This store used to be great.... My experience/opinion now is that it really sucks, especially the store manager Dennis Schmit. I was just finishing up the purchase of almost $8,000 for a SawStop table saw. As the store employees were bringing the saw out to my rental truck, the internal mobile base broke. They had another saw on the showroom floor with the part that broke in it, but they didn't want to pull from that saw to fix mine. They also were not willing to deliver it to me. They offered absolutely nothing to compensate for my $185 rental truck, or my time to take the day to come get the saw. They just wanted me to eat all my time and expense and wait for the replacement part to arrive and for them to install it. I had absolutely no fault in this. It broke while in the store's possession, yet they wanted me to bear all of the time and truck rental expenses a second time to pick up the saw a week or so later. I thought that was ridiculous and said that they can fix it with the part in the saw on their floor, they could deliver it to my house for free since I already paid for the truck once. Or, they could give me money back. Dennis Schmit chose to refund my money. My salesman later came up with an idea of a store credit as a third option. I was good with that, but again the store manager Dennis Schmit said "no". I will never shop at the Sumner Woodworker Store ever again. I truly hate to badmouth a small local business, but sometimes those businesses have just gone bad. In my opinion, this is one of those. read more

I parked in this stores lot because it was one of the two stops I was making in Sumner. I first visited Eternal Soul Bowl then was going to go to Sumner Woodworker Store as my last stop. While I was in Eternal Soul I got a text notifying me of a situation that made me have to head home and forgo my trip to this store. I get in my car and start driving down the road and notice an elderly white man and his dog are blocking the road in front of me. I roll down my window and it's the owner of the store telling me he's about to tow my car. This bitter old man starts yelling at me, asking if I can read, spewing profanities, and wouldn't hear anything I had to say. I was flustered and couldn't get a word in to explain. He kept insisting that I go back into his lot because he has a tow truck on the way. Like he seriously thought I was just going to go put my car back in the lot to get towed . I apologized profusely and remained calm but he continued to spew profanities at me, screamed at me "wake up!" and got too close to my window. It ended with him screaming at me to "get the fuck outta here!" I don't know if he was extra hateful because I'm a young black woman and didn't think anyone like me could POSSIBLY be a customer of his store but be VERY careful shopping here. I was literally only parked in his lot for maybe 15 minutes. If you do decide to give this place your business, make sure you IMMEDIATELY enter the business after parking and leave IMMEDIATELY after you're done shopping...even if you have multiple stops, you have to move your car in between or risk getting towed. The owner is seriously unstable and aggressive. Beware! read more

The best experience!!! The store is beautiful, with a lot of unique pieces so you feel like you're in a museum. Went in looking for a large wood slab, and we found a beautiful maple piece that was super affordable!! Everyone was so helpful in offering suggestions on how to stain/seal without being salesy...I'm definitely going back for our next project! read more

Sumner Woodworker Store - Isn't she a beaut! This is the maple slab we purchased with a natural sealant. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Sumner, Washington

If you're looking for some sort of Home Depot type of experience, you're in the wrong place. This store is for serious and knowledgeable woodworkers and craftsmen who don't need their hand held. That said, I've never had a bad interaction with an employee here. They don't hover around you (which is good) but it's not hard to find one if you have a question or something and they are friendly and helpful when needed. I go here for the exotic wood selection. There's not really another place close by where you can find it. Having a Rockler basically in their store is a huge plus. Overall, this place is like a candy store for me, and I wish I could spend thousands and thousands of dollars there! read more

They had what I wanted and saved me a drive to Tukwilla to Rockler. Their salespeople were helpful and answered my questions. The reason for the 3 stars was their pricing was higher than expected. I totally get small businesses but for me paying 30% more for something I can plan my trip to Rockler just doesn't make sense for me. I will keeep them in mind but will need to price check before driving there (30 min drive one way)). read more

I talked with someone in the store on Saturday and had them place a tool on hold, saying they had one left in stock, after a 50 minute drive to pick up they said they did not have one!!! I needed it this day so ended up wasting my entire day chasing one down in Bellevue, just horrible customer service half the staff doesn't know a damn thing, The last time I was in a was purchasing a Festool sander and the guy selling it to me said what a minute Im going to go to the bathroom, waited ten minutes for him to bring the tool, They obviously don't care for their customers!!!!!!! read more

Coming in from out of town I was floored by the knowledge of the staff and selection of products this independently own shop had to offer. Because of airline travel I couldn't purchase much.... Next time I'll be better prepared! Don't miss an opportunity to stop by and to support these folks! Art Fahie , Maine read more

They have a huge selection of wood, tools, & everything else. And for those who complain about customer service, all I can say is, when I needed specialty materials they didn't carry they gave me the names and phone numbers of 2 places that did carry the materials. When I needed customer length saw blades they game the names, number, and directions to where I can get them made. When I spoke to them about how I intended to use my saw, they asked me if I had 10 minutes for a tutorial on how to setup and maintain my saw for how I wished to use it. Answering questions I hadn't even thought of yet, and I hadn't bought my saw from them. During our talk I mentioned my dust collection and they asked me for another minute to show me how to ground it properly to avoid the shocks I was getting. Again, I hadn't bought the dust collector setup from them... They've always been very helpful to me, very polite, and I believe my examples above show how they put the customer first. My wife loves their bin of small exotic cutoffs. They are perfect for signs, plaqued, and accent pieces. And usually only $4-$6 each, some are a little more, but when I want a small piece of bubinga or zerbra wood or similar to use in a sign or as accent, I don't have to buy a large board I just grab a piece whilst I'm there or passing by... read more

I am a beginner. I have a lathe and was trying to sort what I needed to get started. I was assisted by a man who was both patient and knowledgable. It was the best customer service I have experienced in a very long time. I came back a week later to get a couple more things and was disappointed I didn't see the man who had helped me. It turned out another employee helped me and he was as nice and helpful as the first. I will be back often! read more

Bad customer service. Didn't want to answer questions, standoffish manner and made us feel like we weren't wanted there. Won't be returning.

I brought my 8 week old infant child to the store and parked in the summer woodworking store parking. I wanted to price out some Ashe for an upcoming Roubo workbench build. After leaving the store I decided I was going to go buy an outfit for my daughter in the baby store next door. The owner of Sumner Woodworking came out of the store yelling at me telling me, saying if I didn't buy anything I can't park in his parking lot. At first I thought he was joking because he was so worked up. As he continued to scream I quickly learned he was serious. I explained to the owner that it would be just as easy to ask me to move my car, but he did not want to hear me. It is sad as I have always had great experiences with other staff. read more

I was very unsatisfied with the customer service, or rather no customer service, at this store. During the entire hour, there was NO acknowledgment nor greeting from ANY of the staff at the entire store, though there was only one other customer there. The pen kit selection was unfriendly and confusing. It would take hours to pick out a pen kit because you have to read each package's small print--Other stores have pics or samples for quick reference. Wood selection for pen kits was non existent to minimal. No classes nor demos available at this store, though there appears to be room. Not friendly and not worth the visit. read more

This is a great family run local business, from Dave to Michael, to Dennis . They know their stuff . There is also another retired guy that makes turning wheels and is super friendly and knowledgable. However there are 2 guys that are the laziest workers, in friendly, you walk in and they look at you. This has happened multiple times. I always give the benefit of the doubt. These guys maintain this behavior every time I have been in. My shop neighbor builds kayaks and will not go to this store when they are there. This is why I'm not giving 5 stars. They always have great coffee and cookies too. read more

This place has became our newest favorite place to shop. Sometimes we just go there to smell the wood and tools. *giggle* The service has been awesome. Very helpful employees. My husband and I are just getting into woodworking and love the selection of woods they carry. I highly recommend all woodworkers to check out this place. read more

Fantastic help! Great to have all of the general finishes products so close and knowledgeable people to answer my questions.

I have always enjoyed shopping here. Knowledgeable staff and always willing to answer questions as well as guide you in finding what you need. I've been a customer for years now and will continue being a loyal customer. read more

I have been going there for almost 20 years and have always been pleasantly greeted by the staff and they are friendly and helpful. Selection is good to great on most items. Coffee and cookies too! read more

At the end of a terrible interaction with the owner, he told my 12 year old son and I that we were free to take our business elsewhere. We did and so should you. Plus I have heard that their materials are overpriced anyways. read more

Not going to buy the $1500 band saw without turning a knob. Yep Ill never go in that store again.

I don't know why there are so many reviews complaining about customer service. I go here all the time and have found them to go WAY over the top to advise and help, and not just in a way that sells products. When there's a better, cheaper way they let me know. Everyone here is extremely generous with their knowledgeable and time. I've found this store to be a great resource not just for supplies but also expert advice. If you can't take a bit of gruff now and then maybe go to Home Depot? read more

I really like the organization and cleanliness of the store. In addition it has a good selection of hardwoods, power tools, and woodworking related items. Prices were competitive. A couple of the employees would be better served to have a little less attitude however. (The rating would have been much higher had it not been for that) L Snider read more

Its like walking through ANY woodworkers ultimate toy store There are an infinite selection of tools , information , wood, and projects. The staff is always helpful . For me they always take an interest in my past and future projects read more

Wow!!! One of the better kept secrets in Pierce County. The Sumner Woodworker Store is family owned and operated wood hobby supply store featuring what may be the best supply of fine woods on the west coast. In addition they carry several brand options in major woodworking tools as well as a wide selection of supplies for fine woodworking. They seem to be adding to their variety of products continually. They became an affiliate of the Rockler Company about 2 years ago which widely increased their variety of products. I've bought several major and accessory tools from them along with supplies for projects and am always treated with the utmost courtesy and assistance. Most of the employees are hobbyists themselves and are more than happy to help you find just the right tool or product for completing the project at hand. I won't bother to go on about them any further. It's a place you have to see for yourself to believe. read more

Prices are moderate but a very expensive store to visit. Their product selection and knowledgable staff result in my family buying lots of neat stuff. read more

Place is small and employees are very rude, did not even say hi when i walked in the door and i walked around the store for about 45 min and not one person asked me if i needed help. The hardwoods are overpriced and there is no carts to put your wood in, you must carry everything. I will never return. Cross cut is ten times better. read more

Talk about amazing knowledge and helpful service and connections! I went into the store with our general contractor regarding numerous questions about tools and types of wood available to update our new real estate office space since he's rebuilding his collection from the east coast; we met the owner, his wife, one of their sons... They were able to give us all of the information and pricing. And if they didn't have what we needed, we were pointed in the right direction. It was a great experience. My GC is excited to be located so near to a well-run and helpful business with many years' experience. read more

The rudest customer service I have ever experienced. I hadn't even stepped on the sidewalk yet and the owner or an employee comes outside to tell me that where I parked is private lot for their customers only. I was judged based on the fact of having a baby in a stroller and being a woman. I told him that yes honestly I was going to the business next door that sells children items but I was planning on getting wood from the wood store for my husband. Of course he asked did I know exactly what I was looking for and I said no not exactly I'm building a garden herb box for inside my home. He didn't believe me and continues to yell and tell me to pack up my baby and get out if that parking lot. I said I will be taking my business elsewhere and making sure to tell others. I line to make signs and they have great wood bur will find elsewhere to go. Just because I am a younger woman and had my baby with me he had no right to judge and jump to conclusions. Horrible customer service before even stepping onto their sidewalk I was across the street. read more

I actually just left this store having had one of the worst customer service experiences of my life at this store. I was waiting outside in a customer parking spot for my boyfriend, who was coming in on the train from Seattle. He had been to the store a few times, and because I grew up in carpentry, he wanted to take me there. Him coming in from the train was the perfect excuse to go and I only had to wait for five minutes. I was passing the time watching a YouTube video until he got there, and suddenly there is a very sweet looking old man knocking on my window. I rolled it down and he asked if he could help me and my exact words were "oh I'm just waiting for boyfriend to get off the train before I come inside". This man literally scowled at me and yelled "OUT!" And I said "okay well I guess you won't be getting our business". He then told me that I'm free to shop there but that this is not a train waiting station. I calmly explained to him again that while yes, I was waiting for someone to get off the train that it was because we were planning on shopping with him, but that I wasn't going to give a company that treats their customers this way my business. He again SCREAMED at me "FUCKING OUT!" For some insight here, I have chronic migraines and was in a lot of pain after working a ten hour day. I could not see to move my car, and this man who is easily as old as my grandfather is screaming at me because it took me four minutes to get out of my car. So I blindly leave, drive in front of the train station, and my boyfriend gets in the car. He started driving to the woodworking store and I told him about my experience and he decided he wanted to go in and speak with the man who scared the crap out of his girlfriend. We found him, and my boyfriend said "excuse me but did you just yell at my girlfriend" his respone was "no" and he was smiling. And then he loOks at me, and he says he told me "out" because he thought that I was waiting for a train. My boyfriend said "did she not tell you that we would be shopping here?" And he said "she did- but I'm not a fucking mind reader". At which point I reminded him that he yelled and cussed at me after I explained that I would be shopping there. This old man starts screaming st the top of his lungs, in my boyfriend and my face in the back of the store. If my boyfriend would not have been there, I would have been terrified. We left the store, shaking, and for the first time in my life I decided I had a bad enough experience to call and speak to a manager. The manager was very kind, and wh I told him what happened he said "ma'am I am so sorry for your experience but that was our owner and unfortunately I can't say anything to him about his customer service". The OWNER did this. I couldn't believe it. It made me sick. In my opinion, as a daughter of a man who owns a construction company, this man doesn't deserve to get my business or anyone else's. What an incredibly terrible way to treat a customer. read more