Where carpenters buy
Carpenters keep an account at a lumber yard for framing lumber, trim and doors, and fill the gaps at the big-box stores.
| Supplier | Type | What their own site says | Pro program |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84 Lumber | Distributor | Calls itself the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, with more than 320 stores, door shops and millwork shops in 34 states. | Ask at the counter |
| Builders FirstSource | Distributor | Calls itself the nation's largest supplier of structural building products to pros for new construction and remodeling. | Ask at the counter |
| The Home Depot | Retailer | Calls itself the world's largest home improvement retailer, with more than 2,300 stores across North America. | Pro Xtra |
| Lowe's | Retailer | Runs MyLowe's Pro Rewards for small and mid-sized pros, with points from the first dollar spent. | MyLowe's Pro Rewards |
From each supplier's own site on the date in the sources; call your branch before you plan around it.
Your counter list
The items carpenters buy every week, from the van stock on our tools list. Ask each supplier for a price on these first; they decide which account saves you the most.
| Item | Why it is on the list |
|---|---|
| Finish nails, brads and framing nails | The three sizes you use every day |
| Construction screws and trim screws | Stronger hold where nails will not do |
| Wood glue and construction adhesive | Joints and subfloors |
| Shims and wood filler | Doors, cabinets and the final fit |
| Sandpaper and sanding sponges | Finish prep before paint |
| Saw blades for the miter and circular saw | A sharp blade means less sanding |
For the first order, price the starter kit too: framing hammer, 20 oz milled face; cordless drill and impact driver; cordless circular saw; miter saw on a stand; speed square, framing square and chalk line; 4 ft and 2 ft levels; finish nailer and brad nailer with a small compressor; chisels, block plane and a coping saw; step ladder, 6 ft. Bigger purchases to price at a dealer or rental house: track saw and rail; jobsite table saw; framing nailer; router with a set of bits; dust extractor; wood moisture meter.
Opening a trade account
Bring your business name, tax ID and license number, and a credit application if you want terms. The big-box programs are compared row by row on Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro. For the tools themselves, the carpentry tools list has prices read on the makers' own sites (Bon Tool, Little Giant, Delmhorst).
When supplier prices change
Update your carpentry price list the same week a supplier raises prices. In Koira, that price list is what your estimates are built from.
Sources
- 84 Lumber: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Builders FirstSource: About, checked October 9, 2026
- The Home Depot: About, checked October 9, 2026
- Lowe's: MyLowe's Pro Rewards announcement, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.