Lumber

Frequently Asked Questions

Nope! Just tell us what you're trying to build or repair. We’ll help you choose the right lumber for strength, weather resistance, or appearance.

Pressure-treated wood is treated to resist rot, insects, and moisture. It's ideal for outdoor use like decks or fences.

Yes, but make sure it’s off the ground and not exposed to moisture to prevent warping or mold.

Of course! Our team is happy to assist with loading. Just ask at checkout.

We provide a vast selection, including pressure-treated lumber suitable for ground contact, plywood, exotic hardwoods, and mouldings. Our inventory is one of the largest in South Florida.

Absolutely! Our Mill Shop offers precision cuts, planing, routing, and joining to meet your project's specifications.

Softwood (like pine) is lighter and more flexible, great for framing. Hardwood (like oak or maple) is denser and better for furniture or flooring.

No—it’s a botanical classification, not a durability rating.


Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, softwood from conifers. Some softwoods (like yew) are harder than certain hardwoods (like balsa).

Yes! Bring in your measurements or project idea, and we’ll help you calculate quantities.

Board footage helps determine how much wood you’re buying. It’s calculated based on thickness, width, and length.

Yes, unless it’s pressure-treated. Untreated wood will rot or warp outdoors without proper sealing.

Yes—and sometimes it's stronger.**
Wood glue creates an incredibly strong bond, sometimes even stronger than screws. But using both glue and screws is best for most projects, especially when strength and precision are needed.

Technically, no—it’s a grass.


It’s one of the hardest, fastest-growing materials around, but it doesn’t come from trees. Still, it’s strong and stylish for many wood-like applications.

No - Some wood rots quickly if exposed to moisture. Go for cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber to resist rot, insects, and the elements.

No-Burning pressure-treated or painted wood releases toxic chemicals into the air. Only burn untreated, seasoned firewood.

A 2x4 refers to thenominalsize before the lumber is dried and planed. The actual dimensions are typically about 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Standard plywood is not waterproof. However, there are moisture-resistant varieties, like marine-grade or pressure-treated plywood, designed for humid or outdoor environments.

It depends on the application. Sealing indoor wood (like furniture or trim) can enhance durability, prevent staining, and improve appearance—but it’s not always required.

Grain patterns, color, weight, and smell can offer clues. Bring a sample to Shell Lumber & Hardware and we’ll help you identify it.

Hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

We stock a comprehensive range, including builders hardware, construction hardware, general hardware, locksets, keying supplies, and window & door hardware.

Yes, our extensive inventory includes both common and unique items. If you need assistance locating a specific product, our knowledgeable staff is here to help.

Absolutely. Bring it in and we’ll help you find a match or suggest a better solution.

Yes! We offer key cutting services for most common house and padlock keys.

Not necessarily. We offer many items in bulk or as single pieces. Just ask!

Yes, we stock both to meet a wide variety of needs, including international repairs.

Nails are great for quick assembly and flexibility. Screws offer better holding power and are easier to remove.

Yes, as long as it's unused and in the original packaging, we’ll gladly help with an exchange.

Yes! We have handles, knobs, hinges, drawer slides, and more in various finishes and styles.

Absolutely. Bring in a sample, and our staff can help find coordinating items.

Many tools are versatile, like an oscillating multi-tool or cordless drill. But for the best results, using the tool designed specifically for the task often leads to safer and more precise outcomes.

Latex paint is water-based, easier to clean, and more flexible—great for walls and ceilings. Oil-based paint offers a durable finish, ideal for trim and cabinetry, but requires stronger solvents for cleanup.

Not quite. Tape measures vary in length, width, lock mechanisms, and measurement units. Some even include fractional markings for easier reading.

WD-40 is a cleaner and moisture displacer more than a long-term lubricant. For ongoing lubrication (like door hinges or bike chains), use silicone or white lithium grease instead.

It depends on the wall type (drywall, brick, concrete) and the weight of what you're hanging. If you’re unsure, our team can guide you to the right size and type.

You’ll need a hammer drill for concrete or masonry, along with a masonry bit. Standard drills typically won’t provide the necessary impact.

Drywall screws are typically black phosphate-coated, coarse-thread screws designed to grip drywall to wood or metal studs without tearing the material.

A Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip, while a flathead has a single flat blade. Each is designed for a different type of screw head.

General

Frequently Asked Questions

Shell Lumber & Hardware operates during the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Shell Lumber & Hardware is located at:
2733 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33133

Shell Lumber & Hardware Distribution & Export Center is located at:


2430 NW 38th Street Miami, Florida 33142

Hours:

  • Saturday: 8AM - 12PM
  • Sunday: CLOSED

KLI Shell Lumber & Hardware is located at:


102265 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037

Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 7AM-5PM
  • Saturday: 8AM-4PM
  • Sunday: Closed

 You can reach the store via:

  • Phone: 305-856-6401
  • Toll-Free: 800-621-6391

Email: Support@ShellLumber.com

Shell Lumber & Hardware is a full-service store offering:

  • Building materials
  • Tools
  • Fasteners
  • Paints
  • Exotic hardwoods and plywood

Pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact

The store also provides delivery services from Palm Beach to Key West.

If you choose Free Store Pickup and purchase items available as "Store Pickup Today," you should receive a notice that your order is ready the same day. Larger orders may take up to 1-2 days to prepare.

 Orders may not be canceled or changed after 2 business hours. If your order status shows "Approved," it is already in process and cannot be canceled.

Yes, any product not in stock can be sourced through the Special Order Department, which will find the best price for your project.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase for unused items in their original packaging. Certain items, such as face masks and other COVID-19 related products, are final sale and cannot be returned. Returns on volume purchases or special order items will incur a restocking fee. View Our returns policy.

Shell Lumber and Hardware offers multiple shipping options, including delivery by Shell truck. Note that they do not ship via FedEx on weekends or holidays, and processing orders takes 1-2 business days before shipment.