The Legacy of Florence Building Materials: A Medford Landmark

Nestled in the heart of Medford, Massachusetts, Florence Building Materials has stood as a pillar of the local community for over a century. This family-owned business, with its iconic yellow facade and friendly staff, has become synonymous with quality building supplies, reliable service, and a deep commitment to the community. Today, Florence Building Materials is more than just a lumberyard; it’s a legacy that has shaped Medford’s landscape, supported its residents, and fostered a sense of pride and belonging.

## A Century of Growth and Resilience

The story of Florence Building Materials began in 1912, when a young Italian immigrant named Francesco Florence arrived in Medford with a dream of building a better life for his family. Starting small, Francesco opened a modest lumberyard on a quiet street, offering basic materials to local builders and homeowners. Through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to quality, Francesco’s business flourished, eventually becoming a local institution.

The company’s growth mirrored the development of Medford itself. As the city expanded and new homes and businesses were built, Florence Building Materials provided the necessary materials, from lumber and concrete to windows and doors. The company witnessed the transformation of Medford from a small town to a thriving suburb, always adapting to the changing needs of its customers.

Despite facing challenges like the Great Depression and World War II, Florence Building Materials persevered, demonstrating resilience and a deep-rooted commitment to its customers. The company remained a family affair, with generations of the Florence family dedicating themselves to serving the community.

## A Commitment to Quality and Service

Florence Building Materials has consistently built its reputation on quality materials and exceptional customer service. The company’s commitment to sourcing the best products extends from lumber to hardware, paint to plumbing supplies. Their staff, many of whom have been with the company for decades, are well-versed in the needs of builders and homeowners, offering expert advice and guidance throughout every step of a project.

This dedication to quality and service has fostered trust and loyalty among Medford residents. For generations, families have relied on Florence Building Materials for their home improvement needs, knowing they can count on reliable products and expert advice. The company has become more than just a supplier; it’s a trusted advisor, a partner in realizing dreams, and a source of inspiration for homeowners and builders alike.

## More Than Bricks and Mortar: A Community Hub

Florence Building Materials is more than just a business; it’s a central part of the Medford community. The company’s presence has been felt far beyond its yellow facade, extending into the fabric of Medford’s social and economic life.

The Florence family has consistently supported local organizations, charities, and events, demonstrating their deep commitment to the community. Over the years, Florence Building Materials has partnered with local schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations, contributing to initiatives that aim to improve the lives of Medford residents.

The company’s commitment to community extends to its employees as well. Florence Building Materials offers a stable and rewarding work environment, providing its employees with opportunities for growth and development. The company fosters a sense of family, creating a strong bond between its employees and contributing to the overall well-being of the local workforce.

## A Legacy of Family and Tradition

Florence Building Materials’ story is one of family, tradition, and resilience. Through four generations, the Florence family has dedicated itself to serving the Medford community, building a legacy of trust, quality, and service.

The company’s commitment to family values is reflected in its operations. From the hands-on approach to customer service to the dedication to employee well-being, Florence Building Materials embodies the spirit of family and community. This commitment has shaped the company’s identity and its relationship with the Medford community.

## Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Tradition

Florence Building Materials continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the community and the construction industry. The company embraces new technologies and practices, while staying true to its core values of quality, service, and community.

As Medford continues to grow and develop, Florence Building Materials remains a constant, a symbol of tradition and progress, a place where families can find the tools and resources to build their dreams. The company’s legacy is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to the community. It’s a legacy that will continue to inspire and serve the people of Medford for generations to come.

## Building Materials: A Comprehensive Guide

Florence Building Materials offers a wide range of building supplies to meet the needs of builders and homeowners alike. Their inventory encompasses everything from basic construction materials to specialized products, ensuring that customers have access to everything they need to complete their projects.

### **Lumber and Wood Products**

Florence Building Materials boasts a comprehensive selection of lumber and wood products, catering to various construction needs. From standard framing lumber to specialized hardwoods, customers can find a wide variety of options for their projects.

#### **Types of Lumber:**

* **Softwoods:** Pine, spruce, fir, cedar, redwood. Widely used for framing, sheathing, and decking.
* **Hardwoods:** Oak, maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany. Ideal for flooring, cabinets, furniture, and other high-end applications.
* **Engineered Woods:** Plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), glulam beams. Engineered woods offer strength and stability, often used in structural applications.

#### **Lumber Grades:**

* **Select and Better:** Highest grade, free of defects, ideal for high-quality finishes.
* **No. 1 Common:** Good quality, may contain some minor defects, suitable for general construction.
* **No. 2 Common:** Lower grade, may have more defects, suitable for less visible applications.

#### **Wood Products:**

* **Plywood:** Sheets of thin wood veneer glued together, used for sheathing, subfloors, and furniture.
* **OSB:** Sheets of wood strands glued together, often used for sheathing and subfloors.
* **Glulam Beams:** Beams made from layers of wood laminated together, offering high strength and stability.

### **Concrete and Masonry Products**

Florence Building Materials carries a diverse range of concrete and masonry supplies, essential for foundations, walls, and other structural elements.

#### **Concrete:**

* **Ready-mix Concrete:** Delivered in trucks, mixed and poured onsite. Widely used for foundations, slabs, and driveways.
* **Concrete Blocks:** Precast concrete blocks, used for building walls, garages, and other structures.
* **Concrete Pavers:** Used for patios, walkways, and driveways.

#### **Masonry:**

* **Brick:** Clay or concrete bricks, used for building walls, chimneys, and decorative features.
* **Stone:** Natural or artificial stone, used for foundations, walls, and landscaping.
* **Mortar:** A mixture of cement, sand, and water, used to bind masonry units together.

### **Hardware and Fasteners**

Florence Building Materials offers a comprehensive selection of hardware and fasteners, essential for every construction project.

#### **Hardware:**

* **Doors and Windows:** Wood, vinyl, and fiberglass doors and windows, available in various styles and sizes.
* **Cabinetry:** Kitchen and bathroom cabinets, custom-made or prefabricated.
* **Plumbing Supplies:** Pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves.
* **Electrical Supplies:** Wiring, switches, outlets, and lighting fixtures.
* **Roofing Supplies:** Shingles, underlayment, and flashing.

#### **Fasteners:**

* **Nails:** Various sizes and types, used for fastening wood to wood.
* **Screws:** Self-tapping screws, used for fastening wood to wood, metal, or other materials.
* **Staples:** Used for fastening insulation, sheathing, and other materials.
* **Anchors:** Used for anchoring heavy objects to concrete or masonry.

### **Paint and Finishes**

Florence Building Materials offers a wide range of paints and finishes to suit every project and preference.

#### **Interior Paint:**

* **Latex Paint:** Water-based, easy to clean, offers good coverage.
* **Oil-based Paint:** Durable, provides a smooth finish, suitable for high-traffic areas.
* **Acrylic Paint:** Water-based, provides a durable and washable finish.

#### **Exterior Paint:**

* **Acrylic Exterior Paint:** Water-based, provides a durable and weather-resistant finish.
* **Enamel Paint:** Oil-based, offers a high-gloss finish, suitable for trim and doors.
* **Staining:** Penetrates the wood, enhances the natural grain, and provides protection.

### **Other Building Supplies:**

Florence Building Materials offers a wide array of additional building supplies, including insulation, roofing materials, siding, and more.

#### **Insulation:**

* **Fiberglass Insulation:** Commonly used for walls, attics, and crawl spaces.
* **Foam Insulation:** Offers high R-value, used for walls, roofs, and foundations.

#### **Roofing:**

* **Asphalt Shingles:** Most common roofing material, available in various styles and colors.
* **Metal Roofing:** Durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient.
* **Tile Roofing:** Aesthetically pleasing, offers good durability and fire resistance.

#### **Siding:**

* **Vinyl Siding:** Low-maintenance, affordable, available in various styles and colors.
* **Fiber Cement Siding:** Durable, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance.
* **Wood Siding:** Offers a natural look