What clients say about ADAMS SURPLUS BUILDING MATERIALS in Athens (TX)
Call placed 02/02/2026 at 4:15 pm. This is the ONLY business I have ever called where the phone answered with only "Hello." This made me think I had dialed someone's home or personal phone. When I inquired if I had reached Adams Surplus the man's very rude response was "If you are calling someone, why are you asking for the name? You are the one who called!" I was silent while confirming the phone number I dialed was correct for this company, he hung up. Number was confirmed. Wow! If the company can't handle something as simple as the proper way to answer a phone...I presume they would struggle in areas that are more complex. How you handle the small things tells me everything I need to know about you! Google Reviews: Perhaps allow the option of "no stars" as that would be more appropriate.
Do NOT trust these people with your cabinets.
I spent over $5000 on cabinets that are chipped cracked uneven, and cheaply put together. I have messaged the owner through text and phone calls and he refuses to make the situation right. He also refuses to provide the information of the gentleman who makes these cabinets down near Houston. He would not send someone out to measure my house but told me if I would give him the measurements he assured me all the cabinets would fit. When the cabinets arrived to be installed, they did not fit the sizes that he said did not fit in the areas that he said. He refused to make this right to reimburse or to re-order. It is a scam situation all the way around. Buyer beware
Went to get burn barrels for ten apiece. Ended up buy wheel barrow parts and electric switches. Save the extra times running to other places buy the same things. Thank you adams for saving for the day.
I do NOT recommend renting a U-Haul from here.. Rented an enclosed trailer from here 10/02/25 returned it 5 HOURS later the card on file wasn’t charged until 10/20/25. Called up there they said to call U-Haul as they deal with the money part, I called and the U-Haul Lady was so helpful and informed me that the rental was NOT checked back in until 10:18pm on 10/19/25 which is why it took them 18 days to charge the card that was on file.. moral of the story if you want the money to be charged the same day you rental the rental make sure you go somewhere else!
I’ve gone to Adams on multiple occasions. I’ve had a couple of good employees help me, but I will never go there again. They are so rude and their prices are beatable. Honestly, I’d rather pay a little extra than deal with them.
Horrible management, never does anything right. You tell them they did you wrong and they call you a liar saying you’re bullshitting. Had no problem with either getting a refund or getting more but they made no offer to make it right even though we showed proof that we got scammed, such a shame mikes surplus closed, they will be GREATLY missed.
Horrible place I got insulation from this place the guy told me 109 dollars over the phone and when I got there he changed it to 129 a roll he did work on the price but when I got home and got the insulation unloaded I only had 5 I was supposed to get 6 so I called up there and spoke with a gentlemen which begin to tell me I’m a liar and just trying to get a free bundle they told me 5 came to a bundle only 4 came to a bundle
Absolutely don’t do business here! They sold me the wrong size door and told me I could have credit when they were in the wrong about what they loaded in my truck it was 4” to big!
The employee that is supposed to help with getting what you need did absolutely nothing. Just stood there swapping stories with someone while we sat there needing assistance with a door.
Reminds me of another place at which i would shop for building materials and other parts and pieces and sireously if you cant find what u need here u may be a dummy the selection of well everything is massive and they have good prices on Ryobi 1+ tools and accessories,got to love it...
They offer a wide variety of building and home improvement supplies. The man that helped us was very knowledgeable of the merchandise and he was also very friendly and polite. Thanks
I went looking for an exterior door, the employee that assisted us seemed very knowledgeable regarding the different types of doors, however the prices were very high? We decided to look elsewhere and we're able to purchase 2 doors in Tyler for the price of 1 used door at Adams surplus in Athens.
They have some awesome prices but wish they would have someone to give you a price own things when you are walking around and looking at certain things. But it's a good fair price for the materials
They got really good deals on anything that you can imagine to build a house. Is ran by an old preacher Man and he's as good as gold. It's really nice to run across people that are still good in this world. I will buy everything I can from that man before I go to any business chain where you don't get the same service.
If you are a do-it-yourselfer or own a company you will like this place! Here you can find many things that you might need like doors windows countertops and showers! The prices are fair . They will help figure out how much you might need like flooring or wallcovering.
I’d give half a star if I could. They are low rent thieves. My wife gave them 2,000 dollars for doors when delivered both where messed up when she called they won’t do anything about it. I wouldn’t give them a red cent it’s just a bottom of barrel establishment. Spend more and get it from someone reputable we learned the hard way.
Needed 2x4x10's. Everyone is priced to high these days. I googled surplus stores near me and Adams was the 1st to pop up. Called and asked if they had what i needed and how much. Mike on phone was courteous and polite. Wentto pick up my lumber and he was on the phone and his sons were there with him today. (Really cute boys).. Gave me opportunity to look around. They seriously have everything from A to Z there. Will do all my shopping here for all my building needs.
Took my mom to the UHaul at Adams surplus and the customer service rep was horrible. It felt like I stepped into the 1940's and the only thing missing was a sign saying "For Whites Only". I do not recommend and will not return.
It is a family owned and operated business ! I much rather spend my money with them , than lowes or home depot ! They have big inventory with fair price ! I very happy with products I buy there & friendly service! Thank you Adams surplus!
Creepiest business I have ever been to In My Life. Instant heebie-jeebies. I don't know what was going on, but it was creepy. It was almost like they didn't want to even sell anything it was putting them out. I bought the lumber I needed which was at a fair price. I don't think I'll be back.
Sometimes you can find great deals. Be prepared to spend hour and half if nt more seeing everything (We'll almost everything) I've never been able to make it that long!
Don’t go here! The little bald head guy(I think is the son in law to owner) is very rude. The prices on most stuff is not much cheaper than buying it new. Don’t give these people your hard earned money.
I’ve found Adam’s to be very unhelpful. I called up there asking if they had a certain baseboard in stock and they refused to verify if they did. They said they might have something that would work. When I asked if they could check or send me a picture they said they had no way of doing that. As a builder that lives an hour away, I am not about to drive there to verify that they “might” have something I need. I’ll just end up getting what I need from McCoy’s in Terrell. SHOPPER BEWARE! You will very much so have to rely on your own knowledge to get what you need if you choose to shop here.
Been there several times. You can score some awesome deals. But, make sure to check the actual color if you buy paint here. Not necessarily the color of the splotch on the lid
The owner of this place looked me and my father in the face and told us that the a/c we wanted to buy and ended up paying over 1000 dollars for was new. We made the mistake of believing him and when we got it installed we found out that its damaged and now our external unit isn't functional. Our ac guy is trying to find out if it's under warranty so it can be addressed. What a nightmare. I will never shop here again. If you can look someone in the face and lie like that to get their money you dont deserve our business! We deserved the truth so at least we would know we should look into it before purchasing. Shameful!
We were looking for doors & windows, but the prices for used and old items, we're the same as buying new at Lowe's. They did have a ridiculous amount of bulk tile, some of it even good looking, I'd assume the prices on that stuff was pretty good.
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