely a handy man, they were quick to assist me with little judgment. They seem to also have needs for the professional contractor as well. I was able to pick up simple necessities at reasonable prices.
I also needed keys to be copied. I was recommended this place and was very satisfied with the copies. Sure, they don’t work perfectly, but what copies do? They have been durable and usable. I look forward to losing my keys so I can get more copies in the future!

Lumber Boys is great for a basic father/​son hardware store, but they’re EXCELLENT if you’re looking for cut wood for your closet, cabinet, molding, or any other project!
I find myself here frequently, not only to avoid an overwhelming trip to Home Depot, but because Steve and his son Rob are great guys who really know their stuff. Prices are competitive too — redoing my linen closet, I recently walked out with six ¾″ birch plywood shelves cut to spec, ¾″ quarter-​round cleats, and some nice lattice moldings for under $ 70.
Plenty of contractors come here as well, but despite my relatively small order, Steve patiently walked me through all the measurements and gave his thoughts and advice along the way. Steve may come off a bit abrasive at first, but give him a chance and I’m sure you’ll warm up to him too.
I highly recommend Lumber Boys for your next project, big or small… as long as there’s some wood involved, they’re the best game in town!

Dear SuperLumberBoys,
Thank you for all your help.
This place is great. I bought wood here for years for my projects.
The guys are very helpful.
Hugs from ROBERTO.

The «Meh I’ve experienced better» expresses mys sentiments exactly. I emailed them before going in. The person answering the emails was not quite as helpful as he could have been. I honestly believed he knew what he was talking about… If i knew what he was talking about i would have pegged him for not so bright. I was clearly not sure exactly what i needed so he just let me buy what i think i needed. He of course didn’t ask probing questions, i took it like he knew his job. I take full responsibility. I emailed him again asking for an exchange. No reply. I called the place the next weekend. They put some guy on the phone who, naturally, threw all of the blame back on me. Then in a psuedo-​attempt to try to assuage me, he was like oh its fine. you can do it…“Oh and if you opened it I can’t sell it that way…” give me a break. its wood. Its in the same condition. So needless to say i braced myself, emotionally speaking to fix my (their) error and lack of communication skills or offer of any assistance and i did it myself. And it came out perfect. It was more work than i wanted to commit to the project but in the end it came out perfect. It reassured my belief that sometimes you really can do anything if you are committed to the task at hand. The only saving grace for the two stars: They actually delivered my goods at no charge. I live in the high 40s just up on 2^nd ave and they almost actually beat me to my apartment. If they would have offered me a ride they would have netted themselves two more stars!
I know its bad to say but the bigger stores like Home Depot which is actually equidistant to me going in the other direction seems like there would have been less hassle and much more customer focus. That sadly just may be part of the reason for the demise of the Mom and Pop type places. Very little room to budge.

Good service (if slightly old school gruff), great selection. I’ve had 2 jobs done so far: both were lumber cut to size. The cuts were very accurate and the quality of the lumber excellent. The prices were good. Great selection of hardware items as well – not fancy stuff – just real hardware.

A Love Letter to Lumber Boys:
Who always pulls me out of a pickle
When Home Depot fails time
and time again (wood-​wise)
Lumber Boys.
Who has better prices than any other construction supply
lumber supply hardware supply
on the east side of the island
Lumber Boys.
You always have what I need
Monday morning through Saturday afternoon.

Lumber Boys is an excellent and conveniently located neighborhood lumber store. They were super-​helpful with my kitchen renovation project as I needed many odds and ends with my kitchen cabinet doors. If you need small items, such as rubber stoppers, hinges, stain, braces and yes, lumber, you can come here and they’ll cut lumber for you on the spot. I also needed some cutting work on my doors and they did everything within 20 minutes at an inexpensive price! Another thing I noticed here is that they offer a lot of moulding and doors and different types of wood. Service is friendly and fast so don’t hesitate to come here to get something cut or to buy some wood!

Mom and pop shops beware!
The one thing you have over the Home-​Depot/​Wallmart-​style chains is personalized customer service and people’s romantic attachment to «community.» (or in your case — probably mob ties)
That said, I used to go to Lumber Boys because of their (relatively) convenient location, (decent) price and the no-​nonsense stock (i don’t need flower print contact paper, i need LUMBER.) I always overlooked the derisive and basically unfriendly staff and their «contractors only» boys club attitude until… until Home Depot. Now i get ALL that they had to offer and a GAJILLION times more for less and with great customer service — i hate to do it, I’m a fan of local owned shops but attitude makes a difference.
Be careful Boys — –you could afford to be a locals-​only club before, but NYers are frugal and VERY aware of derision.
One star for the location (closer to me)
One star for the odds and ends bin out front
That’s it