I always talk about when I get help plumbing at Lowe's I end up going back three times to get the right parts, these people were very nice and helpful.... But I did make 6 trips. read more

They definitely need a lesson in customer service. They had items placed in the wrong "slots" because of space. and didn't have the sale item that was supposed to be there. I asked if they were issuing a rain check on the item, and was told "I don't know, you can go back to the customer service to check". Apparently, that's not her job. read more

Courteous and helpful and found just what I needed. Nice selection. great to have this store on communiyt.

This place consistently disappoints me. I own some rental property in the area, so I occasionally pop in to get a whatchahoosit or a thingamabob. If it's something simple, this place is serviceable; if you're trying to go beyond that, it's worth the drive down to Madison or up to the Dells to go to Home Depot. I'm often frustrated when I come here, because they'll have closed down an entire department for the day. Recently, I was looking to source some carpet for a place in the area and thought these guys might have a remnant that would work. They did! But they wouldn't sell it to me. The woman who handled the carpet remnants wasn't there that day. I mean, what? Most stores would figure out how much they want for the carpet, slap a tag on it, and then when someone wants to buy it they could just charge whatever is on the tag. Not here, apparently. Selling a carpet remnant requires a certain level of expertise. I ended up sourcing a better carpet from another store for cheaper. Another time I was left scrambling to get some keys made at the last minute. I stopped in here, only to find out that they'd recently waxed the floor in part of the shop and consequently couldn't make keys. _ It's a good thing Portage has other options. A few key staff members (by that, I mean the women often working the check out and virtually no one else) are polite and helpful. Everyone else is...well, something else. read more

Decades ago, Mr. Dorn had a small lumber yard. He tried to meet the needs of the community. He had competition , but his friendly manner and desire to please, plus price points kept him in business. The competition is long gone. Except for box stores in other towns. Now it is a large company and in the capable hands of his grown children and grandchildren. The lumberyard is now a Do it Best as well as lumber. From treated wood, to red cedar boards, cement and concrete pre-mix to shingles, carpet and flooring, paint to design..Portage Lumber still fills the needs of the community. If they don't have it, they will see if they can order it for you. Custom orders and helpful, friendly staff is why they offer what others don't. You don't have to roam aisles searching for not only an item, but a clerk. Someone greets you at the door, someone comes over to ask if you need help, someone helps you load and makes you feel like you are a valued customer and not an interruption to their break. Staff is knowledgeable and if they don't have an answer, get the person who has it. Can you find a cheaper price at the mega yards. Sometimes. But, will mega supply you with cheap, inferior goods...often. Do megas carry more stuff. Sure...but good luck finding where the heck it is located. As well as finding a clerk who knows. Talk about an echo chamber...mega certainly is. Hellllooooo? Is anyone working here? There is much to be said for shopping at Portage Lumber. Like help!! Want a couple boards for craft work. The yard man will willingly pull out board after board to find the best for you. And load it in your vehicle too. Need a kitchen designed, shop with the staff over the cabinets on display, catalogs, flooring, paint and more. Need advice, someone on the spot to help you. Knowledgeable and honest. Mr. Dorn raised some great kids and they carry on the tradition of small town service with the big store inventory. read more

Update: have been back to this store now several times. Service remains impeccable. Even with my clumsy descriptions, they have figured everything out the first time. The quality is also top notch. Bought something new -- a plug in for a light with a remote switch and dimmer and an iPhone option. Wonderful thing for a light that is poorly reachable. Would have never come up with this idea on my own. This is my go to store now. read more

They push rewards program but then find all the reasons to not issue points. Oh it's a special order. We did not receive any discount on it, but still no points for the $3700 purchase of decking. Nothing was cut to any special size either. Nothing on sale apparently wualifies either. What a scam. Will not buy local again!!! read more

Let me first say, it's not a Menards or a Home Depot. If that's what you are looking for you will have to travel further. It has the basics of home improvement and gardening needs. People working there have always been nice and helpful and they do have indoor lumber which is nice. I would say the prices are a bit higher than a big box store but I assume that is based on location and convenience. So it's not a bad option for some lumber or a few hardware items. read more