Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
A lumber and building materials category is a great addition to a hardware operation, providing a new source of revenue and opportunities for growth.
Many retailers have faced difficulty in this category recently, as significant tariffs on lumber and building materials entered the scene. In October 2025, a 10% tariff on foreign softwood lumber and timber and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, vanities and upholstered wooden furniture were imposed, with increases imposed at the beginning of 2026.
At the highest levels since 1933, tariffs are increasing costs for consumers in significant ways, bringing an estimated $2,200 per household in added expenses, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute and Datavations. Raw materials like lumber, steel, aluminum and electrical products have surged in price, affecting project frequency and delaying project timelines.
To attempt to soften the tariff blow, offering custom and niche products within this category can bring in additional revenue that offsets the price fluctuations from lumber tariffs.
At Village Hardware & Home Center, with locations in Leipsic and Findlay, Ohio, a cozy sub-category exists among the plywood and timber. The store offers custom fireplace services, walking customers through the entire process of bringing a new fireplace into their home or business.
Start to Finish
Village Hardware offers fireplaces for both residential and commercial customers, providing a range of products from gas, wood, pellet and electric fireplaces to outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, gas logs, patio heaters and garage and shop heaters.
Owner Jeff Evers keeps the whole process in-house, with two employees assisting with scheduling, ordering and managing projects and three on the installation team.
“Our team does the entire project from design and planning to the finishing touches,” says Evers. “We will install the mechanicals, frame the walls, install facades, build or source barn beams and custom mantels, remove any existing fireplace and if necessary, install TVs—we do whatever the project takes to build a beautiful fireplace for our customer’s home.”
The process begins when customers bring their ideas. The Village Hardware staff works with them to create their vision, offering expertise in selecting the right materials and design.
“It usually starts with a quick and simple sketch of an idea,” Evers says. “Our team will make a site visit to look over the project and discuss details. We then complete and send the customer a contract with all those details for approval, order the materials and begin building any custom pieces that need to be constructed in our wood shop.”
Following Through
At Village Hardware, demand for fireplaces stays consistent throughout the year, with peak in-season demand spanning from August to February.
“In season, our demand times extend out eight to 12 weeks, and in the off season we are typically scheduled four to six weeks out,” Evers says.
Evers and his team follow customers not only through the design and installation process, but also after installation for fireplace service. Adding post-installation services establishes an ongoing relationship with the customer, creating long-term loyalty and repeat business.
“We offer service for all brands, a yearly service program, chimney inspections and sweeping,” Evers says. “These services bring in great revenue and are in high demand.”
