Aerial view of Southern Lumber company buildings with trucks parked outside under clear sky.

Southern Lumber Builds Smarter with Pre-Engineered Steel Structures, Drive-Thru Building, Racking Systems & Sheds

In partnership with CT Darnell, Southern Lumber streamlined operations and drove record growth with a fully customized, multi-phase facility overhaul.
CT Darnell Construction helps Southern Lumber and Millwork transform a limited 7-acre site into a multi-phase, high-efficiency lumberyard and facility renovation success story.

The Experience

"It was just a godsend to find someone who actually understood not only what our inventory was -but how to manage it and store it."

Spacious warehouse with organized shelves of lumber and a forklift operator walking across the floor
Outdoor lumber storage with wooden planks on metal shelves against clear sky and distant mountains.
Spacious warehouse with organized shelves of lumber and a forklift operator walking across the floor

The Challenge

Whoever coined the phrase 'you can't stop progress' sure had it right. Just ask Southern Lumber and Millwork's Joye Shuler. After 75 years serving the Charleston area from their 7-acre King Street location, the 'progress makers' at the Department of Transportation decided two of those acres would look much better as an interstate highway, thank you very much.

Southern Lumber and Millwork has been an institution in the South Carolina building supply industry almost since the first day Joye's father, Herman Albrecht, opened his doors at their King Street location. His bootstrap can-do spirit remains in the DNA at Southern Lumber today, where 'can't is a foreign word. Moving from the original location was never an option, so the Shuler family decided to embrace this unexpected challenge from the DOT.

Outdoor lumber storage with wooden planks on metal shelves against clear sky and distant mountains.

The Solution

"We would consolidate and do the best we could with what we had left," said Joye. Their next call was to Clint Darnell, vice president at CT Darnell Construction. "It was just a godsend to find someone who actually understood not only what our inventory was - but how to manage it and store it." According to Joye, "There was no doubt about it, Clint was going to be our guy!"

In addition to the obvious inventory implications that come from reducing your storage space and workable footprint by almost one-third, CT Darnell was faced with essentially reinventing Southern Lumber's entire facility while maintaining a 100% working operation. "We were changing all four tires while zooming down the highway," mused CT Darnell's senior project manager, Brad Bedford.

While acknowledging the unique and significant challenge this project posed, Clint couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "This is our sweet spot. We don't just build steel buildings to store stuff. We dig into the actual business itself, and design a unique solution for it."

But Clint was quick to point out that none of that mattered unless you had a trusting client partnership. "Trust is a core value of our company. I want our customers to know that I truly have their best interests at heart." And Southern Lumber reciprocated in spades. Thad Shuler worked closely with Clint to provide every bit of data CT Darnell would need to achieve the best possible results.

While reflecting on the positive relationship with the Southern Lumber family, Travis Darnell, president of CT Darnell, credited them for the ultimate effectiveness of the project. "When a customer works closely with us and has good data, and can supply us with a breakdown of their inventory, we will get specific down to the bin and the slot." That mutual level of respect and attention to detail paid off.

The Outcome

  • During this time, Southern had the 3 best years in its history, and didn't miss a beat in its service standards.
  • The facility operates more efficiently and safely than ever before.
  • The site was reduced from 7 to 5 acres.
  • The project took 3-1/2 years of planning and construction.
  • There were 4 main phases of construction.
  • CT Darnell provided 7 new structures: 3 large pre-engineered buildings, 1 cantilever rack drive-thru building, 2 cantilever rack L-sheds, and 1 umbrella shed.
  • CT Darnell also provided numerous rack systems including Power Bin automated storage systems, cantilever racks, pallet racks, and A-frame racks.

Clint was thrilled. "When I heard that during this project Southern Lumber had their three largest years of growth sales-wise, I couldn't have been happier!"

Stacks of lumber neatly organized on yellow racks inside and outside a covered warehouse under a clear sky
Yellow metal racks holding long wooden planks neatly organized in a warehouse aisle under bright lights
AirAsia logo in red with stylized text on white background

As a full-service design-build partner, CT Darnell Construction has a 40-year history supporting the LBM industry. We are the only company that specializes in LBM, with an unparalleled reputation in the category and we are licensed in all 50 states.

Start a Conversation

4500+

Facilities Improved

Top 10

Metal Building Contractor

All 50

Licensed in All 50 States

CT Darnell's Capabilities

Aerial view of a large industrial warehouse with metal roofing and concrete surroundings.

Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

We've improved over 4,500 facilities and built even more lumber storage solutions. Your own customized solution will help your operation from day one.
Worker walking in large warehouse aisle with stacked pallets, shelves, and a green forklift in center.

Storage Solutions

Your unique storage facility will suit your site, your business, and your budget. That’s a win-win-win.
Architectural blueprint showing front, side, and cross-section views of a steel structure with dimensions.

Building Design

We’ll plan, design, and build your lumberyard facilities in a way that you can win operationally every day with minimal impact to your everyday business.
Aerial view of a large construction site with steel framework and building materials spread across the area.

General Contracting

Our vast experience offers you build options from supply and install to turnkey construction.

Other Projects

Aerial view of a large industrial warehouse with metal roofing and outdoor lumber storage under a covered area.

Mead Lumber - Cheyenne, WY
Stacks of lumber neatly arranged on racks under a covered outdoor storage area at a lumber yard.

Griffin Lumber - Warner Robins, GA
Interior of a large warehouse with red metal shelving holding various construction materials like wood and insulation.

Carter Lumber - Johnsonville, SC