Our History
A Rich History
Pierson Building Center main store building originally served as our founder, Ernie Pierson’s home building company in the late 1940s. After WWII and throughout the 1950s his company built many small, sturdy, Mid-Century Modern houses with innovative building methods that made them able to be built quickly. They are colloquially known as “Pierson Houses” and many are still peppered through the neighborhoods of Humboldt County and are beloved by their owners.
In 1962 the home building company was turned into a retail building supply store. For over 60 years Pierson’s has continued to grow and is now Humboldt County’s premier hardware, garden and building supply center.
As a locally, family owned and operated business, for over 60 years we continue to build on our tradition by offering our customers the excellent service and quality products they need to complete all their home improvement and gardening projects. With over 40,000 different items in stock, Pierson’s is the Redwood Empire’s Largest Home Improvement Center and features a full-service Lumber Yard and Garden Shop Nursery.
History of The Big Hammer
After decades with the old iconic hammer sign, it was finally time for an upgrade. In November of 1991 with much fanfare Pierson’s unveiled their brand new “Big Hammer” to the public. Now a local beloved landmark and roadside attraction, what has been said is “the worlds biggest hammer” wows visitors and locals as they enter Eureka on highway 101. It’s marquee sign is also a great place to find the latest specials going on in the store.
The hammer, made from brushed aluminum and solid wood is an exact replica of a Vaughan claw hammer (No. D020) and stands 26 feet tall (30 feet overall including the concrete foundation). All dimensions of the replica are in exact proportion to the original Vaughan hammer. It’s truly a sight to see!
Pierson Homes
Chronicles From Behind The Redwood Curtain: Episode 7
About
Just Look For The Big Hammer!
Just Look For The Big Hammer!
For over 60 years Pierson Building Center has been conveniently located on Highway 101 on the southern end of Eureka California in Humboldt County. Across the street from Tetrault Tire Center.Just look for the BIG HAMMER!
During your visit you can take a walk through our beautiful and serene koi pond area or enjoy a hot cup of complimentary coffee by the cozy fireplace. You can also visit Ramone’s Bakery inside our Main Store which offers a delicious variety of baked goods, specialty coffees, sandwiches and drinks.
A Rich History
Pierson Building Center main store building originally served as our founder, Ernie Pierson’s home building company in the late 1940s. After WWII and throughout the 1950s his company built many small, sturdy, Mid-Century Modern houses with innovative building methods that made them able to be built quickly. They are colloquially known as “Pierson Houses” and many are still peppered through the neighborhoods of Humboldt County and are beloved by their owners.
In 1962 the home building company was turned into a retail building supply store. For over 60 years Pierson’s has continued to grow and is now Humboldt County’s premier hardware, garden and building supply center.
As a locally, family owned and operated business, for over 60 years we continue to build on our tradition by offering our customers the excellent service and quality products they need to complete all their home improvement and gardening projects. With over 40,000 different items in stock, Pierson’s is the Redwood Empire’s Largest Home Improvement Center and features a full-service Lumber Yard and Garden Shop Nursery.
In The News
"Pierson’s exudes a hard-to-define but palpable atmosphere, one of genuine welcome, knowledge shared and effortless small talk. In contrast to the cavernous anonymity of big-box stores, Pierson’s feels almost calm. Employees know their products. Customers linger. The experience is as valued as the purchase."
— Matt LaFever, SFGATE Oct 5, 2025
Hours & Location
Open 7 Days a week!
Call Us
Main 707-441-2700
Garden (707) 441-2713
Lumber (707) 441-2708
Ramone’s (707) 476-0401Fax: (707) 268-5432
Hours
M-F: 7:30 - 6:00
Sat: 8:00 - 6:00
Sun: 9:00 - 5:30
Closed most major holidays
Location
Closed These Days
New Year’s Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Inventory (Dec 30-31)
Just Look For The Big Hammer!
Main Store
Our Main Store is a great place to start!
In our main store you will find everything from electrical supplies, paint, tools, fasteners, flooring materials, doors and windows, plumbing supplies to kitchen cabinets, wood burning stoves, barbecues and much more!
For gardening or lumber needs visit our Garden Shop and Full Service Lumber Yard which is located conveniently on site! In every department you will find friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you with your needs.
While in the main store you can visit Ramone’s Bakery which offers a delicious variety of house-roasted coffee & espresso drinks, bakery fare, desserts, grab & go deli options, snacks and drinks.
In our main store you will find everything from electrical supplies, paint, tools, fasteners, flooring materials, doors and windows, plumbing supplies to kitchen cabinets, wood burning stoves, barbecues and much more!
For gardening or lumber needs visit our Garden Shop and Full Service Lumber Yard which is located conveniently on site! In every department you will find friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you with your needs.
Where can you find bath fixtures, caulk and area rugs? Come to Piersons!
Need a key cut or some custom cabinet design....come to Piersons!
Find everything from electrical supplies, paint, tools, fasteners, flooring materials, doors and windows, plumbing supplies to kitchen cabinets, wood burning stoves, barbecues and much more!
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Main Store Departments
Garden Shop
Garden Shop & Nursery
Our Garden Shop is more than a ‘Garden Shop’, it’s a real Garden, complete with a Koi Pond.
Pierson Garden Shop is a large, full-service retail nursery that prides itself in customer service and is dedicated to providing all of your gardening and landscape needs. Whether you are a beginner, a garden enthusiast or a professional landscaper, we have what you need to complete your project.
Our nursery has a full line of pots, planters, soils, amendments, fertilizers, pesticides as well as a vast and diverse selection of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, perennials, hanging baskets and bedding plants. We carry aquatic plants, pond liners and water gardening supplies.
Pierson Garden Shop is a beautiful place to shop and relax. Come in and see our large koi pond, houseplant section, a cactus and succulent green house, a tropical house and our large statue and fountain area.
We have a qualified and friendly staff to answer your questions and help you achieve your gardening dreams.
Find everything you need in the Piersons Garden Shop!
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Lumber Yard
Lumber Yard
No Project Too Big or Small
Pierson’s has a full-service lumber yard. We have virtually everything you would need to build a house from the ground up! We have over 10 acres of lumber and building materials and an 18,000 sq. ft. warehouse that provides our customers with convenient, all-weather shopping all year long!
Come on in and let our knowledgeable and friendly staff help you pick the right building materials for your project!
Current Lumber Yard Deals
Available in store only
Redwood Decking
Beautiful and durable! Con-hrt lumber. 8-20ft. lengths. S4S.
#14250
2 x 6
$2.99-L.F.
Glazed & Ceramic Pots
Exciting assortment of colors, styles and sizes.
#0703
25%-OFF
New Deals Coming Soon!
Check back soon for new Big Hammer Deals!
Smoke Alarm
Precision detection. 10-year life.
#5050046
$24.99-EACH
Knife Sharpening Special
ReSharp Sharpening Special
Sharpen 1 - Get 1 Free
May 4th - May 10th
Buy 3 Get 1 FREE
Purchase 3 bags of G&B Organics Potting Soil at regular price and...
Get a 4th bag free!
Sale prices effective May 1st through May 30th
G&B Harvest Supreme and G&B Planting Mix Buy 3 get 1 Free extended through May 30th.
Early Spring Sale
Springtime
Railroad Ties
Great for corner posts or landscaping. #101202
6 x 8 x 8'
$21.88-EACH
Services Provided
Cut Plywood
Delivery
Quotes
Design Work
Cut Wire Fencing/Chicken Wire
Project Consulting (big or small)
Find everything you need in the Piersons Lumber Yard!
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We Deliver!
Can't make it in? Have a large purchase? We’ll deliver your items to your home or job site. Call Us!
Tools & Hardware
Tools & Hardware
The right tools for the job
Hardware is central to any project and in Pierson’s Hardware Department we strive to have what you need in-stock. With over 18,000 items, we offer a complete selection of hand tools, power tools from Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, Bosch & Skill and one of the largest fastener selections in the state of California.
Our experienced staff will help you find the right products and the right tools to get your job completed.
"The right tool makes the job go faster. We'll help you chose what's right for your project."
Find everything you need in the Piersons Tools & Hardware Department!
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Paints & Stains
Paints & Stains
Paint, Stain, Tape, Glue and More!
Pierson’s Paint Department carries a full line of interior and exterior paints as well as many varieties of interior and exterior stains, clear coats, primers, spray and specialty paints. We will color match any paint you might need and can custom mix paint to get the right color for your painting projects. We have a large selection of brushes, rollers and paint pads; steel-wool, scrapers, putty knives and wire brushes; spackling paste, wood fillers, fiberglass resin and fillers, joint compounds and tapes.
We stock all kinds of super glues, epoxies and carpenter, construction and specialty adhesives. Our Paint Department displays a huge variety of caulking and sealants from which to choose. You can find canvas or plastic drop cloths and cement waterproofers and patches.
Our knowledgeable staff is here to help answer any questions you have and to assist you in completing your job.
Find everything you need in the Piersons Paints & Stains Department.
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Electrical & Lighting
Electrical & Lighting
From Bathroom Lighting to Circuit Breakers
The Electrical Department offers a huge selection of indoor & outdoor lighting from Maxim, Craftmade, Dolan, Kichler and more including the latest in LED fixtures and bulbs. You will also find a year-round selection of fans and heaters, electrician’s tools and wide variety of parts and accessories for the homeowner and the contractor.
Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you with any electrical project around the home, office or job site.
Flooring
Flooring
Lifting the style beneath your feet!
Pierson’s Flooring Department has all the latest, up-to-date flooring products. Our stock includes roll carpeting, vinyl, tile, runner and laminate, as well as a huge selection of area rugs in a variety of sizes and styles. For years, Pierson’s has been the “Paneling Capital of the West Coast,” and we still continue that tradition by having over 20 in-stock panels. We will also special order many items on a regular basis, so if you’re looking for a particular flooring product, just ask!