EXHIBIT 23(a)

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form 10-K of Universal
Forest Products, Inc. and subsidiaries of our report dated January 27, 2004,
included in the 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders of Universal Forest Products,
Inc. and subsidiaries.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
File Numbers 33-81128, 33-81116, 33-84632, 33-81450, 333-60630 and 333-88056 on
Form S-8 and Registration Statement File Number 333-75278 on Form S-3 of our
report dated January 27, 2004, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Universal Forest Products, Inc. and subsidiaries, incorporated by
reference in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2003.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan
March 11, 2004