Hitchcock Hardwoods: Where to Find Quality Wood and Building Materials in South Carolina
What Hitchcock Hardwoods offers and where to find it
Hitchcock Hardwoods is a lumber and building materials supplier located in South Carolina that specializes in hardwoods, exotic woods, and reclaimed materials for woodworking, flooring, and construction projects. The company stocks both domestic and imported species, along with tools, finishes, and accessories for craftspeople and contractors who need materials beyond what big-box stores typically carry.
The business operates as a specialty supplier rather than a general contractor's warehouse. If you're working on fine woodworking, custom cabinetry, hardwood flooring installation, or restoration projects that call for specific wood species or quality grades, Hitchcock is the kind of place where staff can discuss grain patterns, moisture content, and wood movement with you rather than directing you to an aisle.
Hitchcock Hardwoods serves both retail customers buying materials for personal projects and professionals who source wood regularly. The inventory changes based on what's in stock and what's been milled recently, so visiting in person or calling ahead helps you find exactly what you need rather than settling for what's on the shelf that day.
Key Takeaways
- Hitchcock Hardwoods stocks hardwoods, exotic woods, and reclaimed materials that general building supply stores do not typically carry.
- The business caters to both DIY woodworkers and professional contractors, with staff who understand wood species, grades, and project requirements.
- Inventory varies based on milling and availability, so calling ahead or visiting in person helps you locate specific materials.
- The store carries finishing products, tools, and accessories alongside lumber, so you can source multiple project needs in one place.
- Hardwood flooring materials and reclaimed wood options make Hitchcock useful for restoration work and high-end interior projects.
Types of wood and materials in stock
Hitchcock carries domestic hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and ash in various grades and thicknesses. These are the backbone of cabinetry, furniture building, and hardwood flooring projects across the state. The store also stocks exotic and imported species for customers seeking specific colors, grain patterns, or durability characteristics that domestic woods don't provide.
Reclaimed and salvaged wood is another specialty. Whether you're restoring a historic home, building a feature wall, or creating furniture with character, reclaimed materials offer authenticity and visual interest that new lumber cannot match. Hitchcock sources these materials and can advise on their structural soundness and appropriate uses.
Beyond lumber itself, the store carries wood finishes, stains, sealers, and oils—products chosen for quality and performance rather than mass-market convenience. You'll also find hand tools, power tool accessories, and supplies like sandpaper, wood glue, and hardware that serious woodworkers and contractors rely on.
Who shops at Hitchcock and why
Woodworkers and furniture makers come to Hitchcock when they need specific wood species or premium grades for pieces where appearance and workability matter. A cabinetmaker building custom kitchen cabinets, for example, needs consistent grain and color that a general supplier cannot may provide. A furniture builder creating a dining table wants to select from multiple wood options and understand the characteristics of each before committing.
Contractors and builders use Hitchcock for hardwood flooring projects, custom millwork, and renovation work where the original materials need to match or where the client's budget supports higher-quality wood. Restoration specialists working on historic homes often turn to reclaimed materials to maintain authenticity.
Homeowners tackling serious DIY projects—building a deck, installing hardwood floors, creating built-in shelving—shop here when they want guidance and materials that will perform well and look good for years. The staff can explain the difference between wood species, help you understand moisture and movement, and suggest finishes that suit your climate and use.
How to prepare before visiting or calling
Before you contact Hitchcock or visit, gather details about your project: the type of wood you're looking for (or the look you're trying to achieve), the quantity you need, the dimensions or thickness required, and the intended use. If you're matching existing wood—in a floor, trim, or furniture piece—bring a sample or a clear photo and note the finish if you know it.
For hardwood flooring projects, know whether you need solid or engineered flooring, the width and thickness you prefer, and whether you want prefinished or unfinished material. For cabinetry or furniture, understand the difference between lumber grades (clear, select, #1 common) and how that affects cost and appearance.
If you're working with a contractor or designer, ask them what they recommend or what they typically source from specialty suppliers. They may have existing relationships with Hitchcock and can place orders or arrange delivery for larger projects.
Pricing and ordering for larger projects
Specialty hardwoods and reclaimed materials cost more than standard lumber from big-box stores, and prices vary based on species, grade, availability, and market conditions. Exotic woods and rare reclaimed pieces command premium prices. Domestic hardwoods in common grades fall in the middle range. Asking for a quote before committing helps you understand the cost and plan your budget.
For large projects—flooring an entire house, building extensive cabinetry, or sourcing materials for a contractor—Hitchcock can often arrange special orders and may offer volume pricing. Calling ahead with your specifications allows the business to source materials, hold them, and sometimes negotiate pricing based on quantity and project scope.
Delivery is usually available for larger orders, though you'll want to confirm costs and timing when you place your order. For smaller purchases, you can typically load materials yourself or arrange pickup.
What to expect when you visit or call
When you visit Hitchcock in person, expect to spend time looking at materials, asking questions, and getting recommendations. Staff who work at specialty suppliers know wood and can discuss grain direction, wood movement in different climates, finishing options, and whether a particular species suits your project. This is not a quick-in, quick-out experience—it's a consultation.
If you call with a specific need, have your details ready: the wood species or look you want, dimensions, quantity, and project type. The staff can tell you what's in stock, what can be ordered, and what timeline to expect. They can also answer questions about whether a particular wood will work for your climate and use.
Visiting in person lets you see grain, color, and finish options side by side and feel the wood in your hands. For serious projects, this hands-on approach often saves money and frustration later because you're choosing materials you've actually seen and approved.
Hardwood flooring and reclaimed wood for restoration projects
If you're installing hardwood flooring or restoring a historic home, Hitchcock's specialty materials make a real difference. Hardwood flooring in specific species, widths, and finishes can be sourced to match your home's era or your design vision. Unfinished flooring gives you control over the final stain and seal, while prefinished options speed installation.
Reclaimed wood for flooring, trim, or feature walls carries the patina and character of age. A reclaimed heart-pine floor or hand-hewn beam adds authenticity to a historic renovation that new materials cannot replicate. Hitchcock can source these materials and advise on their structural integrity and appropriate use.
For both hardwood flooring and reclaimed materials, understanding installation requirements, moisture considerations, and finishing options before you buy prevents costly mistakes. The staff at Hitchcock can walk you through these details and connect you with contractors who specialize in hardwood installation if you need that referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a contractor to shop at Hitchcock Hardwoods?
No. Hitchcock serves both retail customers and professionals. Whether you're a homeowner building a deck, a woodworker making furniture, or a contractor sourcing materials for a job, you can shop there. Retail customers are welcome, and staff will help you find what you need regardless of project size.
What's the difference between shopping at Hitchcock and a big-box building supply store?
Specialty suppliers like Hitchcock focus on quality, variety, and expertise. Big-box stores stock standard lumber and materials in high volume at lower prices. Hitchcock carries hardwoods, exotic species, reclaimed materials, and specialty finishes that general stores don't stock. The staff also has deeper knowledge about wood characteristics and can advise on specific projects.
Can I order materials online or do I have to visit in person?
Contact Hitchcock directly to ask about ordering options. Many specialty suppliers take phone orders and arrange delivery, especially for larger projects. Visiting in person is ideal for seeing wood grain and color, but calling ahead with your specifications is a practical option if you can't visit the showroom.
How far in advance should I order if I need a specific wood species?
That depends on what you need and what's in stock. Common domestic hardwoods may be available immediately. Exotic species or specific grades may require ordering and can take weeks. Call Hitchcock with your specifications and they can tell you what's available now and what timeline to expect for special orders.
Do you offer installation or contractor referrals?
Contact Hitchcock directly to ask whether they provide installation services or can recommend contractors for hardwood flooring, cabinetry, or other projects. Many specialty suppliers have relationships with local professionals and can point you toward experienced installers.