I'm shocked by all these terrible reviews. When I go to Rafael Lumber, they always help me. They carry my wood, they load the car, if I ask. They cut wood at the last minute before closing. They've cut custom sizes for me. They've ordered custom steel pipes for me, and when 1/2 arrived slightly different, they had it corrected the next day. Great prices on solid wood interior doors, prehung options, and even custom sizes. All arrived perfect and quite quickly. They've always been super helpful. read more

Love these guys! They are very nice and helpful. Their selection of molding is incredible and their hardware side is also very good. They will talk over a project with you if you are a DIY guy like me. I'll be back! read more

Richard is always incredibly helpful whenever I stop by. As a DIYer, I don't always know exactly what I need, but he asks the right questions, understands the project, and gives clear, practical recommendations. I never feel upsold or rushed, just supported. He makes every visit efficient and stress-free. read more

Good products especially if you are looking for oil based stain. A bit pricey. Terrible customer service especially from a man named Richard. He is rude, sarcastic and overall hostel. Very unpleasant to go into the store and ask for any kind of help. read more

Best darn local lumber store in the bay area! So happy it's here because home depot isn't the spot. read more

Rafael Lumber - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Rafael, California

I went in to Rafael Lumber needing the parts to assemble missing cable portions of a gymnastics apparatus. As I was asking the technician there for lengths we realized we would need to assemble them to get the correct cut. The technician went out of their way to help me assemble the parts to ensure we had the correct lengths. I left not just with the pieces of assembly, but with a completed part. Incredibly helpful! read more

This is an excellent lumber store. It has an expansive variety and is well stocked. I'm writing this review because an employee there has so impressed me with his outstanding customer service that I want to mention him. His name is Andres Reyes. Every time I go to this store I look for him because he is very knowledgeable and goes out of his way to help me. He is excellent. read more

It's great to be greeted by an employee at the door who takes you to the exact spot where you need to be for what you want. I love that compared to being left to wander or run into someone who says aisle 15 or 16, and then goes on. That said, the selection was very low--pandemic supply chain issues, I presume. Special orders take a while--not their fault--but do stay on top of them, nonetheless. And, employees don't have great expertise, likely due to pandemic turn over. Be careful when placing special orders that you can refuse if it's wrong. read more

Several years ago I wrote a review of Rafael Lumber -- not a good one...and some employee/manager counter-reviewed stating that I did not know what I was talking about. Now, years later, I still resist going there (except for convenience's sake), it's a disaster. Negative attitudes, lack of interest, self-serving, insensitive to customers, long-lines be damned...the bad energy just sucks the air out of the room. Went there this morning...I left asking myself why didn't I drive 5 minutes farther to Home Depot. Definitely will, next time. SHAME ON YOU ALL. (for the employees who are doing a good job, I encourage you to tell your lazy peers to clean up their acts or quit -- they are giving you a bad name.) read more

I am not a builder nor have easy access or space to use power tools. What I needed is available Rafael Lumber thank goodness! I set up two large aquariums on wrought iron stands. They needed wooden shelf support under the tanks. With measurements in hand I was guided to the best material to handle the weight. They cut it and the finishing molding to size at no additional cost. Last weekend Rafael Lumber helped me select the right materials to replace the top of my drafting table. Absolutely flawless service - I am so grateful!... read more

Rafael Lumber - Wooden 'shelf' on wrought iron stand for 75 gallon goldfish tank. - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was kicked out of line because the owner needed paint? I was waiting in line to be helped and the person said it's for Anderson and the worker said oh right away. Sounds pretty terrible. then the customer turns to me and says sorry for the owner. read more

I visited Rafael Lumber a few weeks ago now looking for plywood to use as flooring for our trailer renovation. Having no luck with the poor wood selection at Home Depot, I decided to go to a local lumber yard. I also figured it would be supporting local even though I would be paying more. After doing a search of the lumber yards in the area, I settled on Rafael Lumber because it seemed like they were the ones that would have what I was looking for, and they are only a couple miles from my house. I took my truck over there in the morning on a weekday and man the place was a zoo. I was surprised how much more they had for sale in addition to wood. It is kind of like an ace hardware mixed with a lumber yard mixed with a custom cabinet/furniture company. Anyways, after walking around for awhile with no one offering to help out, I found some wood that would work. Albeit, it was the only option for what I was looking for. There were no prices anywhere and they had a very limited selection of plywood so I just sucked it up and bought it (Come to find out it was $10+ more per sheet). I went out back and loaded almost all the sheets until a guy came over when I was basically done and offered to help load the last one. My experience here was nothing to call home about. No one offered to help me find what I was looking for, and basically no one helped me load the truck. Their plywood supply is super small and it seems like a place you would go more for trim, moldings, 2x4's, etc. read more

When in San Rafael and Lucas Valley this is my source for stock wood, finishes, paints and tools. Good and wide selection. Friendly staff to help. read more

Came here to buy some wood and screws with my nephew to build a planter box. My nephew is 10 and has allergies. A man working here ~55yo Grey hair, said to my nephew after sneezing "get that kid out of here he should be at home or in a mask" (mind you children under 12 are not required to wear masks) I told him that he was 10 and had allergies. We began walking away. When we came back he started again. I did not refrain from letting him know he was out of line. My advice to Rafael Lumber is to hire some decent folks who have a clue how the world works and how to treat people and children with basic courtesy and etiquette. Or maybe just let your employees know the rules and to refrain from acting like they're the Coronavirus mask nazis. I will be shopping at Fairfax lumber from now on. read more

I really hate going to Rafael Lumber. There are two things I can always count on. 1. Being treated like an inconvenience 2. Paying more than I really should. I assume they offer contractors much better pricing Today did not disappoint me I only go there as a last resort read more

Barry T. writes a little note about the history of Rafael Lumber. Maybe Barry t. who is allegedly the manager ,should call the store sometime and listed to the curt , rude , answers given to clients. Most times I call , and oddly enough im looking for information of what is in stock or pricing, the stool jockeys who answer the call seem put out at having to answer questions. its almost like they are surprised that someone would call into a lumber yard asking about lumber. odd, Maybe Barry t. should pay attention to the serfs who work at the store to see if they are in fact driving away more business rather that welcoming business. just a thought. read more

Very disappointed in the poor service experience. Having spent over $5k in lumber and other supplies in the past four visits, I'd expect good customer service and professionalism. Instead it's potluck. The inside lumber manager is a poor communicator, rude and suffers from anger management issues. I've had three interactions with him. Each time, he points out that he's the "manager" and makes you feel like you're wasting his time. Today's experience included telling me to bring my own 20 foot piece of lumber around so it could be cut (while he and another guy stood idle). Sorry, I can't actually take down, carry and balance a 2x10x20. At $20 a linear foot, I also shouldn't have to. When a very helpful coworker told me I'd be charged for three cuts (ten pieces of wood all cut to the same sizes - and three saw motions), he changed that to 10 cuts and told me rudely "we're not here to cut you're whole project". Wait, what? Make the three cuts (or let me do it) and let me go about my day. While other members of the floor team are generally friendly, regularly offering help and knowledgeable, real "management" tolerates rude behavior with this guy and the spotty behind the front desk guys (I agree with the other posts on this). The store stocks lumber you can't find elsewhere, but if this is the accepted norm, I'll be limiting my visits. Another $750 spent today to get anger and meh. read more

Philip, at Rafael Lumber, went above and beyond expectations when helping me locate and order foundation vents approved by marin wildfire org. This is a wonderful local store with great customer service. Sue read more

I have been a genral contractor in Marin for over 20 years and always purchased my material from Rafeal Lumber. The staff there is friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. They always have what I need. The staff in the trim department is very helpful and friendly. If they don't have what you need, they will get it for you. I highly recommend Rafale Lumber for all you construction needs. Mick - MK Builders read more

I had to go online to write about two separate great customer service experiences I had at Rafael Lumber. One was with Will, who used to be a plumber. He was able to steer me in the right direction with regard to a new faucet for my kitchen sink. He knows his fixture brands: which brands give you the best value for your money and which applications the various brands are best at (kitchen vs. bath). The other great experience was with Elena, who knows paints & coatings inside out. She helped me evaluate a low-VOC polywhey natural coating vs. a VOC-free natural oil floor finishing product. She knew both products very well and helped me make a final decision about which to use. Whenever I go to Rafael Lumber, either someone comes up and asks whether I need help, or if I don't see someone, it's pretty easy to find someone who can help. If you need guidance with anything related to hardware or building, check them out. read more

I went to San Rafael Lumber in search of grab bars and house numbers! Seeing me searching the isles, I was approached by a young man, offering assistance! He showed me various grab bars, I needed one for outdoors in black, he brought a spray can and showed me how to spray it black - wow, the outcome is great! He also helped me select new house numbers! Thank you Ian for turning my hardware store visit, which can be overwhelming, into a pleasant productive experience! read more

I went to Rafael lumber for the last time today. The customer service is horrible and the staff and check out clerk were rude and insulting. Do yourself a favor and spend your money at a store that treats you like they care. read more

Word of advice San Rafael Lumber - Don't be condescending jerks to polite customers. Don't swear loudly when discussing your personal life with your coworker while customers are patiently waiting for your assistance. Don't make people feel like they greatly inconvenienced you when they ask simple questions. I dropped 3k on doors today, it was not at San Rafael Lumber. Go to Golden State down the road if you want to be treated like a human. I will never spend money here again. read more

Rafael Lumber is probably okay for buying lumber. As a hardware store there are better choices. If you buy anything and have to return it don't wait. The 30 day return policy is strictly enforced. Do not special order merchandise or building materials. All special order sales are final. It's hard to believe that they don't take credit card payments over the phone. You have to be in store to pay for your order. Check prices on-line prior to purchasing in store. Your best bet is to patronize the better hardware store choices in San Rafael and skip this customer service disaster. read more

The worst service ever. Very rude and unhelpful. Don't bother spending your money here. Find a business that cares.

This is the only hardware store I will go to now. They are super helpful, go out of their way to make sure I understand what I am doing (because I never do) and what I need (because I never do) as I try to save myself money by doing things myself (lacking all experience and skills). And the reason I keep going back is that unlike some other places I've tried in Marin, they never talk to me like I'm some dumb woman, they never make me feel unwelcome in that store, or patronize me with sexism. I really appreciate the culture of this place. read more

both google and their website says open to 5pm on Saturday so I drove 40 minutes. They closed at 4pm and all kinds of cars driving out of the parking lot because they also thought the same. How about some consideration for your customers and updating the hours on your website. Not hard to do and takes about 2 minutes !!!!! read more

Updating my 2019 review, since it seems to be featured and gets a lot of views. . . A few things have changed for the better, some for the worse. Redwood is still a problem; Even if they have the size I need, the quality can be very poor - I end up sorting through the stack to find wood I can actually use. Lately, the pressure-treated 2 X has been similarly problematic. Regular 2X4 Doug Fir can be good, or sometimes the whole unit is spalled and twisted; I never know. Prices are generally higher than Golden State Lumber. I still get lumber here though because of their hardware selection; I can do a one-stop shop and get going on my job. They still have the best selection of mouldings and trim profiles in Marin. There's a pretty high turnover of folks who work in the moulding shed; some of the new folks are really helpful. The manager of the dept (name escapes me) has been really responsive a few times, and I appreciate his attitude. I still hear "the owner orders it, and we don't know when we'll get more" for some of the flat stock, usually cedar. There's also a policy of having to buy full lengths of siding, even if you only need a short piece. The main store mostly has what I need; it's still the best selection in the County in a general hardware store, but there have been notable empty spots on the shelves of late - perhaps COVID related. Stock is almost always mixed up; items are in the wrong bins, mixed together with other items etc. Elena is no longer working in the paint dept, or the store; get your paint elsewhere if you need actual help. Seriously. I don't really trust the door shop to provide decent service, product, or honor a warranty. Sadly, Mission Wood Products has closed its doors; there's no longer a good place in Marin County to get doors. And that said, there's one guy in the plumbing/electrical section - older and soft spoken, glasses, quietly going about his business, from whom I know I can always get the help I need. One or two others on the floor are similarly good. (Though I did have a conversation with one who made some jaw-droppingly horrific generalizations about "Mexicans" and Asians.) And I still appreciate the staff behind the counter. I see that others have had bad experiences with them and that's probably valid - I know for a fact that they are not treated as well as they should be and it probably "splashes" over onto customers. Still, I'm in there sometimes a few times a week; we know each other, and I appreciate the service they provide, down to their sympathy for my frustration when I can't get what I need. I know my business. I know what I need when I walk through the door, where to (generally) find it in the store, and what not to buy or try to find there. If that doesn't describe you, you may not have a good experience. If there were a place in Marin that had good quality, helpful staff, was well stocked, with decent prices, I would recommend them, and not go back to Rafael Lumber. But there is no such place, so Rafael Lumber still works for me. read more

I called yesterday to special order some siding that needed replacing and was told by my roofer to ask for Andy. Andy had left for the day so I was transferred to a very loud man who started to raise his voice and began to yell at me. He was so loud and rude I had to hold the phone away from my ear and eventually just said "I'm sorry I have to hang up - you are shouting " So I am going to their competition-Goldenstate Lumber- who were at least polite on the phone! I could not give Raphael my business because of this initial encounter and will never understand why someone running a business for profit would be stupid enough to be so rude to a paying customer! read more

I'm a licensed - bonded and -Ins . . . blah blah blah - Rafael lumber is about as good as it gets - if your expecting someone to fall all over you at a retail store you better go to Macys. They have a huge inventory of everything you need to build a home and the prices are close to that toilet H.D. So if your a cry baby because some kid making 15 bucks an hour did not wash your feet I'm glad you did not call me about your addition you have shopped for 5 years. I think I should have given them 5 stars - cept the younger black haired guy at the door center is a jerk . . . read more

I went to pick up some lumber and was sent over to the Asian older lady at the register. She was RUDE and Condescending to where I was ready to just drop my items on the floor and walk straight out. When I was picking up my lumber outback 3 employees were standing nearby and I brought up her Rudeness and they all agreed that is the way she is every day. Sad that Rafael Lumber has decided to treat their customers that way.... I guess it is back to the Big Box Store.... read more

I usually like going to Macbeath's, but I recently moved to San Rafael, and a handyman told me he shops at Golden Gate and Rafael Lumber. So, I have been to this store numerous times since I moved to San Rafael, because, unfortunately, Macbeath's is too far away. Some of the employees are very friendly and helpful. However, others are genuinely miserable humans who shouldn't work in customer service. One person seemed insulted that I did not take his advice on what kind of wood to buy for my own project and proceeded to insult me with barely veiled criticisms of stupidity because I decided to buy the kind of wood I decided on for my own project. I guess he must really be having a bad marriage, or, as someone else wrote here, the morale at this store must be so low that employees take out their shit on customers. I guess insulting customers and making them feel bad is this store's specialty. I am so not going to this store anymore. read more

Jacksons, Goodmans, Fairfax lumber, Golden Gate lumber, yes even Home Depot. Maybe even 7-11. Go ANYWHERE else for hardware and lumber needs besides Rafael lumber. This review is long overdue, but the service at this place is laughably bad, rude, incompetent. The cashier dudes behind the counter seem to hate their jobs, their customers, probably their wives, maybe even their dogs. How are these cashiers so arrogant and condescending? It boggles the mind. Have a question? Forget about it, find one of the quiet dudes walking the aisles or better, a fellow customer. It took me about half a dozen times to go to this place to find something and have them treat me like crap before I said you know what, I can go across the street and not be treated like crap anymore. Save yourself time, trouble, energy, and an unpleasant start to your day. Shop anywhere else other than Rafael lumber. read more

JLL Builders purchase doors and windows exclusively from Glenn Anisman at Rafael Lumber windows and doors. I have been purchasing all of my windows and doors from Glenn for 20 yrs. his product knowledge and attention to detail has helped my clients and I improve their homes, businesses and multi-family projects locally and in multiple states as well. If you need windows and doors go to the local expert, Glenn Anisman Manager at Rafael Windows and doors read more

I'm a home owner, not a tradesperson. And I don't purchase anything in volume. But when I need customer service and knowledgeable help, I go to Rafael Lumber, not to Home Depot. Home Depot may have a more liberal return policy, but could luck finding anyone at Home Depot to help, let alone someone knowledgeable read more

I had a horrible experience at Rafael Lumber and I'm glad, from reading the other reviews, that I'm not alone. I was shocked at how blatantly rude and sexist one employee was. My husband and I were shopping for baseboards, I had done all of the advance research and I asked one employee some questions. He proceeded to stare straight at my husband, who was standing farther away from us, as he answered each one. Would never look at me. Then, as I went down the aisle to point out which baseboards we wanted, he loudly said to my husband "wow, I wouldn't bring my girlfriend to the hardware store. Takes so much patience". I left the store feeling like sh** for no reason whatsoever. And it's too bad as the place has lots of great stuff but I'll never go back. read more

Great lumber store, I've had an account there for 13 years! I've ordered all my windows from Glenn. What more can I say. read more

Very organized and professional operation. After a disastrous visit down the street to Golden State Lumber where they ended up selling me something they didn't have in stock, I went to Rafael Lumber. The counter person was very helpful gave me three choices. When I asked where to pick up the product he told me exactly where to drive my truck and which door of which building to park near. I then was greeted by two very helpful yard people who loaded me up in no time. The yard inspector wished me a happy New Year on the way out! Rafael Lumber will be my first choice in San Rafael for building materials from now on. read more

I was gunshy about heading here for my 8x4' plywood requirements, but the stuff they had in stock at Yardbirds was warped to heck. "Ah what the hell, I'll see what they have." Local shop, large stock. Some staff members were clueless, others were extremely helpful. Rolled out of there within 20 minutes with not only the plywood I needed, but they ripped and cut it to the sizes I wanted for a couple extra bucks. Which was a huge bonus, because it meant I didn't have to drive home with giant sheets tied to the roof of my Jetta. read more

Went in looking for a new front door. Met with attitude from the start. And they didn't have a price list. And the credit card machine was down. Bought a plumbing part, "you got cash? Or you can leave your card information. There's a guitar I've been looking at." I'll never return and don't recommend. read more