EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Summary Combined
Historical Financial Data," "Selected Combined Historical Financial Data," and
"Experts," and to the use of our reports dated March 21, 1997, except as to
Note 12 the date of which is May 7, 1997, in the Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of American Builders
& Contractors Supply Co., Inc. for the registration of $100,000,000 principal
amount of 10 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.     
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   
June 24, 1997