Barrelhead Building Supply Co — Attraction in Newport

Upgrading to a 5 star!

As I've added another major project to our house here, I started figuring out all the ways Barrelhead is so much easier, cheaper to work with. I completely stopped shopping at both Pro Build and Copeland for the following reasons in this order:

They are faster / easier to get in and out of. Especially purchasing, loading and returns. Smaller place with more people working there. Rare I wait in line.

Lumber quality is overall the best in town.

Bulk supplies are cheaper than Pro Build (or at least the same price) and always a lot cheaper than Copeland + more to choose from.

Selection: They have a lot more especially in plumbing and building supplies.

Their ACE type products are cheaper than most ACE hardware stores - they aren't an Ace, but they carry a lot of their stuff. Wish they carried more, hopefully they will in the future.

I don't even price compare anymore. I don't care if I'm spending a little more here, in the end it works out. Only negatives are some of the outdoor lumber - wish it was inside, though they are no different than anyone else in that way. Wish they were open more hours. Also, I wish they carried more hardware store type products. Mostly, I just can't...

Today I was extremely disappointed in the service I received at Barrelhead Supply, a local company which I have frequented since the 1970s when I was the Weatherization coordinator for Lincoln County. I have personally been friendly with both Jim, the founder and Capt'n Ted who became owner after Jim retired. I became accustomed to friendly, respectful, pleasant service from everyone I encountered at the counter, until today. I don't always know what I need, but the person behind the counter has patiently listened to what I needed to accomplish and made knowledgeable recommendations, or kindly explained what I was trying to do wasn't possible and why. Today, the man at the counter had was not particularly friendly, he was impatient and condescending and very unhelpful. I don't know if it is because I am a woman or because I am old, but I felt like my business was just too much trouble, so I took my business elsewhere. I have always left Barrelhead with answers to my questions, suggestions about what I could do and a positive...

They use to have someone who could read a set of house plans, do a lumber take-off, and provide pricing. That no longer appears to be the case, and is kind of a big deal for a lumber yard, especially when competition is 1/2 block away.

Understand people come and go, and we live in a small town, but in my opinion, a lumberyard needs to function as a lumberyard, especially if you are attempting to sell the business. Really need to find a person to fill this void. You appeared to have this service as late as September of last year, now forced to...