If you are planning a deck project in the Harrison, Cheviot, Dent, or North Bend area, the Lowe’s on Harrison Road in Western Hills is one of the closest big-box options for sourcing lumber, fasteners, and decking materials. This guide covers what you can expect to find in stock, how to plan your material pickup, and a few things to keep in mind before you buy.
Store Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Store Name | Lowe’s Home Improvement — Western Hills (Store #2338) |
| Address | 6150 Harrison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247 |
| Phone | (513) 598-7050 |
| Hours | Monday–Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Website | lowes.com — Store #2338 |
Why This Location Matters for NW Cincinnati Projects
This Lowe’s sits right on Harrison Road, which is the main artery connecting Harrison, Cheviot, Dent, and the surrounding unincorporated communities to the west side of Cincinnati. For homeowners and contractors working in the NW corridor, it is the most convenient big-box lumber source without having to drive into the city center or up to Colerain.
The store is about 10 minutes from Cheviot, 20 minutes from Harrison, and just a few minutes from the Dent and Mack communities. If you are managing a deck build and need to make multiple material runs, proximity matters.
Decking Materials Typically Available
Lowe’s carries a range of decking materials suited to residential projects in the Cincinnati area. Here is what you can generally expect to find at the Western Hills location.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
This is the most common structural framing material for decks in the Cincinnati area. It is affordable, widely available, and required by code for ground-contact applications like posts and beams. Lowe’s stocks pressure-treated lumber in standard dimensions for joists (2×6, 2×8, 2×10), beams (2×10, 2×12, doubled), posts (4×4, 6×6), and decking boards (5/4×6). Availability of longer lengths (16-foot and 20-foot) can vary by season, so call ahead during peak building months (April through July).
Composite Decking
Lowe’s is a primary retail partner for several composite decking brands. The Western Hills store typically carries options that resist Cincinnati’s freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and humidity. Composite costs more upfront than pressure-treated wood but requires far less maintenance over its lifespan. If you are comparing material options for your project, keep in mind that composite boards are heavier than wood and may require adjusted joist spacing depending on the product’s span rating.
Fasteners, Hardware, and Connectors
Deck construction in Ohio requires corrosion-resistant fasteners that are compatible with treated lumber. At Lowe’s you will find hot-dip galvanized and stainless steel options including structural screws, lag bolts, carriage bolts, joist hangers, post bases, beam saddles, and ledger board connectors. Make sure any hardware you buy is rated for use with the specific type of treated lumber or composite you are using — the wrong combination can cause corrosion and void warranties.
Concrete and Footings
For deck footings, you will need concrete mix rated at a minimum of 2,500 PSI (per Ohio Residential Code requirements). Lowe’s carries pre-mixed bags in 40-lb, 60-lb, and 80-lb sizes, as well as Quikrete and Sakrete brands. Tubular footing forms (Sonotubes) in common diameters (8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch) are also available. In the Cincinnati area, footings must reach a minimum of 30 inches below finished grade to get below the frost line.
Railings and Balusters
You will find both wood and composite railing systems, as well as aluminum baluster kits. Ohio code requires guard rails on any deck surface more than 30 inches above grade, with a minimum height of 36 inches and balusters spaced to prevent a 4-inch sphere from passing through. Measure your layout carefully before purchasing rail kits, since most are sold in standard 6-foot and 8-foot sections.
What to Know Before You Buy
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Check stock before you drive | Call (513) 598-7050 or check lowes.com for real-time inventory. Longer lumber lengths and specialty composite colors can sell out during spring and summer. |
| Delivery vs. pickup | Lowe’s offers delivery for lumber and bulk material orders. If your deck project requires 16-foot or 20-foot boards, make sure you have a vehicle that can handle the length or schedule delivery. |
| Inspect lumber on site | Pressure-treated lumber from any big-box store can vary in quality. Look for straight boards with minimal twist, bow, or large knots. If you are buying for structural use, take the time to hand-select your pieces. |
| Match fasteners to materials | Using the wrong fastener type with treated lumber or composite can cause staining, corrosion, or warranty issues. Ask the lumber department if you are not sure which hardware is compatible. |
| Get your permit first | Buying materials before your permit is approved can lead to problems if your plans need revisions. Wait until you have an approved permit and finalized drawings before purchasing. |
Comparing Pressure-Treated Wood and Composite
Both material types are available at this Lowe’s location. The right choice depends on your budget, how much maintenance you are willing to do, and the look you want. Here is a quick comparison.
| Factor | Pressure-Treated Wood | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower — typically the most budget-friendly decking option. | Higher — usually 2 to 3 times the cost of treated wood per board. |
| Maintenance | Requires staining or sealing every 1 to 3 years to prevent weathering, rot, and insect damage. | Minimal — occasional cleaning is usually all that is needed. |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. Longer in covered or low-moisture conditions. | 25 to 50 years depending on brand and product line. Most carry a 25-year warranty or longer. |
| Cincinnati Weather | Susceptible to warping and cracking from freeze-thaw cycles if not sealed properly. | Engineered to handle moisture and temperature swings with less movement. |
| Structural Use | Used for framing (joists, beams, posts) as well as decking boards. | Decking surface only — framing underneath is still pressure-treated wood. |
Permits and Materials: What Comes First?
It is tempting to start buying materials as soon as you have a design in mind, but your material list may change during the permit review process. If the building department requires revisions to your footing sizes, joist spacing, or beam dimensions, you could end up returning materials or buying more.
The best approach is to finalize your permit first, get your approved plans in hand, and then create a cut list based on those approved drawings. This saves you money and trips back to the store.
Related Guides
Wondering how material choices can change what your contractor needs to submit for approval? Our breakdown of finding the right decking material for your budget covers cost and performance across the most popular options.
If your project is in unincorporated Hamilton County, our guide to navigating the county permit process for the Dent and Mack area walks through everything you need before construction begins.
Planning a Deck or Patio in NW Cincinnati?
Platinum Deck and Patio handles material sourcing, permits, and construction for homeowners across Harrison, Cheviot, Dent, North Bend, and the entire NW corridor. We build with premium composite and pressure-treated materials to Ohio Residential Code standards.
Call (513) 586-3107
This guide is for informational purposes only. Product availability, store hours, and pricing can change without notice. Always call ahead to confirm stock before making a trip. Platinum Deck and Patio is not affiliated with Lowe’s Home Improvement.