Over 100 Years and
Over 100 Years and Counting at Bliffert Lumber Hardware Bliffert Lumber & Hardware, based in Milwaukee, WI, is a source for quality Hardwood lumber and mouldings, as well as other building materials. Editor’s Note: In the fall of 2020, the Real American Hardwood Promotion Coalition (RAHPC) shared valuable data from research it gathered as part of its promotion of North American Hardwoods. Some of that research underscored how Hardwoods are underrepresented in some Big Box stores, the preferred reference points for many of today’s consumers who drive the renovation and building markets. RAHPC’s research noticed under-representation in the flooring category, but a little better representation was noted in the cabinet categories and the board programs. Bliffert Lumber & Hardware has spent the past 100 years serving homeowners and contractors with the finest in Hardwoods, as well as softwoods, in various products. At National Hardwood Magazine, in the months ahead we plan to present additional retail lumberyards, such as Bliffert, who are striving to offer diverse Hardwood products. By Michelle Keller MILWAUKEE, WI–Bliffert Lumber & Hardware, based here, is a retail lumberyard that has been serving contractors and homeowners in southeastern Wisconsin for over 100 years. With operations in Milwaukee, Germantown, Waukesha, Oak Creek, Cudahy, and Sturtevant, WI, Bliffert Lumber & Hardware carries treated lumber, windows 26 APRIL 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE and doors, moulding, decking, cabinets, construction lumber and plywood, engineered wood products, finished Hardwood and plywood, pattern stock, sheet goods, and siding and trim boards. The company handles approximately 7 million board feet annually and inventories between 500,000 to 1 million board feet at all times. Included in their inventory is over 100,000 board feet of various domestic Hardwoods, such as Red Oak and Poplar in upper grades.
“Our marketing is concentrated in the communities we serve. We are committed to educating our employees so that they can help our customers make educated purchases.” –Eli Bliffert, Vice President, Bliffert Lumber & Hardware Bliffert Lumber & Hardware has almost 50 delivery trucks, including a pink one to support Susan G. Komen Wisconsin, a local non-profit dedicated to fighting breast cancer. Softwood species available include Douglas fir, spruce, Eastern white pine, engelmann spruce, hemlock, white fir and Southern yellow pine. Since incorporation in 1904, the company has helped the community grow by supplying building materials to hospitals, stadiums and new homes, as well as a variety of other projects. In the 1880s, Christian Meckelberg established North Side Lumber & Fuel Co., which operates today as Bliffert Lumber & Hardware. According to the company website, it was a staple of the near-northside community. Many homes built in the area of North Avenue, Holton Street, and Chambers Street were supplied with lumber, nails, windows, roofing material, and more from North Side Lumber, which not only stocked building materials but also sold millwork and manufactured flooring along with Hardwood and softwood lumber. Lumber was from North American and some South American forests. It also provided the fuel (eastern anthracite coal) for homes and businesses of the area to cook, keep warm, and operate steam boiler-driven machinery. In those days coal and lumber delivery to the distributors was done by a rail spur that fed the business from the Milwaukee Road’s northbound City Line. In 1904, the business was finally incorporated and the name North Side Lumber & Fuel Company became official. During that time, young J.P. Bliffert came to work for Bliffert handles approximately 7 million board feet annually and inventories between 500,000 to 1 million board feet at all times. Included in their inventory is over 100,000 board feet of various domestic Hardwoods, such as Red Oak and Poplar in upper grades, as well as Maple and Cherry (pictured). In 2020, Bliffert sold at least 120,000 board feet of Hardwood lumber. the company and eventually married the daughter of the owner. J.P. Bliffert took on more responsibility over time and managed the location for several years under the North Side Lumber name. The company name was changed to reflect Bliffert ownership shortly after World War I, under which it still operates today. Bliffert Lumber & Hardware is currently run by vice president and fifth-generation family member Eli Bliffert. Continuing the family-owned and operated tradition, Bliffert said the company goal is to make sure that the personal service shows at each of the seven locations. “All seven locations are unique,” he said. “Each location serves its own specific type of customers and each manager has his or her own strategy of how to obtain repeat business.” Bliffert said the firm’s primary market includes single-family new construction, remodel, industrial sales, crating lumber, decking, and fire-resistant materials. “Our marketing is concentrated in the communities we serve,” he explained. “We are committed to educating our employees so that they can help our customers make educated purchases.” Bliffert said the company Please turn to page 38 APRIL 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 27
