Navigating the aisles of a home improvement store can be both exciting and overwhelming. With thousands of products beckoning from every shelf, how do you know what’s worth your hard-earned money?
I’ve compiled a handy guide to help you make smart purchases while avoiding costly mistakes during your next hardware store adventure.
1. Paint and painting supplies
Nothing transforms a space faster than a fresh coat of paint! Quality brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape make all the difference between a professional-looking finish and a frustrating mess.
Smart shoppers grab paint samples first to test colors at home under different lighting conditions. Your local hardware store often offers better paint quality than discount retailers, with staff who can match colors perfectly.
2. Light bulbs and lighting fixtures
Upgrading your lighting instantly modernizes any space without major renovations. Hardware stores stock energy-efficient LED options that save money over time while providing better illumination.
Many people don’t realize the significant impact lighting has on mood and functionality. From warm ambient lighting to task-specific fixtures, you’ll find options for every room and purpose, often at better prices than specialty lighting stores.
3. Cabinet hardware and drawer pulls
Swapping outdated knobs and handles creates an instant kitchen or bathroom makeover for minimal cost. Hardware stores offer extensive selections in various finishes and styles to match any decor.
Just a simple hardware change can make old cabinets look brand new! For best results, bring an existing piece with you to ensure proper fit. Most stores have display boards where you can see and feel different options before committing.
4. Power tools and accessories
Investing in quality power tools pays dividends for years of home projects. Hardware stores typically offer better warranties and service than online retailers, plus knowledgeable staff to guide your selection.
Weekend warriors benefit from tool brands that share battery platforms across multiple devices. Look for seasonal sales and combo kits that provide significant savings. Many stores even offer rental options for specialty tools you’ll only use occasionally.
5. Caulk, sealants, and adhesives
From sealing drafty windows to waterproofing bathrooms, these unsung heroes prevent costly damage throughout your home. Hardware stores carry specialized formulations for every application imaginable.
Savvy homeowners keep a variety on hand for quick repairs. Whether you need mold-resistant bathroom caulk or construction adhesive for a wobbly handrail, getting the right product matters more than saving a few dollars at discount stores.
6. Air filters and HVAC supplies
Regularly replacing air filters improves indoor air quality while extending the life of your heating and cooling systems. Hardware stores stock multiple sizes and filtration levels to match your specific needs.
Beyond basic filters, you’ll find specialized options for allergies, pets, and pollution concerns, plus tools and supplies for basic HVAC maintenance.
7. Plants and garden soil
Surprisingly, many hardware stores offer excellent garden centers with healthy plants at competitive prices. Unlike grocery store plants, these are typically better acclimated to local growing conditions.
Seasonal selections change throughout the year, providing appropriate options for your climate. Quality garden soil, mulch, and amendments are also reasonably priced compared to specialty garden centers, especially when purchased in bulk during spring sales.
8. Screws, nails, and fasteners
Buying fasteners individually from organized bins saves money and reduces waste compared to pre-packaged options. Hardware stores offer specialized fasteners for every material and project imaginable.
Experienced DIYers appreciate being able to purchase exactly what they need. Staff can help you select the proper size, material, and type for your specific application. Keep a small assortment of common sizes on hand to avoid emergency trips for simple repairs.
9. Storage bins and shelving units
Getting organized becomes much easier with proper storage solutions that hardware stores offer at competitive prices. From garage systems to closet organizers, you’ll find options to maximize every space.
Unlike specialty organizing stores, hardware retailers focus on functional, durable solutions rather than just aesthetics. Look for modular systems that can expand as your needs change. Many stores display assembled units so you can evaluate sturdiness before purchasing.
10. Plumbing fittings and parts
Minor plumbing repairs often require just a simple part replacement that hardware stores stock in abundance. From washers and O-rings to replacement faucets, you’ll find solutions for most common problems.
Knowledgeable staff can help identify the exact part needed, often saving hundreds in plumber fees. Many stores even offer cutting and threading services for pipes. Bringing the broken part with you ensures a perfect match without multiple shopping trips.
11. Trendy home decor items
While convenient, decorative items at hardware stores typically carry significant markups compared to home goods retailers. Style options are usually limited to a few safe, mainstream looks that quickly become dated.
Quality often suffers in favor of trendiness. For unique, personality-filled spaces, explore thrift stores, specialty shops, or online marketplaces instead. Your money stretches further elsewhere, resulting in more distinctive decor that won’t be in everyone else’s home.
12. Cheap furniture or accent chairs
Furniture at hardware stores typically emphasizes appearance over durability, with flimsy construction that won’t withstand daily use. Materials often include low-grade particleboard and thin veneers that scratch and chip easily.
Assembly instructions frequently leave much to be desired. For investment pieces that last, dedicated furniture retailers offer better construction, warranties, and value. Even budget furniture stores typically provide superior quality at similar or lower price points.
13. Specialty kitchen gadgets
Hardware stores charge premium prices for kitchen tools that are often available elsewhere at significant discounts. Limited selection means fewer options to compare quality and features before purchasing.
Impulse-buy displays near checkout areas particularly target unsuspecting shoppers. Kitchen supply stores, department stores, and online retailers offer better selection, pricing, and specialized knowledge. Save your gadget shopping for stores that specialize in culinary tools.
14. Wall art or framed prints
Mass-produced wall art from hardware stores lacks personality and often costs more than unique pieces from local artists or online marketplaces. Generic landscapes and inspirational quotes quickly feel dated and impersonal in your space.
Creative alternatives abound at craft fairs, student art shows, and online platforms. For the same price, you could frame personal photos or vintage finds that tell your story. Your walls deserve better than cookie-cutter decor from the same place you buy lightbulbs!
15. Bedding and bath linens
Surprisingly expensive yet often poor quality, bedding found at hardware stores typically uses lower thread counts and less durable materials than similarly priced options elsewhere. Limited color and style selections further restrict your choices.
Bath towels particularly disappoint, becoming scratchy after just a few washes. Department stores, home goods retailers, and even discount stores offer better quality, selection, and value. Save your linen shopping for stores that specialize in soft goods.