About Us

Chase Lumber

FOR LOCAL, BY LOCAL. A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE.

Quality products. Straight answers. Competitive pricing. Friendly, knowledgeable service. Delivery where you want, when you need it (and free for local). These are the building blocks of Chase Lumber. It’s these qualities, combined with a true commitment to the community and the people who live here that have kept us in business since 1897.

Ask people why Chase Lumber is their preferred supplier of lumber and building products, and they’ll mention those same qualities. Because they haven’t changed through our five generations of family ownership. And they won’t over the next five.

Val Steiner 2022

As the fifth generation to lead Chase Lumber, I will continue to hold as our mission the words of my late father and past President, David Chase, “It’s relationships and word-of-mouth. We’re not interested in just getting the sale. We’re interested in repeat customers. I guess that’s why we’ve been in business for more than 100 years.” – Dave Chase

Our History

Apr 2019
James W. Chase
3rd Apr 2019

1897


Moses Chase and his son James. W. Chase expands their agricultural holdings by purchasing an interest in a lumberyard. Opening its doors on South Bristol Street in Sun Prairie as Chase, Mann and Gross.


3rd Apr 2019

1908


Benjamin Chase (son of James W.) grows the family business by purchasing Gibbons lumberyard on Main Street. At the same time, the Chase family becomes the sole proprietor of Chase, Mann and Gross.


Chase Lumber Silos 1939
3rd Apr 2019

1923


After consolidating businesses, Chase Lumber & Fuel Company is born, residing on Main Street for the next four decades.


Frederick W Chase
3rd Apr 2019

1932


Frederick W. Chase (son of James W.) takes over as President of Chase Lumber & Fuel Co.


3rd Apr 2019

1939


Frederick expands the business into DeForest by purchasing a lumberyard and running it independent of Chase Lumber & Fuel Co.


Charles A. Chase
3rd Apr 2019

1944


Charles A. Chase becomes President of Chase Lumber & Fuel Co.


Chase Trucks
3rd Apr 2019

WWII


With a new building boom, Charles begins to focus the company more on lumber and building and less on fuel. Purchasing a lumberyard in Cottage Grove that would also be independently run.


Theodore W. Chase
3rd Apr 2019

1961


Theodore W. Chase Sr. becomes President of Chase Lumber & Fuel Co.


3rd Apr 2019

1964


In January, an arsonist sets fire to Chase Lumber & Fuel Co. on Main Street. After four decades, the Main Street location is a total loss.


3rd Apr 2019

1965


After the fire, Theodore moves the business to a much larger site on the west side of Sun Prairie (where it stands today) and becomes Chase Lumber, expanding the facility and operations.


3rd Apr 2019

1975


The Cottage Grove lumberyard is folded into Chase Lumber.


David D. Chase
3rd Apr 2019

1980


Upon his retirement, Theodore passes the business on to his son, David D. Chase, who becomes President of Chase Lumber, steering the expansion and growth of the business for nearly four decades.


3rd Apr 2019

1981


Chase Lumber opens in McFarland.


3rd Apr 2019

1991


The DeForest lumberyard is purchased and folded in Chase Lumber.


3rd Apr 2019

1997


Chase Lumber celebrates 100 years in business.


Chase Lumber accepts Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award
3rd Apr 2019

2007


Chase Lumber wins "Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award” for its contribution to the community and industry, positive links between family and business, and innovative business practices.


Dave Chase, Stu Chase, & Val Stiener
3rd Apr 2019

2017


After the passing of David, a 5th Generation of the Chase family takes the helm of Chase Lumber. Guiding the company with the same philosophies and business acumen that have been handed down for more than 100 years.


3rd Apr 2019

2017


The Cottage Grove lumberyard is closed and its operations spread to the Sun Prairie, Deforest and McFarland facilities.