Corralón

A Corralón (Spanish for "corral" or "yard") is a type of business, most commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, that serves as a storage and sales facility for building materials, construction supplies, and related items. Think of it as a lumberyard or a builder's merchant, but often encompassing a wider range of goods.

Typically, a corralón stocks items such as:

• Lumber (various types and dimensions)
• Cement, sand, gravel, and other aggregates
• Bricks, blocks, and tiles
• Piping (PVC, metal, etc.)
• Tools and hardware for construction
• Paints, varnishes, and sealants
• Roofing materials
• Electrical supplies (wires, conduits, fixtures)
• Plumbing supplies (faucets, fittings, toilets)

The size and scope of a corralón can vary significantly. Some are small, family-owned businesses catering to local contractors and homeowners. Others are larger operations with extensive inventories and delivery services. They usually offer materials both in bulk and in smaller quantities to accommodate diverse project needs. The pricing structure might vary depending on volume purchased. In some regions, corralones also function as disposal sites for construction debris, though this isn't always the case. A key aspect of a corralón is the typically open-air storage of much of its inventory, particularly materials like lumber and aggregates, leading to the name’s connection to the concept of a “yard.”