In 1893, Better Living, Inc. founder, L.W. Graves, began operations of the company and it was simply called Charlottesville Lumber. Back then we had one goal and one product (lumber) which was delivered by horse and buggy. Today, the family business has grown to three locations, including a custom mill shop, and the largest delivery system in Central Virginia! Chances are, if you lived in Virginia long enough, you’ve seen one of our yellow and green delivery trucks.

In its early days, Charlottesville Lumber was located on Avon Street. By the mid-twenties, John S. Graves joined his father to help with the company’s natural expansion into the construction business. As general contractors, Charlottesville Lumber has built many buildings, schools, churches, and homes in the area including the McGuffey School, City Library, U.S. Post Office, Barringer Wing of the original University Hospital, and Peabody Hall at the University of Virginia. Charlottesville Lumber also developed residential subdivisions including Camelot, Foxbrook, Green Lea, Orchard Acres, and Ruckersville Heights.

During the Second World War, the company supported the war effort by producing portable barracks and large shipping crates. At the same time, future President Richard L. Nunley was serving with the 13th Air Force in the Philippines; he later served again as a First Lieutenant in Korea. In 1957, Richard Nunley left his law career to join his father-in-law’s business. As the story goes, in 1958 Richard “Dick” Nunley proudly showed an expensive, unauthorized purchase he had made to improve efficiency in the lumberyard. His father-in-law, who had received the bill, watched with a serious expression and deep skepticism. That purchase was a FORKLIFT.

In 1960 a furniture store was opened. In 2016 after 56 years the furniture store was closed to allow the company to focus on what it did best, building materials, stairs, interior doors, custom millwork, and kitchen cabinets.

In 1969, the company officially changed its’ name from Charlottesville Lumber to Better Living, Inc. to reflect the continued expansion of products and services.

In 1981 a new showroom, warehouse and lumber yard were built to meet the growing needs of the local community. This location has undergone several renovations and expansions since the eighties.

In 1986, John G. Nunley became the fourth generation to join the family business. After earning his MBA from Vanderbilt University, he joined the company full time. In 1997, John became President of Better Living, Inc., a role he continues to hold today. His father, Richard L. Nunley, serves as Chairman of the Board.

In 2007, Better Living constructed a lumberyard near Zions Crossroads in Troy, Virginia, to better serve customers throughout Central Virginia.

In 2010, the Custom Mill Shop moved to a new LEED certified facility in Troy.

In 2018, Better Living relocated to a newly constructed Building Supply Showroom and Cabinet Design Center on Berkmar Drive, behind its former Route 29 location.

Much has changed since our humble beginnings in 1893. Better Living has grown from three employees and a horse-drawn delivery system into a modern operation with a larger workforce and state-of-the-art computer, delivery, and manufacturing equipment.

As time and technology have advanced, generations of dedication, passion, and enthusiasm have carried us forward. These qualities have built our business and continue to drive its growth.

Although our name has changed, our commitment to our customers and community has never changed.