Pine Cone Lumber Company

Terrible customer service, poor business ethics, and overpriced (which might be OK if the quality was there). We ordered over $ 1200 of supposedly kiln dried Doug Fir (#1 KD Exposed) which we planned to use for an exterior project. The salesman promised they would «look through each piece» since they were going to be visible. When the wood was delivered, about a third of the boards were badly checked (the cracks went more than halfway through each piece). We emailed pictures but Pine Cone refused to replace the cracked pieces. So we went back to PC and tried to return the defective pieces but the general manager refused to even speak to us! WTF? We later found we could special order lumber at HD and we’ve been happy with the quality so we no longer use Pine Cone.

Pine cone lumber is the best out there. I am a general contractor in the bay area and have used just about every lumber yard there is out there. Pine cone not only has the best inventory of material and hardware in stock, but they have the best sales guys as well. The guys at the counters are the best in the lumber industry knowing everything from HDU2 to a TJI 560 and everything in between. I have not had a better customer experience then when I go in there and talk to JR @ pinecone lumber. JR is one of the best (if not the best) sales rep at pine come lumber. He is extremely knowledgeable, personable, patient, and a great guy to work with. I recommend pine cone lumber to not only those in the industry but anyone that is looking for a great lumber yard. Keep up the good work, I will be a customer for life.

Wish there was a ZERO star. Had a horrible experience. The sales guy (particularly JR@pineconelumber) seemed arrogant, as if they are only Lumber store in bay area. Even though long in business, they need to learn a lot of «customer satisfaction», and «Business Ethics». I was surprised to see their attitude «do whatever you can, we don’t care.» I am sure, this arrogance (JR@pineconeLumber) must be the reflection of management folks supporting their sales guy push un-​ethical ways to seal business deals.
I would highly recommend avoid this shop for your lumber needs.

I recently decided to redecorate my Los gatos home and some of my friends recommended pine Cone Lumber. I called the store and was transferred to Paul in 10 seconds. Paul clearly knew his stuff, was friendly and went out of his way to help me. My elderly handyman went to pick up the lumber and said the people were super helpful in helping him load the lumber. I am from Minnesota and played in a village called Pineville where we kids had snow castles. I felt at home at Pine Cone from the beginning and will recommend it to all. working with people who know their business and are fun to work with make taking on a challenge efficient and an adventure. so if you need help with your lumber needs look no farther – Call Pine Cone and get what you want for a fair price! Patrice

I came to Pine Cone Lumber several times to purchase Penofin® Ultra Premium Red Label Wood Stain. They are one of the only local places who carries Penofin.
Each time I came, everyone was happy and upbeat and I felt at home. Each time I was asked if I needed any help, they even carried the 5-​gallon container of stain to my car for me. First time I came, I bought 2 gallons, second time I came I bought another gallon, and the third time I bought 6 more gallons (5 gallons + 1 gallon).
I also browsed around in their hardware section, and it seems they have just about everything anyone would ever need for building a deck, gazebo, new fence, or any other project requiring lots of wood.
Very soon, I will be going back to Pine Cone Lumber to purchase more Penofin for the new fence and gate I just had installed.
I would have no problem recommending Pine Cone Lumber to friends and family.

I was referred to Pine Cone Lumber after I contacted Mac Beath Hardwood Company I was told me PCL would probably carry what I need. They did!
I’m pretty handy but consider myself pretty green when it comes to materials and construction. But I did a lot of research and wanted to take a look at PCL’s supply of western red cedar posts and try to get any advice that I could on a fence that I designing.
I was immediately helped at the front desk by Jeanot who proceeded to walk me to the western red cedar posts that I was curious about. He answered all my questions based on my research of this wood and fence construction and I came away feeling like he pretty much confirmed everything that I had read and was leaning towards. Plus he was very pleasant if not fun to interact with. Laird helped me pick out several beautiful pieces, taking care that there were no blemishes. I ended up purchasing them and put them on hold for my contractor to pick up from will call.
A very pleasant experience. I would definitely come back to purchase more supplies should I need it. I also felt comfortable asking all my dumb questions. Bonus.
I have decks and pergolas in my future so great find for me. Thank you.

Summary: Atrocious customer service
Long version:
Pine Cone seemed to have a good selection of metal connectors in the store, so I thought of them when I needed some hard-​to-​find Simpson hangers with a total price of around $ 300.
I called and provided the two part numbers I needed. Turns out they required a special order. The salesman would call back with the price. No problem. I gave the salesman my number.
Just as I thought our conversation was over, the salesman launched into an interrogation about where I bought my lumber and the location of the job site. When I told him it was in Santa Cruz, he flipped out. I was puzzled.
He said «I’ve never seen your name on a lumber order here» and «this is a waste of my time.» With no knowledge of where I am, what I do, what my schedule is, or where my other jobs are, he flat-​out declared there was no way I’d come to Sunnyvale to pick up the order and refused to look up the two prices. Click.
Stunned, I put down the phone and asked myself «what just happened?» I tried to give Pine Cone $ 300 of business and all I got in return was an earful of abuse. By the way, I’m in Sunnyvale all the time; that’s why I called them.
P. S. I know where I’m _​not_​placing any orders for my next job.

Selection of lumber varieties and sizes blow Home Depot out of the water. Service is friendly and old fashion. I’ll be buying my lumber here in the future.

Well, here it is a couple of years after my first review of Pine Cone Lumber, and my now 52 year old home needed some more cedar siding boards. I took a look at Southern Lumber because I was in the neighborhood and almost fainted from the prices for tapered 5/4×10″ cedar. I went back to good old PCL the next day, once again found exactly what I was looking for with the same great help I experienced before, and was heading home in record time. Still the best!

Just needed a 2 foot piece of wood cut lengthwise at a 45 degree angle and was told I had two options: 1) We could do it but we are not going to today. 2) $ 15 minimum no matter what.
He just looked at me waiting for me to leave, knowing his ultimatum was designed to get rid of me. He didn’t even offer when they could cut the wood if it was not going to be today. It’s fine if your business wants to deter small requests like mine… I get it, but he did not have to make me feel like I didn’t matter at all.
I bought the wood at Lowe’s and they honestly told me while they could not do it, Pine Cone Lumber could. When I got to Pine Cone Lumber, they found ways to say how though they could do it, they could not and gave me reasons why I shouldn’t.
Expected more, got way less. Just be honest and show some empathy. I would not recommend them to the everyday consumer. I ended up getting the job done with my apartment handymen who not only sawed the wood without a table saw but gave me sandpaper. The handymen went above and beyond and even Lowe’s found solutions and gave options… can not say the same for Pine Cone Lumber.

This place gets it! no I don’t like Lonely (Lowes) /​Home Alone (Home Depot) at all they don’t have anyone to ask a question just shelves filled with needless markup items.
Now Pine Cone does get it! they have an excellent showroom, they know there product and are very helpful. I recently needed one peace of lumber milled for a fix on my RV I went to Sunnyvale Lumber price: 50 bucks had to buy a whole sheet. Called Lowes they don’t do that, same with Home Alone!
Its a little of a drive but well worth it, if you need help with a project or building a home
this place has it all.
I say check them out!

Excellent show room, incredible stock yard, best cedar selection you can imagine. Great tool and hardware selection.
They’re mostly geared towards contractors, but any amateur can walk in the front door and get help.
Dinged only one star because they’re closed on weekends. They also close at 4:30 pm. Like I said, they’re geared mainly to contractors.

Knowledgeable staff, great product, great selection, great inventory, good price (for great quality). We had to make changes after we ordered and they were accommodating. The wood we got was excellent.

I called ahead because I have never been here before and I wasn’t sure if they sell hardware supplies or just lumber. I talked to someone who then transferred me to someone else, and they both treated me like I was stupid for even asking.

I stopped by on a Friday afternoon to get redwood decking for a repair job. I bought 14 6-​foot lengths. They cut the boards to length out of absolutely gorgeous redwood … it’s prettier than the original decking … and helped load it in the car, with a pleasant, helpful attitude. I am a fan!

I have needed some unusual materials and they have had them in stock. The service is outstanding. The guys who work there know what they are doing.

Needed some long 2×10’s for a loft in the garage. Got them here with no problem. This is a professional operation.

Want a change from the crowded hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s? Ever been in a situation where you need that 2×10″ fourteen foot redwood joist that’s not warped? Well here’s the lumber yard for you.
This is probably a landmark in Sunnyvale for those that purchase lumber frequently. I haven’t had much experience here, but the experiences I have had have been second to none in comparison with the big honchos taking up the home improvement industry. this has been a family owned business for almost 75 years now, and their service and knowledge is incredible.
No matter what wood you need, Douglas fir, pine, pressure treated, cedar, redwood, they have it all. If you need special paneling, they got that too (i.e. plywood, sheet rock, peg board, etc.). They also carry a lot of engineered wood products, along with specialized ones as well for decking, metal studs, wooden moldings and sidings, and a lot more. And if that’s not all, they have a complete tool room as well.
They have a great stock on hand and can cut things to size rather quickly. it really never seems like they don’t have anything in stock. If something is out of stock, then they’ll get it in within a week. Their staff is extremely friendly and I haven’t had a difficult time there at all. you’re in you’re out, all with a smile.
They also can deliver your products promptly and efficiently for those large jobs. I think one knock I’ve heard about them is that their prices are a bit higher at times than Home Depot and Lowes. I’d like to point out that Pine Cone’s wood tends to have the least amount of knots, bows, and warping that I’ve experienced compared to other locations. For those that do home improvement or construction on their own, you know what a big deal that can be.
(they do have a small parking lot though)