At its inception, Franklin consisted of one retail lumberyard in Boise, Idaho at 6000 Franklin Road. In 1984, the Boise yard moved to its present location at 11700 Franklin Road.

1977 Franklin expanded to Canyon County, Idaho through the purchase of an existing lumberyard in Caldwell.

1978 A sister company known as Dunagan Door Factory Co. was formed to manufacture pre-hung doors and related trim products, which would complement the lumber products sold by Franklin. Dunagan now operates door shops at both the Boise and Caldwell sites.

1979 Wholesale Distributing Co., was formed for the purpose of stocking and selling at wholesale certain goods and products which would complement the needs of Franklin and its customers. The original site of Wholesale Distributing was at 3880 Development Way, in Boise. In 1997, Wholesale Distributing changed its operating name to Boise Supply Company and moved to its current location at 12020 W. Franklin, Boise.

1982 Franklin expanded to Valley County, Idaho by building a new lumberyard near McCall.

1989 Another sister company known as Humboldt Lumber Co. was formed to open a lumber yard in Elko, Nevada. In 1996, Humboldt began doing business under the trade name of Franklin Building Supply.

1996 Franklin expanded to Winnemucca, Nevada, by opening a retail lumberyard. In 1997, Franklin also expanded to Fruitland, Idaho, by opening a retail lumberyard.

1999 Franklin expanded to the Magic Valley through acquisition of Volco, Inc. and its four retail lumberyards located in Twin Falls, Jerome, Burley and Gooding, Idaho. Shortly thereafter, Franklin also acquired Sawtooth Door Company located in Twin Falls.

2003 Franklin expanded into eastern Idaho, by opening a retail lumberyard in Pocatello.