About Totem Lumber and Supply, Chicago's Lumber Yard

About

Totem Lumber and Supply

All lumberyards are not created equal. Totem has been careful not to become distracted by the hype and superficiality of the big box stores. Instead, we’ve quietly gone about meeting the needs of thousands of area tradesmen who demand fast and reliable customer assistance and “Pro-Grade” products, offered at fair and competitive prices.

The Difference is Customer Satisfaction

In a recent customer satisfaction survey, Totem received an unprecedented “10” rating for service and our ability to listen to and address each individual’s needs. As CEO John R. Kathrein puts it, “No wonder that for the last several years, Totem has been seeing an influx of customers who make no bones about their dissatisfaction with buying lumber and supplies elsewhere. As a privately owned company, it’s much easier for Totem to build lasting relationships. We have no corporate or franchise agendas to worry about, just an honest desire to be partners, not merely suppliers.”

What Totem Has to Offer

Quality products and excellent service at competitive prices
Professional, experienced personnel who care
Large inventory levels so you can get what you want when you need it
Orders processed quickly and accurately
Accurate quotations and estimates from drawings or prints
Deliveries when and where they are needed

Our Growing Customer Base

With or motto “where the Pros shop,” it’s only natural that we are best known for meeting the needs of professional tradesmen, carpenters, remodelers and builders. We’re also work with industries whose emphasis is on installation and maintenance, such as HVAC, electricians and plumbers. Because we have dedicated ourselves to commercial, industrial and residential interests, you can be assured we understand your business and which lumber and supplies you require to remain successful. We are familiar with Chicago area building codes and standards, and stock the equipment you need to be compliant.

Totem also serves a wide range of industrial and manufacturing accounts that are customers of our parent company, Industrial & Wholesale Lumber (IWL). IWL is a manufacturer and supplier of wooden shipping crates, skids and pallets. This relationship with IWL greatly increases Totem Lumber’s capabilities by giving us ready access to non-architectural grades of lumber, including Heat Treated (HT) lumber mandated for use in the manufacture of wooden export shipping containers, skids and pallets. Many of IWL’s accounts enjoy the convenience of having construction and maintenance supplies delivered along with their scheduled monthly shipping crate orders.

Totem Lumber & Supply has long been the first choice among local broadcast, film production and theater companies. We’re also seeing an ever-growing number of residential customers who believe that if Totem is good enough for the pros then it’s the best choice for them.

Construction Weather Report