Business Details
Your Trusted Source for Building Supplies in Vancouver
Northern Building Supply has been a trusted name in Vancouver's building materials industry for over six decades. Established in the 1960s by Bert Thomas, our family-owned business has grown into one of the largest single-location building supply outlets on the West Coast. With a 3.2-hectare complex strategically located near the Knight Street Bridge, we serve both residential and commercial clients across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Our team of experienced professionals, many with over 20 years of tenure, offers expert product recommendations and industry knowledge.We maintain extensive inventory of lumber, plywood, hardware, electrical supplies, and specialized building materials while providing prompt delivery services from Whistler to Chilliwack. As active members of the Building Supply Dealers Association of British Columbia, we combine generational expertise with modern service standards to deliver competitive pricing and comprehensive contractor support.
Services
Lumber Products
Concrete Supplies
Electrical Supplies
Plumbing Materials
Paint Products
Drywall Supplies
Roofing Materials
Power Tools
Hardware Tools
Delivery Services
Highlights and features
- Family-owned with 60+ years of Vancouver construction industry experience
- Extensive inventory of 1000+ building material SKUs in stock
- Experienced staff with average tenure exceeding 20 years
- Prompt delivery across Lower Mainland from Whistler to Chilliwack
- Competitive contractor pricing with daily price matching available
Associations and certifications
- Building Supply Dealers Association of British Columbia
What people say
Go-to store
Expert advice
Competitive prices
Reliable delivery
Friendly service
Services
Lumber Products
Northern Building Supply offers comprehensive lumber solutions for construction projects of all sizes. Our inventory includes softwood, hardwood, engineered wood products, and specialty timbers. Professional staff provide expert guidance on material selection for structural integrity and project requirements.
Concrete Supplies
We supply full-range concrete materials including bagged cement, rebar, formwork systems, and curing supplies. Our experienced team assists with product selection and offers technical support for both residential and commercial applications.
Electrical Supplies
Our electrical department stocks wiring, conduits, fixtures, and safety equipment from trusted brands. Knowledgeable staff help contractors and DIYers find code-compliant solutions for residential and commercial installations.
Delivery Services
With a large fleet including crane-equipped trucks, we provide reliable delivery across the Lower Mainland. Our experienced drivers ensure timely, safe delivery of building materials to job sites from Whistler to Chilliwack.
Plumbing Materials
We offer comprehensive plumbing supplies including pipes, fittings, fixtures, and specialty tools. Our inventory covers major brands and material types, supported by knowledgeable staff for technical assistance.
People
Alex Thomas
Co-Owner
Third-generation building supply expert with 30+ years industry experience. Oversees operations and strategic direction at Northern Building Supply.
Gord Thomas
Co-Owner
Manages day-to-day operations with 28 years of building materials expertise. Focuses on maintaining family business values and customer service standards.
John Thomas
Co-Owner
Responsible for procurement and supplier relations. Brings 25 years of specialized knowledge in construction product sourcing and inventory management.
Questions
What building materials do you stock?
We carry lumber, plywood, electrical supplies, plumbing materials, concrete products, roofing supplies, paint, hardware tools, and specialized construction materials.
Do you deliver building supplies?
Yes, we offer delivery services throughout the Lower Mainland from Whistler to Chilliwack using our fleet of trucks.
Are you a family-owned business?
Yes, Northern Building Supply has been family-owned since our founding in 1960 by Bert Thomas.
What payment methods do you accept?
Please contact our store directly to confirm current payment options as this information wasn't specified in our materials.
Do you offer contractor pricing?
Yes, we provide competitive contractor pricing with daily price matching available for repeat customers.
How experienced is your staff?
Our team includes professionals with average tenure exceeding 20 years, offering extensive construction industry expertise.
Reviews (4)
Andree Designs
Dec 02, 2021
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I called to confirm they had the lumber I needed, they told me they had it in stock, I drove 30 min. to pick it up and turned out, they didnt have it. When people call and ask if you have material, have your employees call the yard to make sure you have it. Or better yet, update your inventory system so it doesnt show material in the computer that you dont have in the yard. What a waste of my time.
Aiaz Mohammed
Oct 16, 2021
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From bulk hardware to dimensional lumber, Northern has it all and at competitive prices. Definitely beats the big box retails for service and selection!
Nick
Jun 30, 2021
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Love this place. Loads of character, helpful staff and you don't have to walk kms to find what you need (Rona, Depot, Lowes etc). Support the small guys.
Tim Lark
Mar 31, 2021
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Management is good the the labor guys don't want to work. I had to move stuff in my own truck while the guy watched me.
