I've been to lumber yards all over the Bay area for years. Ashby lumber is hard to beat. They have competitive prices, good selection and high quality sheltered lumber. I always find myself regretting buying lumber from other places when I do. They arent always the cheapest but they are almost always worth it. They have an outstanding inventory of Simpson hardware and an impressive inventory of other items for the space they have. read more

The best service and knowledge! Have worked with Mike Farmer at Ashby Lumbar before when we needed to replace our Norco windows. Now, super resourceful once again when we needed to replace a broken lever for our bifolding doors that were custom made and installed in the mid nineties, long before we bought this house. A shout out to MIKE FARMER who figured out the hardware was metric, and located a company in Great Britain that made and exported this model. Epic! It arrived this week. Installed and headache solved. Thanks Mike for your diligent research and amazing customer service. You stand out! read more

I was very pleased with the quick response to my request for a quote on lumber for the following reasons: a) Got an immediate response to my Yelp quote request (less than 30 mins). It didn't include pricing, but they acknowledge the request and promised to get back to me the next morning. b) As promised, I got an price quote in my email the next morning. Prices were good too. c) I was able to complete my order and picked up my lumber at their drive through in Berkeley. They had everything ready and the staff at the yard loaded up my car and I was promptly on my way. It was a great & convenient experience. I didn't have to dig through lumber at the big box store. And didn't have to wait in long lines. Quality of the redwood was great and perfect for my DIY needs. Will def shop here again. read more

I wanna like them because there are a handful of awesome people that work here but by and large it's a terrible place. The yard guys are almost always rude and the manager Tony is a jerk. They messed up my order and he tried to put it back on me like he was giving me a deal when he had me pay to fix it. They're probably not worth your trip. read more

Great staff! Very helpful with all questions over email. Very seamless process. Mike was very helpful and presented several different options. read more

The guys at Ashby Lumber were super helpful getting us set up for our pantry construction project. We were pretty clueless and first went to Home Depot. Big mistake. The wood they sold us was garbage. Next time will will go to Ashby lumber first. In particular, Joe and Brandon in the warehouse spent a lot of time with us to make sure we got the right materials and for the best price/with less waste. read more

All I have to say is that these people are extremely rude and condescending. That alone kept me from doing business with them and should keep others away too. I walked in and watched in disbelief as a sales associate continued to talk down to a customer making a payment, refusing to help him when the credit card machine wasn't working. This behavior is extremely unprofessional, rude and uncalled for. I can see why there are a lot of one star reviews to this place. read more

Tried to information about custom doors (referred by Simpson Doors), but no one was available, nor did they return my call. If you don't staff the place, you lose the business. read more

Ashby Lumber is the place to go. I went in cold to look at windows and Daniel B was there to help. He walked me through the whole decision process of selecting my windows. He was well versed in the different local codes and made numerous helppful decisions. In addition he was honest and helped me place an order prior to a price change - so saved me money. In addition their delivery staff are prompt and courteous. I highly reccomend ashby lumber for all your window needs. I intend to use them as the starting point for all my home remodel needs. read more

I'd like to start off by saying thank you to Charles in room three. Your attention to detail, knowledge of the products, courteousness, and professionalism is second to none. You're attitude was so pleasant, and something that is very much needed in today's society. I appreciate you taking the time to make sure I had everything I needed. Thanks again. read more

the best! sooo helpful with my project, my dimensions were very specific and they took the time to map it out, wood recommendations, etc. i was charged for 2 pieces of wood for my cuts but they ended up only needing one so i got refunded. i would 1000% go back here instead of home depot or ace! read more

I love Ashby Lumber! It's my go to local hardware store. Excellent customer service from a dedicated staff. Great lumber selection from framing to finish! Jack always makes sure I have what I need and takes care of my projects and I! I definitely recommend! read more

Ashby Lumber is great but Marvin Windows are the pits. I purchased 12 Marvin double hung windows.  All of them are problematic.  I purchased them because they are supposedly easy to slide open for cleaning.  NOT TRUE.  The windows pop out of their track easily.  They are difficult to muscle.  They don't line up right.  And the cheap plastic tracks break.  30 years ago I bought a Pella window and I got Marvins this time because they were cheaper than Pella.  Well I have never had trouble with my Pella window, but these Marvins are a real headache. read more

Angelica Martinez in the plumbing department was extremely helpful in selecting materials for a bathroom re-do. She in very knowledgeable about the products, listens well to customer needs/wants, and made helpful suggestions without pressure. Highly recommended for extensive offerings on display and friendly assistance in navigating my project. read more

I'd give ten stars if possible. At the end of an arduous construction project, Daniel was wonderfully helpful, positive and patient in selecting all my interior doors. He's knowledgeable, responsive and super helpful in a challenging task that could be rife with errors. He is really customer service focused and looking to ensure that his customers are happy with the products they order! Thanks, Daniel, especially for staying late on Thanksgiving Eve, to ensure our order was correct and we had all the items that we needed for installation. I can't recommend this company highly enough - they are skilled, helpful, have a showroom where we could see the products we were ordering, and, for those of us used to fighting for parking, a huge lot that allowed us to browse and order with ease. Thanks Daniel. We so appreciated your assistance. read more

Thank God there is an antidote to the big store hardware store. The people here are very helpful and go through great length explaining things and making sure you get exactly what you want. Drop by, check them out. read more

We worked with Rebecca at Ashby Lumber and she is, courteous, knowledgeable and professional. We couldn't have asked for better service! We had a large project and we went in the first day just for the wood. We had a long list and Rebecca took great care of us, she knew all the in's and out's of what we needed. We went back again the next day to get the hardware which was an even bigger amount of work. Rebecca came through again, she is awesome! A great asset to Ashby Lumber. We couldn't have done it without her! Highly recommended!, BTW the guys in the yard did a great job too, they loaded everything in the truck, making it easy on us! read more

Five stars! Excellent service at Ashby Lumber from Brandon D and Jesus L! I'm a homeowner who knows basic construction stuff (very basic) so I told Brandon at the cashier station it was my first time at Ashby today. He was very patient with me and WAY out of his way to make sure I got what I needed! I used to go to Home Depot in Emeryville but NO MORE! I'm going to shop at Ashby and say hello to Brandon from now on! Thank you Brandon and Jesus!!!! read more

I visited Ashby Lumber for the first time with my home project Joe and the team was amazing. They rally to help me figure out how much Oak wood I would need even though I had to do some back and forth Joe was helpful patient in making sure I was getting the correct items and the right amount I needed for my project. I had a great experience at Ashby Lumber especially going on a weekend. Thanks everyone!!! read more

Ask for Jeremy in windows and doors, Victor for siding and decking - they are fabulous, friendly, responsive... thank you Ashby!

I had a very disappointing and sexist interaction with Mike H yesterday. I went in to purchase two 4x8 sheets of marine-grade plywood. Here's how the mansplaining conversation went: MH: how can I help you? Me: I need to sheets of 4x8 marine-grade plywood MH: {distorts his face as in disbelief, pauses... then} really? Does it have to be marine-grade? Me: yes MH: {distorts his face again and has yet to check the computer for what's in stock} how many sheets? Me: two MH: {pause, sigh} Me: is that going to be a problem? MH: {finally starts checking computer} MH: what thickness? Me: 23/32" MH: we have either 1/2" or 3/4" Me: 3/4" MH: the 23/32" is like 3/4" Me: yes, I know MH: you need two? Me: yes, do you have that in stock? MH: do you have an account? Me: no MH: {another shocked face and sigh} Me: {I thought this was so over the top, I thought it was a joke and waiting for him to give me a grin to confirm he was teasing... but nope} MH: Are you sure you want two? Me: yes MH: they're expensive Me: I know, they're about $100 a piece MH: {he has yet to tell me whether or not they have it in stock} well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news... don't shoot the messenger... total is $205 Mike's conduct caught me completely off-guard and yet so in my face. I didn't come in asking for advice and was very clear about what I needed. Yet, he spoke to me like I was clueless and he questioned me about each one of my requests. No one deserves that kind of treatment and that is down-right crappy customer service. The guys (with the exception of one) at pickup were equally dismissive and talked to me like I was an idiot. If Ashby Lumber wants to be inclusive to all customers, they need to learn from this interaction and educate their staff about how to make their store welcoming to women. read more

On Saturday afternoon our kitchen faucet finally died. We wanted to replace it as soon as possible so we went to Ashby lumber to find a replacement. We did not go to Home Depot because we are over 65 and we're concerned about crowding. We purchased a new faucet and confirmed with a sales person that we would be able to return it if needed as long as it was returned in it's original packaging. The next evening a plumber came to our home to install the faucet and when he opened the box he reported that Ashby Lumber had sold us a used faucet. When I attempted to return the used faucet the following day Ashby lumber refused to refund my credit card for the purchase. At no time did they apologize for the inconvenience of having to return to the store or for keeping me waiting for close to 2 hours as they "investigated" how they could have sold me the used faucet. read more

As a woman I feel VERY intimidated walking in a lumber or hardware store, especially when there are NOTHING but men around both employees and customers. But I went in................................ My husband drove me to Ashby Lumber and said I should go in because I am a woman they will probably treat me better. WRONG!!!!!! Today 6/3/13 approx. 1035 hrs I walked in with a piece of hardwood flooring from my home and the measurements I needed. I wasn't sure where to go, wasn't acknowledged, so I stood in what I thought was a line. There were 3 male staff behind the counter, only 1 wasiting on a customer. A woman in the back got on the intercom to say "Next sales person". One of the men behind the counter closest to the front door acknowledge me. I went to him, told him what I needed, so he sent me to Room 3. As I was walking to Room 3 I felt like crying because I hate to be in an environment that makes me feel weak, not in control. When I got to Room 3 the male employee named Pete was assisting another male customer. At this time it is 1037 hrs. FINALLY, approx 1052 hrs Pete assists me with 6 pieces of oak flooring I needed to size. Took less than 7 mins to process. Here is the kicker............ A white couple drinking coffee gingerly walked to the counter where Pete and I were standing and guess what Pete did with 1 minute of their arrival?????? Pete immediately got on the intercom, asked for customer assistance and 2 men quickly came to the white couple's aid. And only 1 was needed. Where were these men while I was standing their over 15 minutes? First I thought maybe its because I am a woman, BUT now I BELIEVE its because I am a BLACK AMERICAN WOMAN is why I was IGNORED!!!! I hope I am wrong! Racism and sexism is what I saw and felt!!! SUGGESTION: 1) Have 2 women equally qualified to work to help other people, specifically women. 2) Hire people who don't have a problem serving Black people. 3) Have a number system or a Waiting List for people to sign in. MY husband was also VERY upset! Ashby Lumber's saving grace was Justin in the pickup area. Very much of a gentleman. Very professional. Thanks Justin!!!!! I hope Ashby Lumber reads YELP reviews!!!!! read more

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. read more

As a handyman, I go here a lot and have had very mixed experiences. Some employees are very friendly and helpful, but a few act as though even acknowledging your presence is a burden, and certainly can't be bothered to return a smile or "thank you." That really makes me want to take my business elsewhere. Orchard Supply Hardware is practically across the street, and Home Depot isn't that far away. I like to support local businesses, but why support one with employees who make customers feel as though they're an inconvenience - especially when they're not the least bit busy? On my last visit I needed a simple, small piece of lumber. But the unfriendly, unhelpful guy at the counter sent me off to the warehouse, across the street. They tried to help, then sent me back to the main store when they finally understood exactly what I was looking for. Inside, a guy who didn't mind doing his job and being friendly finally helped me get what I needed. So, instead of one person helping me in 5 minutes, it took four employees about 45 minutes. I don't appreciate being given the run-around and my time being wasted on a simple purchase. Prices are ok, selection is fairly good, parking is good, hours are somewhat limited. Oh, and I left a message about that last experience on the manager's voicemail, with my name and number. He never returned my call. If a manager won't respond to a complaint, I don't imagine the service will improve. Thanks to those employees who know what they're doing and are friendly and helpful. You're the only reason I'll return... but a couple more bad experiences and I'll take all my business elsewhere. read more

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! read more

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. read more

All the staff I encountered were great and this review is specifically for Rebecca. I visited Ashby Lumber Co. recently to purchase wood for a planter box. This was my first time purchasing lumber and I was a bit intimidated/ wasn't sure what to ask for since I'm not a carpenter and don't know technical terms. I had actually been putting off this errand because I was worried about being made to feel stupid or like I didn't belong, as a woman in a lumber store. Rebecca was super patient and helpful and provided excellent customer service. She made me feel comfortable and welcome, didn't rush me, taught me about what to ask for and how to make an informed decision about what I needed for my project, and even helped me figure out how to get the most bang for my buck. Thank you Rebecca for helping me to complete this project and making it a good experience. I will definitely be back when I need supplies for future projects and I will bring you a vegetable from my garden once it starts growing :) read more

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! read more

I went to Ashby Lumber on a Monday morning , right when they opened up. I figured that would be the best time to get information and quotes for the windows and doors I wanted to replace at my home. My mom was with me, and we both left the place in awe. The place came highly recommended by my friend who is an interior designer, and told me that they are great professionals that would be able to give me all the info I needed in order to make a decision. That was not what happened at all! Mr. Joyce never get him to help you, because he is no help at all), was a complete mope from the get go. He was dragging himself, he had an attitude and totally dismissed us! He printed out the wrong estimate for me, then sigh because he had to do another one. Then he proceeded to seat back on his desk after handing me the proper estimate and started typing in his computer. My mom and I were thinking that he was looking at other choices of windows for us. A few minutes passed by and I asked him: are you going to show us the windows ? Are you seating looking for different choices? As to he responded: No, my work is backed up, I have to enter all this info in the computer and I am done with helping you. I was like, WHAT? I thought that your job was to show was the different kind of windows and he says: to some extent! I asked to speak with the manger, when later I found out that Mr. Joyce lied about the fact that the manager was not there. I left the place in tears! Really! I have never been so dismissed and humiliated at a store before. Needless to say that I called the store and was able to speak with the manager and the owner of Asbhy lumber, telling them what had happened. Mr. Joyce that is in my view, a representative of the business, lost my business to SGK windows. I replaced 13 windows at my house, plus a french door. I am NEVER going back to Ashby lumber and would like to leave a message here that if you go there, do not get this person to help you. He lost the comission that he would have gained with my purchase plus got the business a bad reputation here at Yelp. If you do not like your job, then go find something else that may be more suitable for you. I was appalled that even though I was a first customer on a Monday morning, he had no desire to sell me anything, plus was rude and tells that he was really backed up at his work. Again, I would like to reiterate: do not get Mr. Joyce a chance to sell you anything. I really hope that he misses a ton of commission so he pays for the humilizaton that he made my mom and I go through. read more

I visited Ashby Lumber company today to look for a very specific cut of wood and I was greeted by Brandon and DQuan. I was so impressed with how they so thoroughly looked for the right piece of wood for my unique project. It was close to closing time and I never felt rushed or that they were ready to leave. They both provided just outstanding customer service! I will definitely be back! read more

I have worked with Jeff Smith at Ashby Lumber for plumbing needs for many years. In particular, he has done a great job helping us pick a kitchen faucet and then solved issues we have had with it, always in a timely and professional manner. I really appreciate his willingness to make things right. read more

This review is based on my last two experiences at Ashby Lumber, one where I spent a ton of money buying cedar to build a fence - went off without a hitch. And most recently I needed to buy cement shingles to replace asbestos shingles, which are expensive and not readily available. It might have been possible to buy them from a Large Chain Hardware Store except 1) they don't stock them 2) they sat down someone to thumb through numerous pricing catalogs to find the items ... and he kept picking up roofing catalogs not realizing (even though he worked there) that roofing and siding are not the same. At Ashby Lumber the entire transaction including going to the warehouse across the street took about 10 minutes. Everyone was quick, informed and had a good sense of humor... especially the guys in the warehouse. Plus I was able to use a Chinook Book coupon! So the next time you're doing home repairs be sure to check out this long time local spot before assuming the Chain Store is the answer. The End. read more

Living only about half a mile from this place, I decided to give it a shot by picking up some lumber for a weekend project. The prices for the lumber I got was competitive for the area, but I was surprised that I was going to be charged $1.25 for each cut made on a piece of plywood. After paying for the lumber in the store front, I went to go pick up the pieces in the warehouse. At the warehouse you interact with some construction worker looking guys, exactly what you'd expect. The one I had the displeasure of interacting with gave me a bunch of grief about having to make the cuts that I just paid for, and not picking up the wood in a truck. Overall, I do not think I will be coming back again. Home Depot has lumber at comparable prices, cuts it for free, and I won't get crap for not owning a truck. However, depending on who you are, I can see this place doing a very good job in fulfilling your needs. read more

I was there about a week ago to buy some lumber for a deck. Brandon helped me, and provided me with a variety of options to choose from. He was friendly and patient with me while i took my time in deciding what would work best for my budget and project. Definitely coming back for my next project! read more

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. read more

The five stars are for (little) Mike at Ashby Lumber (but all the guys there seemed super nice). Bought all of our zillions of windows, doors, and skylights from Ashby Windows/Lumber with Mike (little Mike). He's super patient, smart, nice, and honest. And will work hard to give you a good price. He worked with us in-person, on the phone, over email, etc. I'd send him pics of crazy doors I loved off of Houzz, and he'd work with me to find something similar (and in my budget). When problems would come up later (my framer build closets a slightly different size than the plans specified and the doors no longer fit), Mike was understanding and helped me figure out solutions. My contractor recommended Mike, and he was right. But don't get me started on the folks I tried to work with in the plumbing section. Decidedly less nice, patient, and knowledgeable. And the plumbing folks were snotty to my parents when they came in -- I guess they don't look like contractors or big spenders, so not worth their time. If you need plumbing, head over the Sincere in Oakland -- much better prices, smarter workers (helped us figure out how to plumb a complicated double shower with multiple showerheads, jets, etc. that the folks in plumbing at Ashby said couldn't be done), and less attitude. read more

I decide on using Batu wood for my fence and Ashby Lumber happens to be the closest retailer. I didn't know this but when it comes to Batu, the retailer gets the quantity it gets. It doesn't have a say. I worked with Nastor and Curt, most Curt. They were super helpful, it took a week or two to the quantity in the length I was looking for and during that whole time, Curt was responsive, followed up and updated me when he said he would. The material was delivered on time. The delivery person was great too. And when I had extra material left over, they took it back and issued a refund the same day. The whole experience was great and I recommend them highly! read more

Don't go here on a Saturday trying to buy wood. Lopsided staff placement will Leave you waiting / waisting your time read more

We've wanted to go here for quite some time. Trying to get drainage pipe and fittings via Home Depot today was a pain so I called around locally and a landscape company told me Ashby Lumber carried the parts I needed. I called and got a bit of a let down but after ecouragement from my fiance' I called back and Jacob told me they indeed had all of the parts. We went over later and found an old school lumber hardware store with friendly helpful employees. Jacob found me and helped pick out the fittings. He remembered the earlier call. We looked around the store for a few more minutes and found a couple of other items from other lists of needs which were very reasonably priced. Ten minutes in the store and three minutes in the yard (the man in the yard was fast and friendly too) we were on our way. The cost may have been a few dollars higher than H.D. but the effort on my part and the time saved was worth way more. The service is incredible here. Ashby Lumber has new loyal customers in us and it only took one visit! Why did I wait so long ? read more

Ashby Lumber - Toold/toys! - Hardware Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California