Building materials supplier · Santa Cruz, CA · reviewed since 2012
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 against the other companies in this category (Satisfaction and Reliability also count absolute quality: 65% absolute, 35% relative), then weighted:Satisfaction 54%53+28.8Reliability 24%42+10.2Momentum 14%56+8Replies to reviews 7%77+5.5Experts Score= 52Not enough data for craft & service, value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.52SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#17 of 20 hardware storesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 16%
4.5★★★★★281 Google reviews · 24 photos
75%five-star reviews
4.17★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate San Lorenzo Lumber 4.5 out of 5 based on 281 reviews, noting the owner responds to 53% of comments. Customers frequently praise the knowledgeable staff, helpful service, and extensive selection of plants, lumber, and home improvement supplies at reasonable prices. However, recurring criticisms highlight high prices compared to competitors and instances where employees did not proactively greet or assist shoppers, leading some to feel unwelcome or ignored during their visits.
Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 281 reviews (75% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 281 Google reviews (158 with written comments, 8 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 53% of reviews.
Most recent review: August 11, 2026.
Service: Hardware Store serving Santa Cruz, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Score profile vs other hardware stores
Percentile per factor (100 = best)iPercentile vs other companies in the category: 70 means better than 70% of them.. Strongest: replies to reviews and momentum; weakest: reliability.
This companyHardware Stores median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 38% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; 65% absolute (3.5★ = 0, 5★ = 100), 35% vs the category.San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers is better than 53% of hardware stores. Category median: 66.C
53
ReliabilityiReliability · 17% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months, or the 20 newest if fewer (fewer = better); 65% absolute (0% = 100, 15%+ = 0), 35% vs the category.San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers is better than 42% of hardware stores. Category median: 57.C
42
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · 20% of the scoreGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review with highlights; 65% absolute (0% = 100, 10%+ = 0), 35% vs the category.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
ValueiValue · 10% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), 35% vs the category.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · 10% of the scorePenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100.San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers is better than 56% of hardware stores. Category median: 100.C
56
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 5% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), 35% vs the category.San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers is better than 77% of hardware stores. Category median: 42.B
77
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
281 Google reviews we collected
4.5of 5
5 stars21275%
4 stars3914%
3 stars124%
2 stars52%
1 star135%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 158 written reviews
88%praise
Praise9488%
Complaints1312%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude5955%
Price & value1918%
Quality & results1817%
Honesty & trust44%
Speed & response33%
Communication33%
Would recommend11%
What customers talk about
We read 158 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Everyone is knowledgeable and super helpful, it is a pleasure going there!”
“Good selection of home building tools and materials at reasonable prices.”
“Want to be overcharged 3x for everything.”
“among many things we need some lumber cut it to size and Mark did a great job advising us and getting exactly what we needed.”
“The store is grate the staff is horrible.”
“There are helpful and genuine employees there, too.”
“This is a fast and convenient lumber store they even custom cut wood”
“Then the lady at the register explained that they are located in the quote “shady area “ that’s why he’s rude to people 🤦🏻♀️ So save yourself head…”
“Would definitely recommend for contractors and people working on large products.”
People customers mention
Depot4 reviews
Felton3 reviews
Street3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
WilliamLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Good selection of home building tools and materials at reasonable prices.
dustyLocal Guide · 128 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★
Well,.other than old-school lumber yard, with trust and easy checkout, the inside is consistently workers talking amongst themselves, until You Ask for help.
Then, most act like theyre doing you the hugest favor.
Prices quite high relative to comp.
For me, its the way lack of customer service and care. Ive spent…
DanielLocal Guide · 83 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
We are new to Santa Cruz and San Lorenzo Lumber is around the corner from our place. This place is a jewel, besides having great selection of products and lumber what makes it special is the team there. Everyone is knowledgeable and super helpful, it is a pleasure going there! among many things we need some lumber…
joeLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 9 months ago★
Tried contacting there business dept regarding a refund several times but no reply. I have closed my account with them due to several reasons but most of all, their prices. Compair prices.
MonicaLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★
Gorgeous selection of plants indoor, outdoor, veggie starts, herbs, etc. Prices were fair and everything was easy to find.
Staff pretty much ignored us, which is fine because I didn't need help finding anything, but one employee was watching me struggle to maneuver my cart around an enormous garden hose that was in…
LizLocal Guide · 84 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Gorgeous plants and lots of variety. Maybe a little pricier, but great quality plants.
Absolutely wonderful place. Very large selection of well cared for plants.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Hi Tammy, thank you so much for your 5-star review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our large selection of well-cared-for plants. We look forward to welcoming you back to San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers soon!
William LewisLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews William has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Good selection of home building tools and materials at reasonable prices.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thanks for your review, William Lewis! Serving Santa Cruz with reliable construction materials, hardware, and knowledgeable support is our focus. We hope to see you again soon.
Jo PolitoLocal Guide · 103 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hello Jo Polito! We are so grateful that you took the time to share your feedback about our building materials store here in Santa Cruz. It's our pleasure to serve customers like you!
dusty boydLocal Guide · 128 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews dusty has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Well,.other than old-school lumber yard, with trust and easy checkout, the inside is consistently workers talking amongst themselves, until You Ask for help.
Then, most act like theyre doing you the hugest favor.
Prices quite high relative to comp.
For me, its the way lack of customer service and care. Ive spent last 4 months remodeling a large home, tried them about 8x, wont be going back.
Inside workers need to check themselves. Allow us people spending thousands there- employ you.
Probuild, big box owned, shows.
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Mr Boyd, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We‘re deeply disappointed to hear about the challenges you experienced during your time with us. We hold our team to the highest standards and regret that we didn’t meet those expectations. We have sent this feedback to management for further review. If you still need assistance, feel free to reach out to our Customer Engagement Team at 844-487-8625 or [email protected].
Daniel ArtusiLocal Guide · 83 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Daniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are new to Santa Cruz and San Lorenzo Lumber is around the corner from our place. This place is a jewel, besides having great selection of products and lumber what makes it special is the team there. Everyone is knowledgeable and super helpful, it is a pleasure going there! among many things we need some lumber cut it to size and Mark did a great job advising us and getting exactly what we needed. Eric in the paint department was also super helpful. What a delight is to go shopping to San Lorenzo Lumber on River St.
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thanks so much, Daniel Artusi! Our team here in Santa Cruz truly appreciates your feedback—it keeps us focused on delivering top-tier service every day.
joe martines (J.M. const.)Local Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews joe has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Tried contacting there business dept regarding a refund several times but no reply. I have closed my account with them due to several reasons but most of all, their prices. Compair prices.
Theodore RoseLocal Guide · 26 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Theodore has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Gorgeous selection of plants indoor, outdoor, veggie starts, herbs, etc. Prices were fair and everything was easy to find.
Staff pretty much ignored us, which is fine because I didn't need help finding anything, but one employee was watching me struggle to maneuver my cart around an enormous garden hose that was in the middle of the store posing a tripping hazard. She didn't try to move it or help at all. So not the greatest staff in the world, but the plants! Tons of varieties of sages and California Natives. Will definitely be back.
Response from the owner · a year ago
It was a pleasure serving you, Monica Martinez. Thanks for the feedback our team looks forward to your next visit here at San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers!
Liz BlacklockLocal Guide · 84 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Liz has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Gorgeous plants and lots of variety. Maybe a little pricier, but great quality plants.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you, Liz, for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the variety and quality of our plants. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to San Lorenzo Lumber and Home Centers soon.
Mike SherwoodLocal Guide · 40 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mike has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I think at least four people walked by me; not one asked if I needed help. Another thing was, a young lady was feather dusting everything. She noticed me and walked right by. When I ran a hardware store, you didn't let a person walk in without greeting them within 30 seconds. We would say, "Good day, how are you? Do you need help finding anything?" Nothing of the sort at this place. There was even an older gentleman putting up stock in the door aisle by the bathrooms who didn't say anything. There was a young lady putting away tools in the Milwaukee aisle who walked by me, closed the gates, put the padlock on, and went back to stocking tools.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Hello Mike. Thank you for taking the time to reach out. We are sorry to see that you did not have a 5-star experience at our location. Our goal is to provide exceptional service and we apologize if we fell short of this during your visit.
