Business Details
Your Trusted Vancouver Building Materials Partner
Established over six decades ago, Northern Building Supply has grown into one of Vancouver's most trusted building materials suppliers. As a family-owned business, we combine generational expertise with a commitment to quality, offering a comprehensive range of products from lumber and concrete to electrical and plumbing supplies. Our experienced team provides personalized service, expert advice, and competitive pricing tailored to both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. With a 3.2-hectare facility and a delivery fleet serving the Lower Mainland, we ensure timely access to essential materials.Our affiliation with the Building Supply Dealers Association of British Columbia underscores our dedication to industry standards. We pride ourselves on maintaining strong community ties while adapting to evolving construction needs through continuous inventory expansion and customer-focused solutions.
Services
Lumber Supply
Concrete Products
Electrical Supplies
Plumbing Materials
Drywall & Insulation
Power Tools
Roofing Supplies
Hardware Distribution
Delivery Services
Contractor Support
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of combined industry expertise from our family team
- Our delivery fleet serves from Whistler to Chilliwack with prompt service
- We maintain 3.2 hectares of inventory for immediate construction needs
- Our staff provides expert product recommendations with hands-on experience
- We guarantee competitive contractor pricing with daily price matching options
Associations and certifications
- Building Supply Dealers Association of British Columbia
What people say
Go-to store
Highly recommended
Expert advice
Competitive pricing
Easy to find supplies
Services
Lumber Supply
Northern Building Supply provides comprehensive lumber solutions for construction projects of all scales. Our inventory includes softwood, hardwood, engineered wood products, and plywood sheets in various dimensions. Professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts benefit from expert guidance on material selection, with delivery options available across the Lower Mainland. Our extensive stock ensures immediate availability for both residential renovations and commercial developments.
Concrete Products
We offer a complete range of concrete materials including bagged cement, rebar, formwork systems, and curing supplies. Our product selection caters to both small-scale DIY projects and large commercial developments. Customers receive technical support for material specifications while benefiting from our efficient delivery network covering Vancouver and surrounding regions. Special bulk orders receive dedicated handling through our experienced logistics team.
Electrical Supplies
Our electrical department stocks essential components including wiring, conduits, circuit breakers, and lighting fixtures. Professional electricians access industry-standard tools and safety equipment while homeowners find solutions for residential upgrades. The inventory features trusted brands with technical support available for complex commercial installations. Delivery services ensure timely material arrival at job sites across the Lower Mainland.
Plumbing Materials
We supply comprehensive plumbing solutions featuring pipes, fittings, valves, and fixtures from leading manufacturers. Our inventory supports both residential repairs and large-scale commercial projects with same-day availability for common components. Professional contractors receive technical guidance for system specifications while benefiting from our delivery capabilities spanning from Vancouver to Chilliwack.
Delivery Services
Northern Building Supply operates a dedicated fleet for material delivery across the Lower Mainland. Our transportation network handles orders of all sizes with specialized equipment including crane trucks for multi-story projects. Commercial customers benefit from scheduled deliveries while urgent needs receive priority handling. This service extends our reach from Whistler in the north to Chilliwack in the east, ensuring broad regional coverage.
People
Alex Thomas
Co-Owner/Manager
Third-generation building supply expert with over 35 years in the industry. Oversees daily operations while maintaining hands-on customer service approach. Specializes in construction material logistics and inventory management.
Gord Thomas
Co-Owner/Manager
Building materials specialist with 40+ years experience. Focuses on supplier relationships and product quality assurance. Provides technical guidance for complex commercial projects requiring specialized construction solutions.
John Thomas
Co-Owner/Manager
Operations expert managing delivery fleet and warehouse logistics. Implements efficiency improvements while maintaining family business values. Direct point of contact for contractor account management and service coordination.
Questions
What areas do you deliver building materials to?
We deliver throughout the Lower Mainland from Whistler to Chilliwack using our dedicated truck fleet with crane capabilities for multi-story projects.
Do you offer contractor pricing for bulk purchases?
Yes, we provide competitive contractor pricing with daily price matching options and dedicated account management for professional builders.
What types of lumber products are available?
Our lumber inventory includes softwood, hardwood, engineered wood products, and plywood sheets in various dimensions for residential and commercial use.
Are specialized construction materials available?
Yes, we stock specialized materials including concrete curing supplies, electrical conduits, plumbing fixtures, and roofing systems with technical support available.
What are your store hours for walk-in customers?
Our retail counter operates Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM with delivery services available beyond standard business hours.
Reviews (4)
Andree Designs
Dec 02, 2021
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I called to confirm they had the lumber I needed, they told me they had it in stock, I drove 30 min. to pick it up and turned out, they didnt have it. When people call and ask if you have material, have your employees call the yard to make sure you have it. Or better yet, update your inventory system so it doesnt show material in the computer that you dont have in the yard. What a waste of my time.
Nick
Jun 30, 2021
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Love this place. Loads of character, helpful staff and you don't have to walk kms to find what you need (Rona, Depot, Lowes etc). Support the small guys.
Tim Lark
Mar 31, 2021
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Management is good the the labor guys don't want to work. I had to move stuff in my own truck while the guy watched me.
Marc Robertson
Nov 08, 2020
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First of all I just want to mention that my visits to the store were great experiences. In general the staff were really friendly and helpful. However there is this young man with glasses and a basketball cap who works at the front desk who was extremely condescending towards the other female customers in the store. I have a suspicion that he is the type to disrespect women in general from what I witnessed. Please keep an eye on him or you're going to loose a lot of customers.
