Love this place Real Oakland business Knowledgeable about their products and happy to help read more

picked up two bags of sand for an umbrella stand staff was friendly and helpful got sand very efficiently. read more

I've literally given them thousands of dollars but have never set foot in their store. Maybe because Calstone bricks are really heavy and moving just 1 of them leaves me really tired and sweaty. They've been very helpful and efficient in helping me order my retaining wall bricks and then delivering to my house. There isn't much left at my home left to landscape, but when I'm ready for more pavers or retaining wall bricks, Larms is who I will call! read more

I am so happy that I can pick up the small supplies of masonry and pavers that I need from this genuine specialized small business and don't have to go the quarter mile further to the robotic and impersonal Home Depot nearby. Really warming personal contact for occasional home improvement customers like myself and also for construction worker regulars who I see are are clearly happy to get "in the know" service with their large concrete orders. They helped me access their stock of special leftover pavers which minimized my expenses and gave me more useful size and material to use. They are flat out really nice people. read more

From start to finish, Larms has been exceptional. We purchased McNear Versalock retaining wall bricks for a job in our backyard. Not only were they superior in price, but Larms (Nita) went the distance in advising on quantity and color selection. She also gave great advice for necessary purchases of base and drainage rock. Delivery was efficient and on-time. They even bought back the pallets when we were done. Larms is now our go to for hardscaping needs! read more

These guys are excellent! All smiles and very helpful. we've bought 10 loads of concrete from them using their trailer hoppers. very easy to tow and use... i highly recommend!!! read more

Larms Building Material - concrete hopper trailer from Larm on Haigh St Alameda CA - Building Supplies Near Me - Oakland, California

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We went to Larms this morning to get cement. We understand that there is a shortage right now due to our present pandemic circumstances. We also understand that this is a very stressful time for all. Unfortunately, we were treated very poorly. We understand that people have internal biases that cause people to treat some people worse than others. But this is not okay. The pandemic is not a reason to treat people, who do not look like you, as if they have no dignity. It is not okay to use profanity repeatedly with customers. It is not okay to ignore and to take customers later who came first. It is not okay to yell at customers who are simply informing you of their presence in an even-toned voice. We just want to be treated fairly. We just want to be treated like people too. We are always trying to support small businesses but this time we had to take our business elsewhere. read more

My house is very near this place and they still charge the flat $50 delivery fee on gravel. The woman on the phone whose name is lynn has a bad attitude and is very condescending. She also cant wait to hang up on you. I guess business must be that good. She charges $80 per unit of virgin gravel while others were charging low 40-55 per unit. Take your business to Bee Green recycling. They are friendlier and has a lower price. read more

A small business with all the right things you need. I wish I'd know this place existed all these years. The staff are professional and kind, and they are quick! I got a delivery of gravel the next morning! Prices are great, and the service is fast and efficient as well as courteous. read more

We (myworkshed) started building hardscapes and Larms was helpful and timely with their supplies.

Left voicemail. No return call. Called again. No Pickup. Finally get through and midway through asking pricing on inventory (how about a website?), the gal tells me "I *actually* have a customer at the counter" CLICK. Because clearly I am not looking to buy anything or get their attention... Guess, I'll be dropping my $10K at Lyngso across the Bay. read more

Not open Sunday as listed on Yelp. Easy to fix and I'll change the rating. Tucked in just off the High Street exit of 880 in Oakland.

A couple of years ago, I purchased what I thought was a bag of dolomite lime from Larms. I was going to use it in my garden, until I realized they'd accidentally sold me the wrong product: Dolomark Line, the stuff used to make lines on athletic fields. I didn't catch the error until I'd already mixed some of it into the soil--and was none too happy to read that the stuff can cause cancer. It was a completely understandable error, and I figured it would be easy enough for them to either trade the bag for the right stuff or just give me a $7.88 refund. Not so! Instead, when I presented my receipt and asked for a refund or exchange, I was treated in an incredibly rude and condescending manner in front of all the other customers in the store. "Can't wait to see how you handle THIS one!" laughed one employee to the guy who was waiting on me, as though what I was asking for was totally unreasonable. Having been treated so poorly, and over something that would have been so easy to fix, I turned on my heel, left the fifty-pound bag of product on the floor, and walked out. Perhaps I shouldn't have given 'em the one-finger salute, a gesture that so enraged the goons behind the counter (one was named Duke Hubbard--let's call the other one Big Moronic Fatty) that they actually CHASED ME TO MY VEHICLE with clear intent of personal assault. I just barely made it inside with this red-faced fool screaming, "You can't do that to me!" Would you believe it gets even better? Oh, it does. When I attempted to drive the hell away, Big Moronic Fatty rounded the corner with the 50-pound bag I'd left behind and dumped it onto the hood of my car. When it failed to cause any real damage, he hoisted it back up and, get this-- HE HEAVED IT INTO MY WINDSHIELD, SHATTERING IT COMPLETELY. Somehow the heavy bag didn't fall all the way into my lap, but hung suspended in a web of windshield glass. I sat there stunned and shaking for a few minutes, trying to collect myself and decide what to do. I didn't have the Oakland Police Department's number in my cell, and because I wasn't physically hurt I decided not to call 911 (a huge mistake, I now realize). The goons had run back inside, so I got out of the car, carefully lifted the bag out of the destroyed windshield, set it down, and got my ass out of there as quickly as I could. The owner of this business, Nick Derdevanis, is extraordinarily lucky I didn't take him to court after his employees assaulted me, because I could have stripped him bare. I wish I had, but it's too late for that, alas. Instead, I accepted replacement of my windshield and called it a day. But it's NOT too late for everyone else: stay the hell AWAY from We Will HARM You's Building Materials, unless getting assaulted by store clerks is your idea of excellent customer service. Mr. Derdevanis stands behind his employees' behavior, because they still work there. Neat, huh? read more

these guys are an absolute pleasure to do business with. Don't expect much hand-holding as they serve mostly contractors and serious do-it-yourselfers. answer every question to ask about your project and they will never steer you wrong. read more

Be very, VERY careful about the charges and contract; we were grossly overcharged. Foolishly offering up a credit card for some concrete, we didn't realize until too late that they charged us **Fifty** dollars for a -broom-. Yes, a broom. $50. for a broom. There are many businesses who offer a service at a competitive rate, and then overcharge in unexpected, predatory ways...beware. read more

This place is a Gem; especially , for small and low income projects. It's best if you know what you want before you go there; but, if you don't, the staff is happy to help you pick what you need. Cubic yards of cement of all grades and high quality are made fresh. Special trailers to haul the stuff are available for rent at low rates per day and are professionally hooked up to your towing hitch by the staff. Everyone who works there is friendly and helpful. They even provided the trailing ball for my hitch and installed and uninstalled it as well. The cement was easy to handle and set up perfectly. The trailer has a hydraulic jack that lifts the bin for easy pouring and cleaning. The lady at the front desk is a lot of fun and a treat to work with so treat her well. Don't forget to hose off the trailer bed before you return it and catch the drain water so it doesn't spill in your driveway or make it's way into our sewer system. Of course, save everyone the headache and be sure to return your trailer well before they close. I'm surprised I actually heard people criticizing them for not being told they had to do this. Isn't that obvious? How stupid can some people be? What ever happened to common courtesy? The employees want to go home just like everyone else. What about the other customers the next day who are going to need that trailer for their projects? My first project was delayed because several trailers were not returned the day before and we had to postpone the project a day because they ran out of trailers early and we couldn't get started first thing in the morning. Why do people concentrate so much on themselves today? We all have to live together, right? Does anyone realize how stupid and selfish they seem when they complain publicly about being charged for being a day late and a dollar short and not being verbally told they had an obligation to return a company's equipment before it closed? Obviously, you don't want to take responsibility for you're own costly mistake. Be a man about it for God's sake! Don't blame the victim! If that's not so obvious to you, than you also might want to know that they expect you to bring back an empty as well as clean trailer. Take the time to carefully measure and calculate the cubic volume you need before ordering it! That's right, they can't and don't take back unused cement and will charge you a disposal fee; and, not refund your money. So if you have more than you need, make some rocks in your yard. LOL If you don't want a lot of rocks you can't use taking up space in your yard, guess what, neither do they! A little common sense and courtesy and you will love this asset to our community! If that's too much to ask, go somewhere else, please! This place is a bit hard to find so use the High Street Northbound on ramp to the 880 freeway as a guide. The place is on the same side of the street as the on ramp and is right next to it. If you remember that, you can't miss it. This is the second time this year I bought cement from Larm's and I will definitely repeat. I recommend this establishment to everyone. read more

I was looking for firebrick. They have it. They carry a dense firebrick like one would use in a fire place. I'm building a forge. I think this will do. They also carry fire clay. I'll probably go back next week to get the fire clay once I figure out what to mix it with. I was also impressed with their selection of raw materials such as rock of several types, marble, slate, and masonry tools. They also have the 2 yd. concrete trailers. Looks like they sell a lot of concrete. This place is a good resource. -jd read more

Got a 1/2 a cubic yard of cement in one of their nifty trailers (free but you need to leave a deposit). Trailers are somewhat dirty but they do the job. Saved me tons of work because I didn't need to mix it myself. The woman that works their is quite a character. read more

I had a good experience with Larms-- I called about getting some rock for a backyard project. They were helpful on the phone and even helped me to properly estimate the amount I needed for my project. The delivery arrived right on time and they were able to put the rock right where I needed it. I'll definitely be using them again. A good fact to know: they can deliver 2 types of rock at the same time with their split dump truck. read more

Walk in and the woman behind the counter started screaming at me because I drove through the lot. There was no other way to go since a truck was blocking the other direction. I said sorry dear, she cut me off saying dont call me dear. Wtf is her problem? I am there to get materials. I am not there because I am bored without other things to do. I would not go there again if everything was free of charge. read more

This place could be better. Some of their staff is friendly and helpful. Some (one guy who used to always work on the weekends) of their staff is drunk and lost. The last two times I went their for half a yard of 3/4" drain rock I got way too many fines (small rocks) in my scoop. One time I went there during business hours on a Sunday and they were closed. One time I went there to pickup concrete and the machine was broken so I had to go back later in the day and do the job by myself (my FIL had to leave midday). It's a local place so I'd like to give a better review, but they're just not reliable enough for more than 3 stars. read more

Larm's is great. We needed 3/4 yard concrete and this is a great way to get it. You can get 4,5 or 6 sack mixes. Everyone was really helpful and I was in and out fast. The trailer pulled like a dream with a regular truck. I think the price is only a little more than if I had just bought the materials. Great experience and great value. read more

Larms Building Material - Concrete - Building Supplies Near Me - Oakland, California

I will give 5 stars for the fact alone that they have concrete carts that you can attach to your truck with a hitch if you are in need of a small amount of concrete. You can also get sand,rock etc by the ton. Plus all the concrete finishing tools that you may need . This is a spot more for contractors or trades people. I don't think the people are into answering a bunch of questions for diyers , probably hit up home depot down the street for that. Oh yeah they also deliver read more

I have worked with Larm's over the years and found them to be quite good, knowledgeable. The sales people are helpful and the delivery people great. Philip Anderson HDR Remodeling Berkeley Ca read more

My first experience with purchasing material from this company and it was absolutely terrible. I don't write many bad reviews but Larm's Building Material can count on their employee Lynn for delivering the worst customer service imaginable based on other reviews I am now reading on Yelp. Lynn was very rude, condescending and unprofessional over the phone from the get-go when providing her credit card information over the phone. When confronted about her rude tone over the phone she became passive aggressive about it and tried claiming she wasn't being rude. Lady if that's the way you talk to people on the norm it's a miracle you have a job in the first place. Maybe the owner of this company is oblivious to her work etiquette but I'm sure if he/she took the time to actually read or even care about these reviews then something would be done about it... because based on other's reviews for this company it's nothing new that their employee Lynn has always had a stick up her derriere! read more

I got a yard of concrete from them this week. All went well with first load. I came back for more and had the wisdom to ask what time they closed. At 5:00PM he said and the trailer needs to be back at 4:45. If not there is a $20.- late fee per hour. I then asked, what if I come after closing? That will be $300.- I was informed. Lucky me I asked! They had not offered the information and I was not inclined to read a page of small print for renting a concrete trailer. I paid then for the additional concrete they already mixed, which they had to dump and left. Buyer be aware. Flat tire? Traffic on 880? It will cost you $300.- if something happens. This is a free country and they can build in $1000.- per minute if they want. I just simply defies business logic where I stand and not telling me before I rented was really shitty. read more

This business was a great resource for a small patio repair job at home. I bought base rock and 1/4 yard of concrete and used one of their trailers. They gave me five bags of base rock but we only used four, and they allowed me to return the extra bag. I got the impression the staff is used to dealing with contractors and other people who know what they are doing. They are not a cuddly group, but they were helpful and patient with this inexperienced DIY-er. Previous reviews were mixed so I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was extremely happy with the balance of service and cost. I spent less than $100, which I thought was an exceptional value for saving me the time and effort of having to buy bags and mix my own concrete. I will definitely return to Larm's for future home improvement and landscaping projects. read more

This place is the real deal. Loud, hectic, and a bit crazy because of the contractors coming in and out (true drive-through service) for gravel, rock, and sand. Be careful where you park. They have patio/driveway pavers and concrete wall blocks. Good source of gravel, delivered, for backyard garden projects. Best if you know what you want when arriving. They deliver and you can count on them - rare enough anymore. read more

My wife just called and said that Larms was delivering our material. Imagine my delight to learn they were stacking the blocks on my tarp and NOT just offloading pallets in my drive. Nice job! read more

Do not pick up their phone. Went out there at 4:30 on a Monday afternoon, and they're close even though their posted hours are 8 AM - 5 PM. I guess they don't really need your business. read more

Nick Derdevanis and team at Larms have always been professional, gave good advice, good prices and good service and I thoroughly recommend them. Keep up the good work Nick larms, we want you guys around for a long long time. read more

This Sat morning 08/04/18 my father, two others and myself called Larm's during a discussion of home renovations. The call was placed on speaker for everyone to hear when it was answered. My father proceeded to ask, "Are you guys open today?" (Seeing as it is Sat), which a woman then replied, "well I'm answering the phone right" as she laughed in the background. Before my father could ask her their closing time she hung up. My father then called again as it was a time sensitive project and closing time was important, to which the call was ignored and proceeded to voicemail. We tried to call again, to which the call was then ignored again. I then called from my cell phone which is a restricted ID always. I got an answer from the same woman, after her intro I asked, "hi who am I speaking to?" She answers, "Larm's ...." , I then proceeded with, "No what is your name as in who am I speaking to?". Her reply blew my mind as to how rude she was! She replied with "well I don't know you're the one calling restricted what is your name". "You're hanging up on customers, all I need is your name." I said to her. When I tell you that I asked this woman if she was refusing to give me her name as an employee after numerous times of asking her name and verbal attacks from her about me asking her name. All I needed was her name that's it, no need for her to yell, talk over, talk back, or be rude to me, you were already rude to my father on speaker. Still in a room with other people. But anyways she gives her name, LIN then hangs up. Seconds later my fathers phone starts ringing. I answer and it was LIN from Larm's on the other end asking why he was calling restricted and if he had anymore questions since we were so concerned about her hanging up. First off, at this point she has hung up on us, yelled, been rude, denied her name, now called the customer back to harass them after she is the one hanging up every time. Anyways I grab the phone and ask her if it was her job to call customers back to which she didn't even let me finish my sentence before lashing out in anger again. I asked her who her boss was & she replied "my boss is god who's your boss" which she continued to repeat over and over. I then asked who she reports to, who was her manager, she replied that she was the manger 'right now'. I asked again who she reports to which she refused to answer. Anyways I told her a little about her rude manners and lack of professionalism where I could as the whole time she yelled & talked over me. Since when did Larm's start offering customer call back harassment to their list of services?? When a customer calls phone etiquette is crucial, it gives a taste of what type of service someone will receive from a business. This woman was rude from the initial encounter of answering the phone and smeared the business name completely with her lack of professionalism and harassment and treatment of customers!!! read more

Very condescending place. I have now had 2 bad experiences so I'm only going to Morgan Bros. in San Leandro. They are very helpful and have a much better selection!! read more

This place is a good place to get retaining wall materials. I placed a pretty good sized order and there was 1 brick off. The owner himself delivered it personally to correct the situation. Thank you. read more

Larm's has alot of unique stuff. Their greatest advantage is that they are visible from a major street. Go and take a look at what they have, find what you like, then call around. You'll find most of the stuff can be found elsewhere for significantly cheaper (I've found them to be between 20%-50% higher than anywhere else). read more