In 1921 James A. Sweeney founded West Seattle's Alki Lumber& Hardware Co. at its original location at Harbor Avenue, on the shores of Alki Point. At the time, Seattle was home to countless independent lumberyards. Today only a select few remain, including Alki Lumber, which is now in its fourth generation of Sweeney-family ownership and operation.
When James passed away in 1938, the business continued under his wife Mayme and son, Bill Sweeney. It was at this time that the Harbor Avenue location was closed and Alki Lumber opened its doors at 36th Ave and SW Avalon. In 1957 the business, including the original building structure, were moved across the street to its current location at 4422 36th Avenue SW.
When James passed away in 1938, the business continued under his wife Mayme and son, Bill Sweeney. It was at this time that the Harbor Avenue location was closed and Alki Lumber opened its doors at 36th Ave and SW Avalon. In 1957 the business, including the original building structure, were moved across the street to its current location at 4422 36th Avenue SW.
Services
Times have changed since opening our doors in 1921. But our service philosophy remains the same -- to provide quality building materials and unmatched customer service to homeowners, residential contractors and commercial builders alike. No matter how big or how small, residential and commercial building projects are often complex and may require a strict time frame or budget.
Reviews (21)
Renee H.
Jan 08, 2021
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I wanted to support a local business, I really did. However, it is absolutely disgusting to see half of the staff unmasked and not adhering to Covid-19 protocols. There was an older man at the front of the store that had his mask on his chin and was helping customers. Not to mention, the multiple (almost all) employees outside that had absolutely no mask on whatsoever. The sign on the door said "Max Capacity 5", and there were 15+ people inside.
We have been over this, and the community deserves better. This is direct reflection of ownership and leadership.
We have been over this, and the community deserves better. This is direct reflection of ownership and leadership.
Trai Tollett
Oct 06, 2020
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Fred Northup Jr
Dec 03, 2019
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Kelsey
Aug 19, 2019
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Mark Mallon
Dec 26, 2018
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They get you in and out fast if you need to pick up a few hundred boards. For anything more than two people can carry on their shoulders they use forklifts so they're fast. You can easily save an hour coming to this place over going to Home Depot loading your cart Wheeling your cart and unloading your cart depending on the size of your order.
Matt T.
Apr 02, 2018
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This is not Home Depot or Lowe's. This is your grandfather's lumberyard! They have a fantastic assortment of QUALITY framing lumber and a scary assortment of Simpson Ties. Lots of tools for tradesmen and a very knowledgeable, yet appropriately cranky, staff. Do not go there to browse. Know what you want and be ready to communicate that effectively. This is a store for carpenters and builders.
2018 does not have enough of these stores. Every neighborhood should have one. They are not cheap, but quality and know-how should never be cheap.
I teeter between 3 and 4 stars though, 3 primarily
2018 does not have enough of these stores. Every neighborhood should have one. They are not cheap, but quality and know-how should never be cheap.
I teeter between 3 and 4 stars though, 3 primarily
Alden Prudent
Jan 24, 2017
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Kay R.
Aug 12, 2016
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Experienced amazing and personable service here at Alki Lumber. Was referred here by True Value up near the junction to see if they could help with some things. Drove down, and was taken care of on the spot - thank you so much!! Browsed through the store after and picked up supplies that I needed - needless to say, Alki Lumber saved me a huge headache. Will definitely go back in the future and recommend to friends!
Shane W.
Jul 30, 2016
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Everyone is incredibly friendly and super helpful! I went in there looking for some lumber for my first woodworking project. I honestly didn't know exactly what I was looking for and one of the sales guys walked me through the whole process of choosing the wood type, and picking the right boards. I'll be back again soon to grab wood for some new book shelves to match my new desk.
Frank F.
Mar 25, 2016
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Shane M.
Mar 08, 2016
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Terrible, terrible, terrible. Thought it would be a good idea to support this local business and was charged 40% more than the national retailers and charged 15% fee for a returned item that was unopened in the box. The clerk was rude and argumentative and tried telling me they are charged a 5% credit card processing fee for a return, which is untrue. Do yourself a huge favor and shop the big box national retailers instead. Buyer beware.
Trang N.
Jan 28, 2016
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Don't shop here! Thought we'd support our local small business by buying our home remodel supplies from here. Buyer beware! They charge a 15% restocking fee on returns! We purchased $600 worth of cable railing supplies. Everything fit into a shoebox. We ended up deciding not to use the cable railing for our project. We were charged $80 on the return of UNOPENED products! Never will we ever shop here again.
Allen L.
Sep 15, 2015
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I don't know what this guy Craig Y is taking about with his one star review, this is full of true West Seattle locals, the place has been a fixture of the area for almost a hundred years! The guys will always help you plan your project, very knowledgeable and helpful. The quality of their wood is head and shoulders above home depot and really anyone around. The old guard is passing the baton to younger salesmen, and they are awesome! Anytime we have had would delivered the driver has always been cheerful and happy to help unload. Whenever I am in the yard I never hesitate to ask any one where
Jason F.
Jan 19, 2014
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I'm not exactly sure, but I believe that this place caters more to professional tradesmen. The cuts of wood here seem light years better than some of the crap you get at Home Depot. Also, the variety and selection seem greater. But there's a balance because I believe you pay more for the pleasure.
I did redo my back deck roof at one point it had that wavy green transluscent fiberglass stuff. I ordered steel roofing from ALKI lumber they delivered it and it was awesome. I've ordered other wood from them for some projects and have been more than happy.
I did redo my back deck roof at one point it had that wavy green transluscent fiberglass stuff. I ordered steel roofing from ALKI lumber they delivered it and it was awesome. I've ordered other wood from them for some projects and have been more than happy.
Jei K.
Jul 23, 2013
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Convenient location, fast delivery (most of the time).
Ridiculously high prices.
Everyone there (except the delivery drivers and this one guy) are old curmudgeons and do everything in their power to let you know they hate their lives. Honestly, the delivery drivers are the best part of the business. Extremely chipper and happy to help.
The guys at the front desk are the problem. You can tell they only like working with contractors (old guys like themselves).
The only reason we continue to shop here is because of the location and we want to support local business.
Just thinking about the treatment
Ridiculously high prices.
Everyone there (except the delivery drivers and this one guy) are old curmudgeons and do everything in their power to let you know they hate their lives. Honestly, the delivery drivers are the best part of the business. Extremely chipper and happy to help.
The guys at the front desk are the problem. You can tell they only like working with contractors (old guys like themselves).
The only reason we continue to shop here is because of the location and we want to support local business.
Just thinking about the treatment
Marley B.
Apr 26, 2012
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I set out to build a Giant wooden JENGA set and since I live in a tiny, urban apartment, pined my hopes and dreams of this awesome JENGA set on the talents, patience and willingness of Alki Lumber & Hardware to help me make my dreams come true. Low and behold, when I walked in and laid out my plans to have them cut me 54 10 1/2" long pieces of 2X4s, I was met with a knowing smile and nod and was told that "Heck yes, we can cut those 2 X 4s for you" and "Heck yes, we can even have it ready for you by by tomorrow." And at a great price!
These guys and gals are friendly
These guys and gals are friendly
Ajax A.
Nov 06, 2010
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We stopped in here to get supplies, thinking it would be a great way to support the local biz. But everywhere I turned I saw right-wing political posters and disparaging cartoons of the President, and articles completely taken out of context. It just made us feel very uncomfortable, and we did minimum business with them to avoid any conversation. I have enough on my mind than to worry about what they think of my Latino coworkers.
Hannah L.
Aug 08, 2010
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Dave R.
Jun 26, 2010
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Jesse M.
Jun 15, 2010
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Older gents behind the counter that know exactly what they're talking about, and have to constantly put up with the likes of us fast-moving "can you tell me what I need...". Good place, good staff. If you're not a contractor and you're there, it's probably because you couldn't find what you need at Home Depot, and you need it bad. Considering that that is a significant percentage of their business, you shouldn't be worrying about how "fantastic" their customer service is (and they've always been great with me), and be thanking your lucky stars
Jj G.
Jul 10, 2009
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