Rockler Woodworking and Hardware - Maplewood — Attraction in Maplewood

I've been to this location several times and I get more annoyed with each visit over the years. They are either out of stock or there is an issue with a return or the product wasn't up to my standards. Today was the final straw! I called ahead to verify that the store had what I wanted, in stock, like I almost always do, since I have a 40 minute drive. When the gentlemen answered the phone and I asked if they had the item, he quickly said "yes" but he certainly didn't double check, so I told him I was on my way. For some reason, I didn't press him on it and usually I have them hold the item, as well, but this time I didn't. I guess I thought, by the confidence in his voice that they had it. I was planning on head straight there and what are the odds that they would sell out of them in the next 40 minutes, right? Turns out the chances are pretty damn good! I came in asked there the item was located and he showed me the empty hook. Then told me he just sold them all AND it was the same guy I talked to on the phone! I couldn't believe it. I said I just called about that item! He said, "yah I know, I'm sorry about that." My advise, avoid the place if you can. If not call ahead, make the guy actually find the item, and make him hold it for you with your name. I'll never go there again, unless I absolutely have to. That's the kind of service that will run a company right out...

A pretty far drive for me, as I'm from the Chisago area. But man, am I glad I did. Had a hard time finding a nice walnut board locally for an epoxy river wine bottle rack. And it was my first time browsing there as well. But the wood selection is top notch. I'd take that drive for the next 100 projects of mine.

Brian, the charming sales guy, had walked me through some options. At the time, I wasnt sold fully on walnut. But he was incredibly informative of wood species, as well as very relatable in the wood projects catagory. Awesome guy. Even sold me on some bench cookies, that I didnt think I'd really need, but my lord did they come in handy.

When conversing with Brian, he said he'd like to see my project when it was done. So the photo attached is the epoxy river board. I just have yet to attach the wine bottle hardware. But the grain came out beautifully. Very nice contrast with some curly spots in it.

I'm not a fan of pink much. As this is for a birthday gift for a girlfriend of mine. But I'd definitely hang this in my own home just for the wood itself.

All and all, great store, great variety in wood, hardware, tools and supplies. And great pricing. Also, my man Brian needs some recognition....

Whenever I’m in the area I have to stop here, whether I need something or not. Best store ever. I can wander in there aimlessly longer than the wife can do it at a clothing store, or yarn store, or grocery store, or quilt store, or any other snore fest. Plus they do military/vet discounts, which is more than I can say for Menards or Home Depot or whatever that place is called where you have to send a check to whenever your wife runs a red light. Their staff knows a few things about a few things too, and you can find them easily. They might even find you. I’ll never forget my first trip there. It was so bright, like looking into the sun, so beautiful. I was enveloped in peace as I watched the angels checkin out the table saws. I could hear singing and then John Wayne walked up all covered in sawdust and clinging his spurs. He had a jack plane in each holster and one of them was a little closer to the ground, as his belt was crooked. He said “welcome pilgrim,” and to let him know if i need any help with anything. I said “much obliged” while trying to hide my Minnesota accent and bought 2 dollars worth of cedar and a new work bench for my 6 year old. It was the first day of the...