10 Things You Shouldn’t Buy At the Home Improvement Store (And 5 To Avoid At All Costs)
Home improvement stores are fantastic resources for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners alike. But not everything on those massive shelves is worth your hard-earned money.
Some items are overpriced, lower quality than alternatives, or simply better purchased elsewhere.
Before your next hardware store run, check out this list of items you might want to skip.
1. Ready-to-Assemble Furniture
What looks attractive on the showroom floor often disappoints at home. These mass-produced pieces typically use thin veneers over particleboard that chip easily and can’t withstand moisture.
You’ll find better quality and comparable prices at dedicated furniture stores or online retailers. Plus, furniture-specific stores offer wider selection and often provide free delivery—a service many hardware stores charge extra for.
2. Cheap Particleboard Cabinets
Behind those shiny displays lurk cabinet nightmares waiting to happen. When exposed to moisture—inevitable in kitchens and bathrooms—particleboard swells, warps, and eventually crumbles.
Cabinet specialists offer solid wood options that might cost more initially but will outlast their particleboard counterparts by decades. For budget-conscious renovators, even second-hand solid wood cabinets provide better long-term value than new particleboard models.
3. Bargain Light Fixtures
Beneath that stylish exterior often lies dangerous electrical work. Many budget fixtures use flimsy wiring, substandard sockets, and inadequate insulation that create serious fire hazards.
Lighting specialty stores provide fixtures with proper UL certification and quality components. While shopping elsewhere, examine wire thickness and connection quality before purchasing. Remember, electrical problems hide until they become dangerous—saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking your home’s safety.
4. Inexpensive Curtain Rods
A cozy room with sagging curtains isn’t what anyone envisions when decorating their home. Inexpensive curtain rods may save a few dollars at checkout, but they often lack the strength to support heavier fabrics and frequent use.
Flimsy materials and poor construction lead to rods that bend and brackets that fail. Consider opting for more robust rods that ensure your curtains hang beautifully for years.
5. Generic Garden Soil
Those massive bags of dirt might seem like a steal, but generic soil often lacks nutrients plants need to thrive. Many contain heavy clay, debris, or industrial byproducts that create drainage problems and stunt plant growth.
Garden centers and nurseries offer soil mixes designed for specific plants and growing conditions. While slightly pricier, these specialized soils provide better results with less frustration. For large projects, consider contacting local landscape suppliers who deliver quality soil in bulk.
6. Knockoff Adhesives
When your project literally hangs in the balance, bargain glues and adhesives can lead to costly failures. No-name products often lack proper curing agents, resulting in bonds that fail prematurely or never properly set.
Specialty adhesives from reputable manufacturers undergo rigorous testing for specific applications. Read reviews from professionals who stake their reputations on reliable products. Remember, the small price difference between quality and questionable adhesives pales compared to redoing an entire project.
7. Discontinued Paint
Finding those paint cans in the clearance section might seem lucky until you need more to finish your project. Discontinued colors can’t be matched precisely, leaving visible patches if touch-ups become necessary.
Professional paint stores maintain formula records for years, ensuring consistent colors for future needs. They also provide higher-quality bases with better coverage and durability. When calculating paint costs, consider that quality products often require fewer coats, saving both time and money.
8. Bulk Generic Hardware
Faced with a jar of 500 screws for the price of 50 quality ones, many DIYers succumb to the false economy. Generic fasteners often use softer metals that strip easily during installation or rust quickly once in place.
Specialty fastener suppliers provide appropriate hardware for specific applications. They can recommend proper materials for outdoor use, weight-bearing applications, or corrosive environments. Quality fasteners install more easily and hold more securely, preventing the frustration of stripped heads and failed connections.
9. Novelty Tile Packs
Attracted by those colorful clearance tiles? Before purchasing, consider why they’re discounted. Often these are end-of-run batches impossible to match if you need more or replacements later.
Tile specialty stores maintain consistent inventory and can order matching pieces years later. They also provide appropriate setting materials and advice on installation techniques. For small accent areas, clearance tiles might work, but for major installations, consistent availability ensures you won’t be stuck with a half-finished project.
10. Budget Carpeting
Stepping into the world of ultra-cheap carpeting means signing up for a floor covering that might not survive its first cleaning. These bargain rolls typically feature thin backing, sparse fibers, and poor stain resistance.
Flooring specialists offer better quality at competitive prices, along with professional installation services. They can recommend appropriate padding and treatments for your specific needs. Even mid-grade carpeting from specialists will outlast the premium options at most hardware chains.
1. Cheap Extension Cords
Under that colorful plastic coating lurks genuine danger. Bargain extension cords often use inadequate wire gauge for their rated amperage, creating fire hazards when used with power-hungry tools or appliances.
Electrical supply stores provide properly rated cords with clear capacity markings. Always match cord capacity to your intended use, especially for outdoor applications or power tools. The slight premium for quality cords provides peace of mind knowing your electrical connections won’t become fire starters.
2. Bargain HVAC Filters
Your heating and cooling system deserves better than flimsy filters that barely trap dust. The ultra-cheap options allow particles to pass through, damaging expensive equipment and reducing air quality.
HVAC supply companies offer properly rated filters that protect both your system and your lungs. Consider subscribing to filter delivery services that provide quality products at regular intervals. Remember, clogged or ineffective filters force systems to work harder, increasing energy bills far beyond any initial filter savings.
3. Clearance Plumbing Parts
Water damage repairs typically cost thousands more than any savings from discount plumbing parts. Clearance items often land there because they’re discontinued, meaning finding matching pieces later becomes impossible.
Plumbing supply stores provide consistent inventory and staff knowledge about compatibility issues. They can recommend appropriate materials for your water chemistry and pressure conditions. Even slightly higher costs upfront prevent expensive emergency calls when bargain parts fail.
4. Unlabeled Chemical Products
Mysterious bottles promising miracle cleaning results often hide dangerous chemicals without proper safety information or dilution instructions. These products can damage surfaces, release toxic fumes, or cause chemical burns.
Specialty cleaning suppliers provide professional-grade products with complete safety data sheets and proper labeling. For most household needs, simple solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and mild dish soap handle cleaning tasks effectively without the mystery or danger of unlabeled concoctions.
5. DIY Electrical Kits
Electrical work requires proper training and understanding of building codes. Those seemingly convenient all-in-one electrical kits often include components that don’t meet local regulations or industry standards.
Hiring a licensed electrician might seem expensive, but they bring expertise that ensures your home remains safe. For simple projects you feel comfortable tackling, purchase individual components from electrical supply stores where staff can recommend code-compliant parts for your specific situation.
