GNH Lumber helps construct the ideal home
For more than 100 years, GNH Lumber has helped homeowners in Greene County construct their houses. From farmhouses to ski chalets, this trusted local lumberyard has the materials and expertise needed to build the perfect dream home.
The business opened as a sawmill in 1916 in Norton Hill, before building its flagship retail location in 1935. The store is owned by a group of cousins who are the fourth generation of owners since it was founded.
With locations in Greenville, Windham and Latham, GNH has grown over the decades while staying grounded in personalized service.
“What makes us unique is the human aspect of our service,” said Genevieve “Genn” Howley, one of the owners. “Our staff is extremely knowledgeable, approachable – we never lost sight of the people we serve.”
The team at GNH distinguishes themselves by guiding customers through every phase of a building project. GNH employees share their decades of experience to help professionals and amateur homeowners achieve their home improvement goals.
“We don’t need the consumer to come in educated. We pride ourselves on walking a customer through the process,” Howley said. The knowledgeable staff educates clients on materials and connects them with qualified local tradespeople.
GNH excels at consultative sales, taking the time to understand each client’s specific needs and bringing their homebuilding dreams to life. Customers appreciate the personal attention they receive compared to their experience with big box retailers.
“We want to make sure the consumer feels we’re there to help them,” Howley said. “We have employees who are 30-year veterans of the business, they have all the competence and expertise. If we don’t know something, we find out.”
In addition to attentive service, GNH stocks all the top-quality materials for building and remodeling projects. As a lumberyard, they carry a wide selection of timber for framing, siding, floors and more. Howley notes lumber must be versatile to withstand upstate New York’s dramatic climate swings.
“On the eastern seaboard, we have a very volatile climate, so our lumber has to be a blend,” Howley said. “Most of our framing lumber is either SPF (spruce, pine, fir) or Douglas fir timbers. It depends on the width or length of the material you find in our bins. Our plywood could be a southern yellow pine blend or a Douglas fir blend.”
Plywood, millwork, doors and windows fill out the structural materials. GNH has all the hardware, tools and accessories to complete the job. An entire department caters to kitchen and bath projects, offering cabinetry plus design services.
The stores also feature a designer showroom with plumbing fixtures, lighting, tile and other finishes to customize your décor.
“We’re a typical lumber and building materials hardware store,” Howley said. “You can get everything under one roof for your project.”
In recent years, New York City transplants have flocked to Greene County seeking more space in the countryside. GNH has helped scores of new residents construct vacation homes and permanent residences.
“Post-COVID we’ve seen a lot of migration upstate. We’ve seen investment in smaller towns, people looking for green space and smaller schools,” Howley said. Popular ski resorts, abundant state parks, and charming Catskills towns attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Yet Greene County also appeals to natives aiming to build their forever homes. From growing families to retiring couples, GNH assists homeowners in all stages of life.
“We work with every person and take their dream very seriously,” Howley said. “Our job is to understand what that dream is and bring it into their reality.”
Some clients seek GNH’s expertise modernizing historic farmhouses and cottages.
“We have a lot of older, historical homes (in which) people are investing time and energy to bring it back to what it once was,” Howley said. The lumberyard helps restore original charm while integrating modern amenities.
Other customers opt to fully reimagine an outdated dwelling. GNH guides homeowners through renovations or even demolitions to construct a fitting dream home on a prime lot.
The team reviews floor plans, recommends materials, provides contractor referrals, and ensures the finished product matches the homeowner’s vision. Customers can purchase a full suite of products for their custom home or select special pieces such as doors and lighting.
Howley said GNH cherishes its long history serving generations of Greene County families. Yet the business keeps innovating, recently strengthening its kitchen design services and online presence.
While building trends and technology evolve, GNH’s commitment to personalized care endures.
“We take pride in walking customers through the process,” Howley said.
