So for those of you who don't know, I am an avid DIY'er. I love the feeling of planning out a project, taking several days - if not weeks to hmmm n haw over it, and then finally make a decision. But only after adequate time to Hmmm n Haw... Can't stress that enough. So this weeks project was a patio and a fire pit. Where there was none - now there will be. As part of the process, I needed to find the right kind of material. Well in case you haven't notice there's not a lot of places to buy pavers in TO. So I went to Carlson's! Heck the place has been here forever, and it's hard to miss, right in the heart of the city. First, I recommend scheduling a little extra time cause this place is like a little village, with all the different examples of what you can build, so take your time to look around. It really gets the creative juices going. So we finally settled on some Belgrade pavers, which they had in stock, which was a huge advantage. Mark, our new best bud over at Carlson's hooked us up with the delivery and even offered some sage wisdom. Most of all he was a real nice guy (just don't tell him I said so). Suffice it to say we had a great experience at Carlson's. We will be back soon as there are many more projects in the future, as well as plenty to Hmmm n Haw about... read more

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Service! we went in the office to see if we could get help lifting some blocks to put onto a cart and put them in our car. We we're told by the man at the counter "we don't help you have to lift them yourself if you don't like it, you can call the manager" and gave me the business card to Jeff Alexander. I called Jeff and explained to him that we can't lift the blocks due to our age in and our health and he said, "well we don't help people you gotta do it yourself " The guy at the counter said, "go ahead and write a yelp review. We don't care." read more

These morons do not want to work! They sit in the shop and do nothing. Their prices are higher than any other place and their selection is limited. Avoid this mess! read more

Putting in a flagstone path in my backyard, Carlson's had the color I wanted already broken down into various shapes and sizes. Every other stone yard sold only large slabs which you had to real break down into desirable sizes yourself. No t the cheapest but convenient and a great selection. Plus they'll load it into your vehicle or deliver it (for a fee).. read more

Wow guy working in office what an attitude! Asked some simple questions bout material I should use to lay stones he just shrugged uh duh I don't know. Uh duh why are you working here ? A real people person just who you want to be face of your business. I drove straight to Lowe's a real nice young man walked me right to bags of sand I needed. read more

Wife and I went to request some Belgard paver samples for our home remodel, was told they would be in store in 2 days....4 weeks later still waiting. when we call to find out status they continually don't care. I'll take my $50K for material to Patagonia right down the street. I should have read the reviews before going, I never would have stepped foot on the property. read more

I don't know why there are negative reviews for this place. This has been my go-to for years. They have a wide and beautiful variety of any stone, gravel, or brick you need. I have completely redone a desert-style landscape in a front and back yard with raised beds, a fire pit, and paths using Carlson materials and it was super cheap. I love this place. read more

What is wrong the the people that work here. My contracter calls yesterday for a scoop for a quick turnaround job, they say come on over. He arrives and they want to close shop. He arrives today, and gets hassled by one of the older guys that he doesn't have time for him today. My guy rents a truck and has to unload this all with a wheelbarrow. All the previous reviews are true. How much more energy would it have taken to create a positive environment vs. the "I don't give a crap about you" attitude. Time will tell. read more

The absolute WORST choice for your building materials. Careful, they charge you depending on how they feel (aka bait and switch), they tell you incorrect purchase arrangements (refunds vs restocking fees) and above all, they are some of the rudest people I've ever dealt with. PLEASE do yourself a favor and goto Thompson; they are cheaper, they are NICE and stand by their work. I really, really feel bad for the poor workers here cause along all the issues, they absolutely did not agree with the main office's manager position on just about anything. Stay away. All the reviews are true. I had hoped they weren't but we were wrong. read more

My pallet of Flagstone was not delivered, instead a totally different pallet was. Mark in the office/yard says they aren't responsible if "another customer" removes a tagged item. Returning to the lot, the one I had selected and tagged and pictured wasn't even there. What then is the point of purchasing a name tagged item when Carlson's takes no responsibility for delivering on that purchased agreement? read more

Carlson Building Materials Company - This was my paid for and tagged pallet in the middle - Building Supplies Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

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Rude, dismissive, with an overall FU attitude. The gentleman in the main office treated non-contractor/laborer customers (there were two of us) with what came off as disdain. Shocking for such a long-standing institution. read more

Great choices on the rock size we were looking for. In our case 3/4 ".

I parked and walked around to look at their inventory and landscaping examples, before I went into the building to place my order of bagged rocks. No one had the courtesy to tell me they closed at four, while I was walking around, yet they saw me. I was in the door at 3:55 pm, 5 minutes before closing, as I looked at my phone when they told me I could make the purchase without the merchandise. They, including Mr. Carlson, said my order would need to be picked up tomorrow, because they were closed. The owner said all the equipment was shut down. I asked why no one informed me earlier, and he said, "it is on the door." Gee, thanks. I didn't see the door until I walked into the building. I offered to load the bags myself, but they said "no." (I do understand liability issues.) However when I walked outside, two forklifts were still going. When I got home, my husband told me they handloaded the bagged rocks during a recent purchase. In the past, we have supported Carlson's with several purchases. We prefer to keep the tax money in the city we live in. However, this was terrible customer service. Obviously they must be doing so well, that the owner doesn't care if they lose customers. During our discussion, I was told I could pay now and pick up the rocks tomorrow. I asked, ""why would I pay today, to pick them up tomorrow, when I can pay tomorrow and pick them up tomorrow." We found Thompson's Building and Supply in Camarillo. They were very nice on the phone, and while they only sell the rock we needed in bulk, they will bag them. In the end, the price of the purchase also ended up being less money, too. As aside, when I was walking around the yard, I was appalled to see how heavy building materials were being stored very close to the trunks of beautiful ancient valley oaks located in their yard. This is a violation of the City of Thousand Oaks, Oak Tree Protection Ordinance. Shame on them! read more

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This place is really not customer orientated but mainly for contractors explained why associates are very rude God forbidden you ask any questions they really know to make you never want to come back but yet they stay in business With the way you do business you will not be in one for long it's only a matter of time read more

Extremely poor service. These people are lazy and slow as they get. They won't lift a finger to help a standard customer. Do yourself a favor and buy somewhere else. read more

Needed pavers for a small patio project. Super helpful. Ready for pickup in the morning. Extras were easily returned for credit with no hassle. Staff were friendly and educated me on some details. I have used in the past and highly recommend them. read more

If you have thin skin, don't shop here. Send your contractor. The guys here are rough and gruff but that's the biz. Go to Home Depot or Lowes if you need kid gloves. I have purchased thousands of dollars here on rocks, gravel, sand, flagstone and boulders. Take time to get to know these guys and you might be happier and give better reviews. I think they're great. read more

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Great place. Good selection of all products. Friendly staff who are eager to help you. Delivery driver is very professional and prompt. read more

I like Carlson Building Material. Mark is a good guy to talk to. Months ago when they didn't have the rock veneer I was looking for, they steered me in the direction of another great place. I returned to Carson for a big landscape project with flagstone and other blocks. Once again Mark was helpful and I found the prices to be fair. They delivered the material as expected. If you are looking for landscape ideas, this is a fantastic place to walk around and get ideas. It's a large property. Even if you don't buy anything be sure to check it out. read more

Nice to know Carlsons is not hurting for business during this crisis Today they closed 30 minutes early With several customers still on premises. No warning no exceptions. Just closed the doors and refused questions. Going to Patagonia in Calabasas. read more

I recently shopped at Carlson Building Materials. I found the staff to be friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Mark helped me calculate the amount of material I needed (measured in Truckloads) and those calculations were spot on. They also give me suggestions for further projects down the road. The large deliveries were at the stated time. The driver was courteous and followed delivery instructions perfectly which aided in project execution. Carlson Building Materials has been in Thousand Oaks for a long time and I recommend them with no hesitation or trepidation. ag read more

I've been remodeling my primary residence and doing some necessary repair and renovation to an income property in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks - so I've been buying from Carlson, the Big Box "Depot" and Medium sized Do It store, plus a super supplier in Simi Valley... and I am certain the least cordial and least desireable place for supplies is regretfully Carlson. For those of us who are closest physically to Carlson... they are the most convenient. This is true for me. However, my construction guys warned me that Carlson was probably the least desirable place to buy from. And it was true in my experience. EG -their behavior honestly on half the occasions was a bit arrogant and aloof. On another occasion I bought a few bricks with a bull nose edge and was charged double by the older fellow at the counter. He actually seemed smug about it when I commented on the price being double now compared to the day before for a similar number of bricks. I was mildly miffed thinking - so what if it is really just a couple of dollars. I have millions in assets under management and this Carlson fellow is just being smug over a couple of dollars? How small minded can one be? Anyways - I thought I'd just forget about it at Carlson and stage my larger purchases from everyone else for building supplies. I thought I might still go back when I had to for a few things when I had to. And really this means I am not planning on going back again. Money has really little to do with it. It has more to do with courtesy and what seems to pass for arrogance and inconsideration on their part. I am sorry to have to reveal this and speak of it as such. However, my opinion is truthful and their low rating is earned over several visits in comparison to the other major building suppliers in T.O., Simi Valley, Camarillo and Agoura. If you consider that you have a choice - and if you compare then you might save a little cash ... and you might get normal or better service from well meaning folks as opposed to what I ave seen at Carlson. I know I did indeed save thousands and I consistently enjoyed better courtesy and service from the other suppliers... with no exceptions!? Sigh. read more

Don't expect that they will honor good faith business practices. Mark completely ignored my polite request for a contractor rate. I told him I'm only coming to him because I was told to by my good friend and their supplier. My supplier friend has withheld product from them multiple times due to the way they treat customers he refers to them. Screw these guys go elsewhere. Overpriced, no customer services, and no good faith practices. GO TO HOME DEPOT. read more

They have lots of rock and stone to suit your fancy but don't expect any respect or common courtesy there. It seems to me they are geared to handle their group of contractors and are bothered by anyone else. It was my turn today to receive such crappy service. I will not be back, plenty of other locations to shop and wish I had checked out the Yelp reviews prior. read more

I recently purchased a new home in Thousand Oaks, and was introduced to Carlson Building Materials. From my first visit to my several purchases over the past couple of months. I have never had anything but the most courteous service. It feels like everyone their is like family. It's a really super friendly place. As far as price, be they a bit more or less than the competition, it's been nothing more than a pleasure to do business with a local business with local people. Something to be said about supporting your local business. Getting to know people like Rego and Victor has been really great. You can trust their knowledge and don't try to sell you what you don't need. read more

I went to get a bag of cement there was a guys that works there he was talking to someone he saw me turned he's back and kept talking after 5min he saw me again and did the same kept talking and whe he felt like helping he approach me and asked me what do I want that's messed up I dont think I'm going back took me 25 min to get a bag of cement read more

My first visit to this huge rock, gravel and paver yard. They have everything. They had what I needed for my cistern project. They were nice to me. I'll be back. read more

Wow I cannot believe the experience I just had at this place. We asked for pricing on gravel and cobble when we were trying to pick out what we wanted. When we got to the checkout the man writing up the order gave us completely different prices for the gravel we wanted. Ok so we had to then change to our second choice because it was going to end up costing 4 times the price we were quoted. The cobble per ton was $395 which I thought was really expensive but never having priced it before thought it was ok. So I thought we could get half a ton for half the price. But no according to this jerk it would be just as expensive because some bs about charging per pound was more than by the ton. Then we were trying to order our second choice gravel and my husband had the amount figured out by cubic foot. So we figured 2 scoops. Well the guy said that wasn't right and made us doubt our measurements. So we went home to remeasure by the yard and we were correct after all - 2 scoops! But then I got to thinking how rude they were and how they misquoted the pricing so I looked up Sierra Pacific in Simi. Their cobble per ton was $225!!!! Almost half the price!! Then I called Agoura and theirs was $280 per ton and if we wanted a half ton it would cost half that. No BS about half a ton being the same price as a ton. What jerks over there at Carlson. I will not be back and will be shopping in Agoura or Simi from now on!! read more

Overpriced, non existent customer service. Go anywhere else. I realize there aren't many choices in the area but avoid this business at all costs. read more

I enjoy going to Carlson Building Supply. The staff is very courteous, and helpful. The operation is very efficient. You go to the desk person, they fill out a materials sheet, you give the materials sheet to one of the guys waiting outside. They get the material and load it in your vehicle. They stock just about everything you need in building materials. read more

Just went to get a quote for some rock and the guy in the office told me to ask another worker that had already passed me 3 times and ignored my greetings for some assistance. I walked outside to ask the man and he looked at me with a blank face and then finally answered with "No speak English". I went back inside and the guy in the office said "Fuckers only speak English when they want". How is this company in business? I will be looking for another place to spend my money. read more

I would have to agree with all the other reviewers about arrogant rudeness! I returned there recently to purchase 4 more large pavers , not a big deal, when the man started to put them in my trunk, I noticed they were clearly not what I asked for. He gave me the most disgusted look and a harrumph went I told him this. He stormed off and returned a very long time later with the right 4. While he was putting in trunk I smiled and made a joke "too bad I have to unload them myself on the other end" he looks at me in disgust and replied" I had to do it twice already! ". Geesh I was shocked! I am a small woman . read more

We really prefer supporting local businesses, but we will not go back to Carlson. We were sold far too much materials for our project, and when I asked about returning the excess, even without a refund, they told me that they do not do returns, and that I should dig a hole and bury it, or put the stuff into the trash, a little at a time. This might work for a few pounds of materials, but we have over a thousand pounds of excess rock! I designed an 80-square-foot walkway across our front yard, and went to Carlson to get ideas and buy materials. They looked at my plans and told me how much I needed, We got the base, sand, and a ton of paving stones. We built the walkway, and had well over half the stone left over. I'd have preferred to get a refund, but even just getting the rock out my driveway would have been enough. I didn't find their response to my inquiry at all satisfying. We were referred to Carlson by a nursery in the area. I'll be visiting the nursery to tell them of my experience, and to suggest that they stop making that referral. read more

They have everything we need there for our backyard project. However don't expect any customer service there. They are top of the pile when it comes to "Bad" "Rude" customer service. I have had three trips that resulted in steam coming from my ears... they even had the nerve to try and charge me a restocking fee on something that was their mistake. read more

Love to help out the smaller local businesses but the employees are so rude, that my husband and I are forced to shop at Home Depot. Whomever owns this business needs to clean house and take a few classes on customer service read more

Thank you everyone for all the warnings. Went to check it out and the reviews are 100% right. Not sure how they stay in business. I will not be back. read more

The one younger woman we dealt with was nice and helpful but BOY were their prices outrageous!! We're looking for somewhere else to buy flagstone et. al..... read more

I was doing a backyard project that required quite a bit of concrete/stone/cinderblocks/etc... The staff at Carlson was very helpful in making sure I got the correct materials. I'd definitely shop there again, and I'd definitely recommend Carlson to anyone looking for building materials. read more

Where should I start about this place....I went in with my wife looking for gravel and some natural stones for pavers...was immediately approached by a guy named Jose showed us all the gravel they have available after he gave us prices he asked about who was doing our job for us ...I'm a do it myself type of guy but figured let me hear him out he told me he was experienced at landscaping and gave me his card after hearing him for about 20 minutes and getting his high price I said no thank you I'll do it myself ...His attitude and attention immediately changed he started being rude and pushing us away ...my wife feeling uncomfortable told him we will be looking around for a bit...He immediately went after another couple selling his services....extremely rude.... Then after looking around some more...we had more questions walked inside and was met by a rude old man who didn't want to walk with us so we can explain what we were looking at he just kept pointing thru the window and told us to ask the guys outside again extremely rude my wife was ready to leave and never come back...then we where approached by a gentleman named victor who offered to help us after he noticed how rude the guy inside was ...He walked with us showed us the products gave us answers and was very friendly and easy to talk to ...not to mention he wasn't forcing himself onto us like jose..He let us look around with no pressure and didn't rush us seemed like Jose was just trying to pick up extra work ..anyway victor helped us pick out out materials and set up a delivery ...Victor was a pleasure to talk to and work with my wife was extremely happy with how victor talked to us and helped us out ...so for almost leaving and never coming back I'm glad we had victors help ...I will always go back to Carlson's and get my stone from them I'm just going asking for victor So for the most part my experience there was shady at first but awesome after meeting victor ..so every time I go I will look or ask for victor if he's busy I'll wait ...I recommend everyone does the same ...they definitely need more victors around that place The yard there is very beautiful by the way I suggest you check it out read more

DO NOT BUY AT CARLSON BUILDING MATERIALS.............depending WHO you are, everyone gets a different price. If you drive a nice car, ONE price, if you are a laborer another price, speak Spanish, another price, ask too many questions even higher price. WOW for a place that has been around for decades you think they would appreciate the customer showing honesty, transparency and integrity..............WHERE the hell are the owners.......OH leaving the business to lousy dishonest people who don't care about you and take your money and your time. RUN for the hills and go elsewhere NEVER will I go to this awful place again...PS OWNER....you just lost about 20K in business......... read more