Chinatown Lumber Co

Wow don’t even bother with this place if you’re not Chinese. The «entrance» is on Broadway and it’s actually their loading dock. The only latino dude working there was the only one who would even tell me how to get to the desk (through a fire hazard labyrinth of building supplies). Once I got to the desk the kid said «no» before I even told him what I wanted — a bunch of 1×4’s — which I passed on my way in. I needed six foot lengths, he said no. I realize cuts are a pain but I could tell he was going to say no regardless of what I asked. I said I could take 8 footers, but need them cut down to six. He said no. Then I asked for plywood — which is always on a giant pallet out front. Again he said no. I’m not sure if it was laziness or racism but I’m willing to bet both. This is one place in my neighborhood I’d be happy to see replaced by a shitty 20 story condo.

I was amazed by all their lumber stocks and the guys who worked there all seemed willing to help. But when I was asking them for help getting some plywood sheets to make a stand for my aquarium, they told me flat out that they don’t stock Plywood for custom cuts, and don’t know who does.
No suggestions or anything like that. So, I’d have to say I wanted to like them more than I did.

Very friendly, efficient and inexpensive. Save a couple bucks and have a pleasant experience to boot. The guys behind the counter are likely to offer a joke or a broad philosophical comment while conducting your transaction.

Went down here today to pick up some bar foot rests, wood moldings, dowels & hinges. The guys behind the counter are super friendly and pretty funny.
At one point during the middle of our surprisingly long transaction, a junkie/​construction worker/​alcoholic came in looking for concrete smoothers. He smelled like booze and probably had a peanut butter and crack sandwich in his back pocket. He ranted and raved until he found them, but was hopped up and knocking things over, then forgot where they were. When he picked up a trowel, I decided it was time to move out of stabbing range. Then he cursed some more before paying (someone actually gave this man a $ 100 dollar bill in his condition and asked him to go buy concrete smoothers!!!) and leaving.
After he was gone, the guy behind the counter winked at me and said, «you’re very smart, move away from crackie.»
These guys have just about everything you could ever need. Seriously, if its made of wood, they’ve got it.
But know that they won’t start cutting any of your wood until you hand the workmen the receipt. Which I guess is how they cover their asses from people claiming they wanted something different.