Exum Building Supply: What to Know Before You Shop

Exum is a regional building supply chain across South Carolina and neighboring states

Exum operates as a building materials retailer with locations throughout South Carolina, serving both contractors and homeowners who need lumber, hardware, tools, and other construction supplies. The company has been part of the regional building supply landscape for decades, with multiple store locations that stock everything from framing materials to finishing products.

If you're planning a renovation, repair, or new construction project, knowing what Exum carries, where their locations are, and how they operate can help you plan your shopping trip and budget accordingly. Unlike big-box retailers, Exum stores often emphasize local service and contractor relationships, which shapes both their inventory and their customer experience.

Key Takeaways

• Exum operates multiple locations across South Carolina with a focus on serving both contractors and retail customers.
• Store locations, hours, and specific inventory vary by branch, so calling ahead or visiting their website before you go saves time.
• Exum typically stocks lumber, hardware, tools, fasteners, and finishing materials, though specialty items may need to be ordered.
• Many Exum locations offer delivery services for larger orders, which is worth asking about when you're buying in bulk.
• Contractor accounts and bulk pricing are available at most locations, so ask about discounts if you're doing regular projects.

Where Exum locations are in South Carolina

Exum has multiple store locations across the state, but the exact number and addresses change over time as stores open, close, or relocate. Rather than listing addresses that may shift, your best approach is to visit Exum's website or call their main office to confirm which location is nearest to you and whether it carries what you need.

Store hours also vary by location—some open early for contractors, while others keep standard retail hours. Calling ahead takes five minutes and prevents a wasted trip, especially if you're looking for a specific material or tool that may not be in stock at every branch.

What Exum typically stocks

Most Exum locations carry standard building materials: dimensional lumber, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), fasteners (nails, screws, bolts), hand tools, power tools, and hardware like hinges, locks, and door frames. Paint, stain, and finishing supplies are usually in stock, along with roofing materials, insulation, and drywall.

Specialty items—rare wood species, custom millwork, or specific tool brands—may not be on the shelf at every location. If you need something uncommon, ask whether it can be ordered and how long delivery takes. Some locations stock more inventory than others depending on the size of the store and the local contractor base they serve.

Delivery and bulk order options

If you're buying enough material to fill a truck, ask about Exum's delivery services. Many locations will deliver to your job site or home for orders above a certain dollar amount, which saves you the hassle of renting a trailer or making multiple trips. Delivery fees and minimums vary by location and distance.

For very large projects, some Exum locations can arrange job-site delivery on a schedule that works with your construction timeline. This is especially useful if you're coordinating with subcontractors or need materials staged at a specific time. Call your local store to discuss what's possible for your project size.

Contractor accounts and pricing

Exum has long relationships with local contractors, and most locations offer contractor accounts with volume discounts and payment terms. If you're a contractor or doing regular renovation work, ask about setting up an account—the savings on repeat purchases add up quickly.

Even if you're a homeowner doing a one-time project, some locations will offer modest discounts on larger orders. It never hurts to ask, especially if you're buying materials for a full room renovation or major repair. Pricing and discount structures vary by location, so what one store offers may differ slightly from another.

How to prepare before visiting

Bring a list of exactly what you need, including quantities and sizes. If you're working from plans—whether architectural drawings or a sketch—bring those too. Exum staff can often help you calculate how much material you'll need for a project, which prevents both shortages mid-project and wasted money on excess inventory.

If you're unsure about material grades, types, or whether something will work for your specific project, ask the staff. Building supply employees at regional chains like Exum often have hands-on construction experience and can point you toward the right product. Knowing your budget beforehand also helps—staff can suggest alternatives if your first choice is out of stock or more expensive than you expected.

Payment and return policies

Exum accepts standard payment methods at all locations. Return and exchange policies vary slightly by store, so ask about their specific rules when you buy—especially for items like lumber, which can warp or be damaged in transport. Most locations will accept returns of unused materials within a reasonable window if you have your receipt.

Damaged goods (split lumber, dented metal studs, broken fastener boxes) should be reported at the time of purchase so they can be swapped out immediately. Don't wait until you get home to discover a problem, because it's much easier to resolve at the register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contractor license to shop at Exum?

No. Exum serves both contractors and homeowners. You can walk in and buy materials without any special credentials. However, if you do contracting work regularly, ask about a contractor account, which typically offers better pricing and payment terms than walk-in retail purchases.

Can Exum special-order materials I can't find in stock?

Yes, most locations can order items that aren't on the shelf. Turnaround time depends on what you need and where it comes from—common items may arrive in a few days, while specialty materials can take longer. Call your local store with the specific product name or specifications to get an accurate timeline.

What's the difference between shopping at Exum versus a big-box retailer?

Exum is a regional chain with smaller stores and staff who often have construction backgrounds. You may find more personalized service and contractor-focused pricing, but inventory is smaller than at national chains. Big-box stores have more selection and lower prices on some items, but less specialized help. It depends on what you need and whether you value local service.

Does Exum rent tools or equipment?

Some Exum locations offer tool rental, but not all. Call your nearest store to ask what's available. If they don't rent, they can usually point you toward a local rental shop that does.

How do I find the Exum location nearest me?

Visit Exum's website or call their main office for a current list of locations, hours, and phone numbers. Store locations change occasionally, so checking online or calling is faster and more reliable than relying on an old address.