Pete's Building & Supply: What to Find and How to Shop There

What Pete's Building & Supply carries and where it's located

Pete's Building & Supply is a locally owned building materials retailer in South Carolina that stocks lumber, hardware, tools, and supplies for residential and light commercial projects. The store carries framing lumber, plywood, drywall, roofing materials, fasteners, hand tools, power tool rentals, and seasonal items like weatherstripping and caulk. Whether you're framing a deck, patching drywall, or stocking a toolbox, Pete's is organized by project type rather than just by material category, which makes it easier to find everything you need for one job in one section of the store.

Pete's operates as a full-service counter operation, meaning staff can help you calculate quantities, suggest materials for your specific project, and answer questions about installation. The store is independently owned and staffed by people who work in construction themselves, so the advice tends to be practical rather than generic. Hours and exact location vary by store, so calling ahead before your first visit saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

• Pete's Building & Supply stocks lumber, hardware, tools, and materials for home repair and light construction projects, with staff who can help you choose the right materials for your job.
• The store rents power tools by the day or week, which costs less than buying if you only need a tool for one project.
• Calling ahead with your project details lets staff pull materials and give you an accurate price before you arrive.
• Pete's accepts cash, card, and often offers contractor accounts for repeat customers who buy regularly.

Lumber and framing materials

Pete's carries pressure-treated lumber for outdoor projects, standard framing lumber for interior walls and decking, and specialty cuts if you order ahead. Pressure-treated wood costs more than untreated but lasts longer outdoors and resists rot and insects—necessary for decks, fences, and anything that touches soil or weather. Framing lumber comes in standard sizes: 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, and so on, and staff can tell you which size you need based on the span and load of your project.

Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are stocked in multiple thicknesses for subfloors, roof sheathing, and wall backing. If you're not sure which thickness you need, bring your building plans or describe the project to a staff member—they'll point you to the right product and often catch mistakes before you buy the wrong material and have to return it.

Hardware, fasteners, and hand tools

The hardware section includes nails, screws, bolts, hinges, door hardware, and cabinet fittings. Pete's stocks common sizes in bulk, so you can buy exactly what you need rather than a full box if you're doing a small repair. Fastener selection matters: exterior screws resist rust better than interior ones, deck screws hold better than drywall screws in structural applications, and the wrong fastener can fail or damage the material you're fastening into.

Hand tools—hammers, saws, levels, tape measures, chisels, and wrenches—are available new or sometimes used. Staff can recommend tools for specific tasks and often know which brands hold up to regular use versus which are fine for occasional projects. If you need a specialty tool for one job, renting is usually cheaper than buying.

Power tool rentals and seasonal supplies

Pete's rents circular saws, miter saws, reciprocating saws, nail guns, compressors, scaffolding, and other equipment by the day or week. Rental rates depend on the tool and how long you need it; a day rental costs less per day than a week rental, but a week rental is cheaper per day if you're working on a longer project. You'll need to show ID and leave a deposit, which is refunded when you return the tool in working condition.

Seasonal items—weatherstripping, caulk, insulation, roofing cement, and paint—rotate through the store depending on the time of year. Spring and fall are busy seasons for exterior work, so stock may be fuller then. Winter brings demand for heating-related supplies, and summer for deck and fence materials.

How to prepare before you visit

Bring measurements, photos, or sketches of your project. If you're building something to code—a deck, a shed, or an addition—bring the local building code requirements or ask Pete's staff which materials meet code in your county. South Carolina building codes vary slightly by jurisdiction, and using code-compliant materials from the start saves you from having to redo work later.

If you're unsure about quantities, call ahead with your project details. Staff can calculate how much lumber, drywall, or fasteners you'll need and have it ready when you arrive. This also lets you know the total cost before you commit, which helps with budgeting. For large orders or contractor accounts, Pete's often offers volume discounts or net-30 payment terms.

Payment, delivery, and contractor services

Pete's accepts cash and card at the register. Many locations offer contractor accounts for people who buy regularly—these accounts typically include net-30 payment terms, volume discounts, and sometimes delivery to job sites. If you're doing multiple projects or working as a contractor, asking about an account can save money over time.

Delivery is available for large orders, though fees and minimums vary by location. For small purchases you can carry, taking materials with you is faster. If you're buying heavy items like concrete, sand, or bulk lumber, asking about delivery options before checkout saves you from overloading your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pete's cut lumber to length?

Most locations offer cutting services for a small fee or free with purchase. Call ahead to confirm your store offers this and to ask about any limitations—some stores cut only straight cuts, while others can handle angled cuts for roofing or trim work.

Can I return materials if I buy too much?

Return policies vary by location and material type. Unopened packages of fasteners, hardware, and tools are usually returnable within a set period with a receipt. Lumber and sheet goods may have different rules. Ask at the register or call ahead if you're unsure.

What if I don't know what material I need for my project?

Describe the project to a staff member—what you're building, where it is, and what it needs to withstand. They'll recommend materials and often explain why one option is better than another for your specific situation. Bringing photos or measurements makes the conversation faster and more accurate.

Do I need a contractor license to shop at Pete's?

No. Pete's serves homeowners, DIY builders, and professional contractors. Anyone can walk in and buy materials. Contractor accounts and volume discounts are available to repeat customers, but not required to shop.

What's the difference between pressure-treated and untreated lumber?

Pressure-treated lumber is chemically treated to resist rot and insects, making it last longer outdoors. Untreated lumber is cheaper but will rot if exposed to weather or soil. Use pressure-treated for decks, fences, and anything touching ground or water. Untreated is fine for interior framing and projects that stay dry.