How To Find Those Hard-to-Find Building Supplies

Common building materials like lumber and steel framing fly off shelves, but when you need something more unique, you might not be able to easily find it. This can lead to frustration and dead ends in your search. 

While it might take some creative searching and out-of-the-box thinking, there are plenty of ways to find hard-to-find building supplies. 

CHECK ONLINE MARKETPLACES AND FORUMS 

Even if a material is seemingly impossible to find, you’re likely not the first person to have the exact dilemma you have. Search online forums within the construction industry for information about where to find materials, or consider looking at places online you haven’t looked before. You probably typically go to a building supply store first, but you may have luck on other sites. 

Searching through websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, and even reading Reddit threads, can help you either find what you’re looking for or get some resourceful tips. However, keep in mind that materials might take longer to be delivered if you’re ordering them from a non-local shop. 

ASK YOUR NETWORK

The best source of information is likely beside you at work or in your phone’s contact list. Reach out to your network of contractors and tradesmen to find out where they’ve found hard-to-find building materials in the past. They might even happen to have what you’re looking for themselves. 

REACH OUT TO MANUFACTURERS DIRECTLY

Rare, discontinued, or just plain hard-to-find building materials could be easier to find when you go straight to the source and contact manufacturers directly. You’d be surprised what might even be sitting in their garages or warehouses. 

Even if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, they might be able to steer you in the right direction. 

PLACE A CUSTOM ORDER WITH MILLER’S

At Miller’s Building Supply, we pride ourselves on finding what our customers need. Our staff will talk with you about your project and what you’re looking for, then find and place the order through our custom order program. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will go the extra mile to find special products that are hard to find with other suppliers. We’re here to help find what others can’t. 

Learn more on our website or stop by and see us at 1819 East Monroe St in Goshen.