KLI Shell Lumber and Hardware — Local services in Key Largo

I had the worst experience shopping for one by 6 x 12 pressure treated. When I went into the store, I asked for one by 6 x 12 I also got one by 6 x 10 so then I ran into a problem that I needed a longer piece instead of trying to piece it in there to make 13 feet I decided to go to Home Depot and I purchased a one by 6 x 16. I get back and I install the one by 6 x 16 after cutting off about a foot and then realize that it’s not the same size as the ones that I have been buying from KLI. So I go back into the store and the store manager tells me that it’s not a true one by 6 x 12 making me feel like I’m a stupid idiot. If they don’t sell an exact one by six, they should tell the customer that it is not a true one by six not assuming that they know that it’s not a one by six . When I bought it, they did not tell me that it wasn’t a true one by 6 x 12 so when I asked for a one by six, I expected to have a one by six. And the manager acted like I should know this. I’m not a contractor so therefore I would not know this. They should’ve brought that to my attention when I asked for a one by six piece of board and he’s making it seem like Home Depot didn’t give me what I asked for Home Depot did give me what I asked for exactly what I asked for. Yes, it might’ve been a different wood, but it was pressure-treated. The manager there at the KLI Was very rude to me, making me feel like I was an idiot. I will never go there shopping again.. I will be going back in and getting a refund as well because it’s their...

I wish I could write a better review. Prior to the buyout by Shell Lumber, KLI had plenty of product in stock, and their staff was motivated and friendly to serve. Post takeout, several years in, KLI is constantly out of stock on basic materials. Recently a special order that I ordered bulk because of out of stock issues - the order was given away and I was never notified. Yesterday 6/18/25 , we had to go to another vendor for basic steel rebar because our delivery was 2 days late and we were not notified, which caused us to waste a day running around getting the material from another provider so that we could finish a project prior to a scheduled inspection. I absolutely lament having to publicly write this review, because our construction company loves the KLI team, and we want to work with them, and we want to shop local. Unfortunately, management seems to think just in time inventory works - and unfortunately their just in time strategy is pushing many good customers away to their competition. I'm certain they are 'saving' money and their inventory looks fantastic, while their sales figures go down the tube. If they only knew how their reputation has fallen along with their sales......And don't get the wrong idea about my review. I genuinely want them to succeed - because it would help my business run easier, and succeed myself. I hope they can get their issues fixed, and I'm hopeful this review will help...

A bunch of employees walking around or standing in corners avoiding eye contact with customers. After walking around the store a few times looking for somebody willing to help I came across a tall old guy with his hands in is pockets and a scowl on his face and asked him if they had all thread. He spat yes and waited for the next question. Reluctantly, he led me way across the store into a back room and handed me a 6’ piece of all thread. I asked if that’s all they had he said yes as I spotted a 24” piece tucked in a corner. I asked again if that’s all they had and he said yes. After looking in more corners of the disorganized room for the 12” piece I needed I decided I’d had enough and made my way to the register. This place is so disorganized you can’t find anything and the people don’t seem willing to help. The people act like you are bothering them for being there. Maybe we are. Key largo would be a great place for someone to open up a decent hardware store. This is not an isolated incident. I’ve been coming here since forever and there’s always a sour taste in my mouth...