Stumbled upon them when looking for specialty wood for a project a few years ago and was impressed by the great selection, knowledgeable staff and fair prices. Have a current project and needed high quality wood to match a front door we had custom made - another great experience and once again impressed by their passionate staff who love what they do and geek out about all things lumber. There was an honest mistake in ringing up one of the pieces - I called when I saw the mistake at home, and they immediately took care of the refund over the phone. All around great place with great people. read more

Lots of great lumber selections! And excellent prices with school district discount! Friendly and helpful service.

Fair prices, knowledgeable staff, the plywood plan is incredible for when I need custom thickness plywood pressed.

After traveling to HomeDepot and Lowe's to find wood for some woodwork projects, and feeling lost and trying to find someone to help, I decided to go to owl lumber. There I met, Karl, who assisted me, gave me expert advice, and helped me get the wood into my car. Everyone I've encountered at Owl is top notch and the quality of its wood can't be beat! We're still "in process" with some of our projects so I'll update in a few months with photos. read more

They are very helpful, have an excellent selection of hardwoods at very competitive prices.

Always helpful. Great selection. The DesPlaines location is amazing with the best selection of the 3 locations.

Simply tried to confirm pricing and availability. Guy at the store handed me a yellow one-pager and said that is our pricing. Called in to verify if the pricing was accurate to place an order, but he guy I spoke with gave a bunch of pushback and kept referencing how little stock they had. On top of that, said not to come in on a weekend and ask to get help with pricing because they are too busy. Really too bad as there are not many lumber yards in the area and have to cross this one off the list. Too busy to offer good service. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

Went here to get walnut plywood. People working were no help, not friendly at all and looked miserable. Seemed like I was inconveniencing them by coming in. Don't come with a trailer. No where to park. All around terrible place to shop. Will never go back. Seek out a sawmill for better service and pricing. read more

Best selection of wood in the area and super friendly service. All sorts of wood and services available.

Unfortunately the only true lumber store in the Des Plaines area (do not know about the other locations). They have great products and usually find what I need. However the associates are not very people friendly. You better know what you are looking for and where it is located or you will receive very rude assistance. Last instance (which brings me to this review), I was looking for a piece of baltic birch and I grabbed a piece of white oak. I asked the associate "if this was baltic birch" and rudely he stated "no that's white oak, is that what you want"? I asked if he they could walk over to the rack and assist me with finding the piece and it was like I asked them to climb a mountain. He literally stomped over and pulled out the baltic birch (which was right next to the white oak) and with a condescending remark, "this is baltic birch"! As I said before, unfortunately this is the only game in town if you dont want to drive to pick up a piece of lumber. Know what you are looking for and where it is located in the store and you will have a 5 star experience. read more

Great people. Great selection of product for the amateur or professional cabinet maker. Reasonable prices. So happy to have them in the community. read more

I never even knew Owl Hardwood Lumber in Des Plaines existed until yesterday. We just finished gutting the kitchen and renovating it. We live in a Chicago style house build in the early 40's so the kitchen is pretty small (roughly 10' X 10'). We use to had a small counter in the kitchen where my wife and I could eat without having to go into the dining room. We searched for a table to accommodate the space, but weren't able to find anything. They were either the wrong shape or too big for the space or the wrong shape. This is when I got the idea to design a table that would not only fit in the space, but could use some of the left over materials such as the hardwood floor we had installed and the glass tile. I thought this would be perfect to not only utilize the left over materials, but to create a design that would fit in the small space and at the same time match the other finishes in the kitchen. (See photos) I was looking for someway to finish the edge around the table and I went to Home Depot and found some 3/4" quarter rounds that could be spliced together to create a 1 1/2" half round bullnose edge. That's when my contractor mentioned Owl Hardwood & Lumber. This store is off of Graceland in Des Plaines. They have such a huge selection of different types of woods along with a huge selection of trims for chair rails, bases, edge conditions, crown moldings in every type of configuration and species of wood. You can by sliced planes of trees to be used for a variety of purposes. They also have a huge selection of different finishes for the woods Here are a few pictures of my kitchen along with a mock up of the table I am going to build to compliment my new kitchen. read more

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Went to Owl lumber for the first time last week. Never have I seen so many types of wood expertly displayed and priced. Moe and Mike were extremely helpful and knowledgeable beyond belief. I highly recommend Owl lumber for it's high quality, large selection of and helpful employees read more

Love this place! Aww inspiring selection of wood species and knowledgable staff. Surprised to see the negative reviews, but yes this place is more geared towards the woodworking professional or very serious hobbyist. So, if you're a newbie DIY'er working on a small project then maybe Home Depot is your store. If you're looking for top quality lumber for a special project then Owl Lumber will do you right! They will custom rip lumber or sheet goods for you as well. read more

Best selection anywhere I've ever seen. Priced accordingly! Return policy is ridiculous. I tried to return a totally unopened quart of stain. The employee points up to a sloppy handwritten sign and says "see the sign?!" rudely. No. Clearly I did not see the sign when I purchased this and $500 worth of Jatoba on my last visit. And lots more before that. I've been here many times and have never seen the sign! Thanks Owl Lumber! read more

The customer service is terrible. Wouldn't go to the back to see how much square footage of material my boss needed for a job. We're did all the helpful employees go that used to be there read more

They had the wood trim no one else carried! We were able to match our hard to find woodwork perfectly. The staff was very helpful and friendly. read more

I'm taking woodworking classes, and for the second one I needed to purchase my own wood. While Wood World is closer, I'd heard from others that they don't have a lot of patience for people who are new to woodworking and purchasing wood. I really didn't want to be made to feel like an idiot or a burden, then hand over a couple hundred dollars for the pleasure. I decided to head out to Owl, since it's not terribly far away. I got there around 2 p.m., not realizing they closed at 3 and worried that I was going to have to come back on Monday before my class began. The guys there were really friendly, and asked me about my class and the project I was working on. After I decided on walnut for my wood (though some of the other woods called out to me... Wenge, Ebony, Rosewood, Mahogany...), one of the guys helped me with it because I still have a hard time understanding a cut list. I was in and out within 45 minutes, and for the last 8 weeks my classmates and instructors have been commenting on how lovely the wood is. I'll be starting another class in a few weeks so I'll be heading back to pick up some more. I may have to spring for that Wenge or Ebony. read more

There is nothing to say, they have all what I need, very friendly guys, ready to help. Just come, got my stuff, loaded in a car and left.

I went to Owl Lumber so I could make a keyboard drawer for my desk. I'm quite short and the desk I bought had me sitting at a terrible angle which started causing pain in my wrists. When I went there, I was going to purchase the wood and do it myself but ended up paying them to do it because I knew they'd do a better job. These guys/gals were wonderful. It came out exactly as I had hoped. If you are looking for lumber or need work done - this is the place to go. read more

I have been going here for e optic words for the last ten years. There quality and prices beat anything you can find online as well as extra large pieces of exotic woods like Honduran mahogany. It is also great that they will cut and plane the wood you buy from them within reason for free. read more

I'm working on refinishing some furniture and was advised to use General Finishes Gel Stain. Not a lot of places sell this specific brand, although it is available on Amazon. In an effort to support local businesses, I called Owl Hardwood to inquire on their price per quart; after all, if I'm going to drive an hour to get there, I'd like to know I'm not spending twice as much. When I asked for a rough estimate of how much a quart would cost, the man on the phone rudely whined, "I don't know! I'm not standing right beside it." It was then followed by a prolonged silence in which I hoped he was joking or would send someone to look. WOW, ok. Well, if it is too much an effort for you to ask someone to check or check yourself, then it is definitely too much of an effort for me to support your business. As customer service is clearly not a priority here, I'll be taking my business elsewhere. read more

If you need a hardwood board or two of something very exotic, this place has an amazing selection! A great place to wander around- things are out on display to peruse in a retail kind of way. Prices are as high as just about anywhere though- not too many bargains to be found here. For common hardwoods I limit my shopping here to a board or two that I might need in a pinch, and travel farther to stock up for a whole project on a budget. read more

This place is amazing! All of the hardwood lumber is top quality and meticulously organized. The selection is incredible, you won't find this variety anywhere else in or around Chicago. If you've heard of it, they have it. In addition to the lumber they have myriad moldings, plywoods, turning and carving stock, burls, and incredible live edge slabs. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable and, if you need it, they can cut boards and do some milling on site...helpful if you drive a compact car. The prices are fair. Price per board-foot for ubiquitous woods (oak, maple, poplar) were in line or slightly above the big box stores, but the quality of the wood and milling makes any price differential well worth it. Prices for exotic woods were at most slightly higher than anything you can find online, but lower when you consider you won't pay for shipping ;) On my first visit I picked up some walnut, maple, and birdseye maple for a table project, but I wanted to buy everything I saw. I look forward to visiting many more times and being inspired by Owl's selection. read more

They do have serious wood--plus they are friendly and very helpful. Mark is the best helpful & very funny! If you need better than Home Depot/Menard's/Lowe's wood...this is the place. read more

Amazeballs. The variety of wood here is amazing and excellent quality. I stopped in because I wanted to do raw-edge floating shelves. They told me I was crazy and that it would be a PITA and that they had some good stuff if I could find brackets I liked. I looked at some cool stuff with a slightly cranky but knowledgeable guy. Decided he was right, so I left and went on the hunt for brackets, found brackets and headed back to Owl a few weeks later. Today this guy, Ray, helped me and after I confessed that I had no idea what I was doing he jumped right in to be helpful. I had what I think I wanted picked out if they could cut it for me? Sure enough, they will. He wrote me up, we talked through the cuts I needed, had the magical cutting zone put a straight edge on the wood and I was on my way. He helped me get the stuff in my car and sent me on my way. Could not have asked for more. read more

Great place with huge selection of very specific cuts of wood. Customer service is great and knowledgeable. They carry great selection of live edge slabs and can even run them through sanding machine for you. read more

Great place for all things wood related AND the customer service was amazing. I do not know much about this kind of stuff but I tagged along with my husband as he wanted to find some wood for a fireplace mantel he was building. Wow ... the wood is organized by where it's from and then length/width/price etc ... very neat and organized. They also have a ton of exotic and imported woods. They basically have everything you need and I bet they could/would order something if they didn't have it. We were a little overwhelmed by all the amazing choices and different price categories but the staff was helpful in assisting us to make the best decisions for our project. Love this place - Hopefully, this mantel works out well and we will go back to get the supplied for our second one! read more

I couldn't find anybody in town who could do a custom counter top for my new island till I went to Owl. I got professional, friendly service, and very competent design assistance. I couldn't be more delighted with the result, or the price. Thanks!! read more

Owl Hardwood Lumber - Building Supplies Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Owl has an unbelievable selection of classic moldings and hardwoods from around the world. Their knowledgeable staff are always willing to help you with whatever your needs may be. I love learning about new exotic wood species and getting inspired by just walking around their huge warehouse. It is not uncommon to see large slabs of exotic hardwoods on display sometimes still in their natural log formation.. It something worth checking out even if you are not a wood nut. Oh, and if you need a piece customized they can cut, sand and plane anything to your precise dimensions (for a small fee).. From the serious woodworker to the weekend warrior, if Owl doesn't have it, chances are you won't find it. Go Build Something.... read more

I have been purchasing wood from Owl (DesPlaines) for over 15 years. They are the go to place for furniture grade lumber and paneling. If they don't have it, they will get it for you. For example, I had a plan that called for Lacewood veneer on 1" MDF. They had a 3'x5' panel fabricated in less than 2 weeks. I would give them 5 stars if, as another person said, you didn't have to remove lots of short stock to get at the longer pieces. However, if you are there later in the day when they are not so busy, staff will be willing and pleasant to help you. Don't expect personalized service on a Monday morning when they are busy with commercial customers. Certain woods are expensive (Genuine Mahogany and Teak) and I am always shocked at how quickly the bill adds up. But, I believe their prices are fair and it's great to have a place in this area with such a great selection. I'm not a professional, just a retired accountant who has grown to love woodworking. I believe over the years I have learned a lot by purchasing from Owl and really appreciated the services of Steve (now retired) who was of invaluable assistance when I first started making things from other than 1x~ boards from the lumber yard. Between Owl and Horigan Urban Forest Products in Skokie, I can get whatever I need to create lots of sawdust and hopefully some nice pieces of furniture for my children and grandchildren. read more

I love this place! I do smaller projects, eg an arm's length or less. My main tool is the scroll saw. Owl Lumber has discounts on the smaller lengths of wood (of certain common species) and they have bins with super discounts on the smallest pieces...which is typically what I need. I love walking around and being able to see and feel the wood. They always have a huge variety of boards of different lengths and thicknesses. I usually use domestic hardwoods, but occasionally I need some exotic wood (including today's visit). Owl Lumber has them all. I am amazed how often I leave with a LOT of wood for a LOT of projects while spending relatively little money. I always feel I'm getting a lot of 'bang for the buck' there. As far as service, the employees generally leave you alone unless you ask for help. I like that. And I like that every time I've asked, they've been very helpful. Whether I'm asking for advice or I have a request to cut a board to length or cut a plywood sheet into pieces, I have been very satisfied. I have been going to the Des Plaines store for years now and have never had a bad experience there. read more

So I am no wood worker but I really wanted to build a tack trunk, I walked in with plans and measurements that I drew up. They helped me pick up the best wood for the best price and then I paid to have it cut for me. This weekend I started to put my trunk together with my awesome wood, and found the WOOD WAS CUT PERFECTLY!!!! All the pieces fit together just like I had planned it is really awesome. They were so nice and helped me out a lot, I will go back there for sure for future woodworking projects I decide to take on. The labor costs were not that much and for what we got I was super impressed! read more

Went there last weekend to grab some wood for a shelf project. Amazing selection! Rick was super helpful and patient with us, really appreciate the excellent service. Thank you! read more

I was BLOWN AWAY by the incredible customer service I received from each and every one of the employees at Owl Harwood I encountered -from Jim to Bo to Ash to Mo (delivery person) - and there were a few whose names I didn't get. I don't often have a need for lumber and I didn't know much going in and every single one of the employees was beyond helpful and patient (prices were also great). Wow was it great to see that type of exceptional customer support! I wish I had more lumber needs so i could shop there more often! Keep up whatever you are doing because you are building a great culture and work environment and it's spreading to your customers! read more

they've got wood!* this place is cray-z. their stock is a cabinetmaker's dream. *ebony, zebrawood, whole trunks of mahogony trees so you can pick-your-own plank read more

After too many years of dealing with the attitudes at Wood World in Chicago, I researched other sources for exotic woods in the Chicago area. That search (Yelp) led me to Owl Lumber. Wow, what a difference, Mike, my salesperson, was more than helpful. He and others working there treated customers like they were an important part of their business. Wood World can go the way of Dutch Elm disease! Don't waste your time or money there. Go to Owl Hardwood Lumber, they're great read more

Tremendous! Honestly this place is a little overwhelming (but in the best possible way) for two designers dreaming up basic woodworking projects with limited tools and skill sets, but the staff has always been very knowledgeable and helpful when we describe our vision. Quite often many of the staff members presented alternative ideas that were more cost effective or just better logistically. The amount of different types of wood they have is unbelievable, including species we didn't know existed. They are able to custom cut wood as well and the prices seemed very reasonable for the simpler jobs. read more

I just bought a live edge slab of maple and had to write a review of this place. Everything about it was great! I was helped by a few different people, all super nice and knowledgable and friendly. The selection was amazing, I wanted everything! I'd been looking online for a particular kind of wood slab and was having no luck within my price range, but this place had LOTS of choices. My friend went with me and ended up buying some wood for a project she was working on too, and got it cut right there to size with no waiting. I'd recommend this place to anyone who has any kind of woodworking project. read more

After scouring the entire state for a great linear wood shop, we found owl! What an amazing place. They will cater to anything you need. They even have activities to help keep children occupied. They are friendly and are able to answer anything you need down to toxicity of certain import woods. Hands down best place in the state to shop for hardwoods for woodwork! read more