09/25/25 - Holy Shite I've driven by this location for decades & never even knew it was here. I stopped by @ Pueblo Nuevo which is about 1/2 block north of Crafty Beavers is @ 4306 N Central for a long overdue visit & meal w/my friend Lulu, only to find that I was too early & they weren't open yet. As I walked I noticed this large lot and went to check it out. Much to my surprise it was a Crafty Beaver Home Center. I knew about the locations on Montrose, Oakton & 1522 Lawerence Ave. Anywho I walked in to check it out read more

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I ordered Keyes for my new car. It took 3 weeks to be delivered and was not called that the Keyes arrived. So when I went to check on my order status I was told needs to make an appointment for the cut the Keyes to match the car. The guy there was talking to me as if I am stupid and told me Shame on me for telling him don't talk to me as stupid. So he canceled my order and refunded me with the money not caring it took 3 weeks for the Keyes to arrive. After I wax refunded I went home and called locksmith who did an excellent job. I will never use crafty beaver again Locksmith showed up in 45 minutes to make the car Keyes where I don't have to wait 3 weeks then make appointment at crafty Beaver read more

I called ahead of time and specifically asked for a white toggle switch dimmer. I was told they had several options available. I get there and they have one option that is off colored almond. This is why people go to Home Depot or Lowe's or Menards. read more

I have attempted to use this business several times. Every time I encounter the most rude clerks with the least information possible it's always a bad experience and I suggest you drive further and get better service and better quality. read more

I've purchased many items over the last few months from the Crafty Beaver location on Central Avenue. However, since my last two experiences there were unpleasant, they will be my last. An older female cashier that was present the last two times I was there was unprofessional and rude. On my most recent visit, I showed her a few items I found on their website that I wanted to purchase. She simply replied, they're over there. After looking for a few minutes, I requested her help in locating the items. When I showed her the picture, she noticed I had the location on Lawrence Avenue. She dismissively said, wrong location, this is Lawrence. I said sorry for the mistake and began to head out. In a snarky tone she said, "go to the Lawrence location they should have it" and began to chuckle. Why would you alienate a loyal customer like that? I went to Ace Hardware on Northwest Highway where I was treated with courtesy and respect. An employee greeted me, asked if I needed assistance, and took me directly to the items I needed. Ace Hardware will receive all of my business from now on even though it's a 15 minute drive minute from my house instead of a 5 minute walk. read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great place for the neighborhood, has what you need.

Friendly staff. Have things in stock you can't find at the bigger hardware places. Always helpful.

They messed up paint mixing and we painted room and went to get more paint. 3 different colors of the same paint and they won't give a refund or fix the mistake. Back to the big box stores. Do not buy paint here!! Huge mistake on our part to try and buy local I guess. read more

Crafty Beaver Home Center - Look at all the colors! - Hardware Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm giving a two star here because the customer service inside is fine, however, outside not so much. Which is sad, because I love coming to local shops VS big box stores to keep my money local. Looks like I'll be going back to Home Depot after today. I was looking outside at the lumber with my fiancé and one of the employees approached us and asked if we needed help. We asked what the price of the 1x6 would cost by the foot and he said "I don't know, I would have to go inside and ask" instead of going inside and asking for us, he went back to chit-chatting with his coworker in the shade. Not providing us any service what so ever. It looks like I'll be heading over to Home Depot for the supplies to build our new back deck. And moving forward for all of our home renovation needs. I didn't grab his name, but he was tall, white and a curly pony tail. Piss poor attitude. I'm sure you'll know who I'm speaking about. read more

Crafty Beaver Home Center - Won't be back. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The CRAFTY BEAVER on Cental Ave, Chicago, charged me $40 for an 8X4 sheet of plywood that I had asked to be cut. The plywood appeared to be construction grade and it was warped. I will return to the National Hardware chain for more reasonable pricing and better quality merchandise. Crafty Beaver will never take advantage of me again! read more

I've been to "Crafty Beaver" on Central several times with hubby, but I'm very clueless on anything that has do to with lumbering, gardening, restoring or fixing antiquated furniture. That's why I'm married and my sweet hubby has done it all. He's a true expert of D.I.Y., and I just love to Yelp. However, people who work at Crafty Beaver are freakin' nice and helpful. They will offer assistance immediately without having you to ask for. This evening hubby and I encountered this nice young man (the stretched-earlobe one...sorry didn't capture your lovely name) about putting the "feet" under the sofa hubby thrifted at the storage for his work parts and equipment. Since he didn't think the parts the store had were appropriate for this project, he came out with a better idea. He seemed to be super knowledgable, approachable, and actually liking his job! Hubby said the prices are competitive. If he ever needs stuff for work or for projects around the house, he prefers to visit Crafty Beaver before heading to any other hardware store. I came here for a small bottle of pepper spray, and they do sell it by the register. read more

Not as large as the big chains, but they have most everything, almost everything you need. Fairly friendly staff. If it's in your neighborhood, check there, and they have a parking lot.Always support local business. read more

Everyone who works here is so nice and helpful! They always help with any questions I haves I find this place to be very helpful especially when I don't feel like driving to Home Depot is Menards since it's right in the neighborhood. read more

the worst customer service i have ever had. the cashier was extremely rude to me in front of other customer because i wanted to know why they need a phone # for a return when they don't need one to buy anything. i can't even tell you how bad this cashier was and when i talked to the manager he could have cared less, wouldn't even look at me. i have shopped at the lawrence store for over 20 years and have always found them very helpful until today.they have just lost a long time customer and i am going to the top on this one. do your self a favor and don't even give them the chance to treat you so badly. they don't even deserve the one star but you have to select one to post. read more

Had a great experience here picking up plywood for a project Bobby in the lumberyard was incredibly helpful cut the wood perfect loaded in my car was incredibly friendly definitely coming back thanks for the great service Bobby read more

Nice spot!! No maze of parking and confusing aisles. What I like best is the .50 per cut on wood. Now I can rip plywood, but the .50 is way better than the extra hassle of getting full sheets home and then getting out saw (table or circular) making cuts and clean the clean-up. I paid a couple bucks more for the sheet than at a big box and then the .50 per cut but saved at least 2 hours on last project for about 7.00.. well worth it. The cut measures have always been spot on and when getting BCX (one side sanded) they always have cut correctly so the blade exits on the sanded side leaving the cut clean on the better side of the wood. The wood is generally straighter here than I have found at the big box as well, maybe they keep it stacked longer or store for less time, I don't know, but the wood seems better. I only went 4 stars as they can be curmudgeon-ish at times, but when I grew up all the neighborhood hardware store owners were like that, so it's cool. Also, they do not have the selection of Big Box and sometimes, ya need a lot of stuff.. its safer to hit the HD and it is all there. This is still a better overall experience than the Big Boys read more

Today, good customer service is hard to come by, but Dan at Crafty Beaver Central Ave location demonstrated that customer service still exists. Was looking for a specific gasket material carried by do it best stores. Dan was helpful, listened to what I am looking for he cared to bring it over and show what he has in stock but it was not the exact item I was looking for. He went out of his way to understand and research the database catalog with me providing description. Seeing that he was helpful and willing to wait while I call another do it best store in another state that I have purchased the material in the past from to obtain the sku# so he can look it up in the chains database. Definiately Dan provided helpful hand and even with the ability not carrying the product offered the option of ordering the product without any hesitation. Thank You Dan! read more

Tired of not getting any help from the Home Depot superstores? Keep places like crafty beaver in business. They are super helpful and knowledgeable. They are even open to suggestions of what to carry. I have noticed my feedback reflected in what they stocked and now don't have to drive to Home Depot or wait for an online order to arrive read more

This is what a hardware store was like before the "big store" concept. Great service, everyone in the store can direct you to what you need. They are friendly and helpful and I choose to shop their over Home Depot. read more

Inside customer service ALWAYS DELIGHTFUL OUTSIDE customer service? A joke, pathetic. Long haired white male working outside, texting talking to his co worker/pal. You want good outdoor customer service? Stick to your local menards or Home Depot unless they receive new staff that doesn't jeopardize the company's overall service. read more

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Store has a superb lumber selection- much more than you would expect from your local neighborhood hardware store. read more

Shopping for my father for anything to do with home repairs, I detest Home Depot, except for the hotdogs out in front. This is one of those causes for people who want to support their local businesses to keep large or even larger chains away from the area. So, I go here when he needs something. This is one of those stores in which I always wonder how they stay in business. It's certainly is not customer volume or high-end merchandise, as far as I can tell. The store needs a little care and the outside is kind of bad aesthetically. It's a little bit run down which might scare away some people. But, if you live in the neighborhood it is close and usually has what you need and for pretty cheap prices They have a very wide assortment of what a hardware store normally carries, along with a large lumberyard in the back. Paint, brushes, nails and screws and all sorts of junk needed around the house. I prefer Russo hardware down the street to be completely fair. But this is not too bad a runner-up. This place is great for supplies to repair or just work around the house and yard. More expensive items like riding mowers, barbecue pits and your high-end windows will probably not be found here. read more

The prices are great, the selection is great, and the employees are helpful. Great customer service!

This place is pretty awesome!!! Way better service than Home Depot!!! Everyone here was friendly. A nice dude helped me pick out the right shovel and it was half the price than Walgreens two blocks away. Glad I ran into this place they have tons of other things I could use and it's walking distance! read more

This is one of their biggest locations with their own lumber yard. This place is frequented by many construction people and do it yourself types. You can pick up enough lumber here to build your own deck or whatever you are building. I shop at the store for a variety of household items or whenever the Tim Taylor in me comes out. read more

Crafty Beaver Home Center - Crafty Beaver - Hardware Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this place because it is close to the house and they have items that I can't find at Home Deput or Lowes however the help especially the cashiers are rude and treat people like shit. I will only come back if I can't find the product I'm looking for elsewhere. I hope they read this and work on their attitudes. read more

I just want to say it was a pleasure doing business their Joyce Recommended a good drain opener and it worked just like she said it would thank you again read more

As good as it can be... my wife and I have been coming here for several years and they are always so helpful. Geno, Sarah, Tom, Joyce and all the rest of the staff are super personable. We're always greeted right when we walk in and everyone is on a first name basis. The people that run that particular location is what keeps us loyal customers. Casey & Lisa read more

More friendly and local alternative to the big stores. I also find that their prices are better for the more common household items. People that work are much more helpful than Lowes or Home Depo, here they will make a good referal to where you need to go or what to get. read more

This is nice to have in my neighborhood. They have good prices. Good variety for the size that the store is. Everyone is super nice. Every time I walk in here, I'm greeted and immediately asked if I need any help. Granted, I'm sure it's because I'm a girl and look lost as soon as I walk in! It's very refreshing that the workers know what they're talking about. Even the younger teenagers that work here are polite. If you live around here, and you need a screw (what?), nail, electrical tape, light bulb, stop in ! read more

This is my 4th or 5th visit, just never really get the help or courtesy I get at the Ace Hardwares in the neighborhood. Last visit this was the last try, moving on. read more

This place is good if you need to get a few small items for a home repair project. Large items I think are more affordable at the big box stores but as a neighbor of Crafty Beaver I like to support my local businesses. For the most part staff is helpful with the exception of a few curmudgeons. read more

It sounds cliche to harp supporting small business over big box stores, but Crafty Beaver Central is exemplary to that message. Sure they might cost a little more, but what they deliver in customer service is worth it ten times over. All the staff there is courteous and willing to help. I am on the petite side and I am often given help to load my items to my car. The staff knows their stuff and I always pick their brains for recommendations and advice for products. This is a small business you can really feel good about supporting. thanks Crafty! read more

What a great neighborhood gem! Im not sure what people are complaining about with rude staff because the ladies working were possibly the nicest, most helpful people on the planet! I easily found every item on my shopping list, got some keys made & was in & out in no time at a beyond fair price. And its got that nice, old school hardware store feel to it. Not like the big box stores where you walk in & will wander aimlessly looking for 2 things & waste 15 min trying to find someone to help you. Unless I need some major items, I will give my patronage to this store over Home Depot from now on. read more

I live about 3 blocks from this crafty beaver on Central Ave and I think the employees at this store are rude and condescending. I will take a bus to the crafty beaver on Montrose and Springfield because they are very helpful and will try to help you in any way they can, and they are very nice to you. It amazes me that these 2 stores could be so completely different even though they are both crafty beaver. So if you live close to this store on Central Ave, take the extra time to go over to the one on Montrose Ave it will be a much better experience read more

The service and return policy. I was very upset today 12/20/2015 at 2:31pm AAT I went to the register and one young lady who I will find out her name because I bought a snow blower from her, had given me a hard time returning a light timer that cost $19.99 which was in its original condition. She had a nasty attitude telling me that I had to get my credit card that I used for that purchase. Here is the background I bought two items and I forgot they were from two different credit cards. I sometimes use different credit cards depending on which house I am buying things for. I return both without a receipt. I figure I would have no problems since I have been a repeat customer there for over 1 1/2 and never had an issue with any staff member. I have bought my lawnmower, a kitchen cabinet, lumber, and snow blower without any problems. The first item was an outdoor lamp holder with no receipt. I swipe my credit card that I thought was the one I used. The second one was a digital timer with remote. She mentioned it was on two different credit cards. I was confused I took out a credit card I usually used. The rep decided to check it, which card I used. She said no because it wasn't the correct one. The irony is that she never bothered to check the first credit card and make sure it was correct. She got upset and starting to tell me that I had to find the credit card or I couldn't return it. No alternative as given to me like store credit. She started to be condescending and read me what the receipt she printed out said. I told her not to get loud with me and during the discussion the manager was within feet of her and no response or intervention. I am unsure if she is related to someone there. I told the rep I was a good client and didn't deserve this push back for $19.99 how petty. To give push back on a small purchase is penny wise and pound poor. Next, her demeanor and attitude was over the top and uncalled for, this is the second time I had this issue. The last time was about a month ago when I was ordering a duplicate key at the register. The worst part is the manager was there and I said this is ridiculous and I yelled at him that this is the second time it happened. He was looking down, then looked up and looked back down. Was unsure if he knew or heard me. I yelled I won't come here again. read more

great to have a store where the employees actually know about what they sell.

Good place for most hardware needs. Garden and lumber supplies too. The inside got a makeover and is better now. The outside need a make too. Friendly and helpful staff. read more

There are larger & 'glitzier' lumber yards, or home centers, but this one is my favorite. You don't need a taxi to get into the store from the parking lot, They carry most things that are not too specialized. I've found their pressure treated lumber to be pretty straight, & not Knotty. The best thing about this place is that they won't let you wander around the store searching for stuff. Anyone who looks like they are lost gets help offered by the second isle. As a bonus, the manager & a couple of others can offer "tech support" if you're trying to fix something that you haven't tried to fix before. Easy in & out, good prices, good quality merchandise, & questions answered if necessary. A Good Place to do business. read more