Many professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts hold Ace Hardware in high regard. According to Charlie Hughes, co-founder of ContractorNerd, in a conversation with Onions Australia, “Ace is a great place for all things home improvement. I see it as a hardware convenience store where you can find almost anything, from gardening to plumbing. I love it because you can buy the exact two bolts you need for $0.07 each instead of a box of 100 for $4.50.” Indeed, there are numerous Ace Hardware shopping secrets that make it an ideal spot for many home improvement needs.
However, some items are better purchased elsewhere. We consulted Hughes and other home improvement and landscaping experts to identify what not to buy at Ace Hardware. Below are their insights shared with Onions Australia.
You might be better off purchasing power tools from other retailers
Ace Hardware does stock some power tools, but it may not be the best option when shopping for a new string trimmer, cordless drill, or circular saw.
Hughes notes that many power tools at Ace “are pretty expensive for the quality offered. I’d prefer shopping at Home Depot or Lowe’s for these.” Bar Zakheim, a licensed general contractor and co-owner of Better Place Design & Build, concurs: “Ace Hardware doesn’t have much of an advantage with power tools. They generally have a smaller selection compared to larger stores.” Visiting Home Depot, Lowe’s, or even a reputable online dealer can provide a wider range of options for better pricing on the tools you need.
Opinions diverge slightly regarding hand tools at Ace Hardware. Zakheim appreciates the store’s selection of basic tools, but Hughes finds them overpriced.
Ultimately, factors like budget and time constraints will influence your decision. Paying a little extra for a screwdriver set might be convenient if you’re already at the store, but it might not be ideal if you’re planning a tool restock trip.
Non-branded plumbing parts won’t match the quality of their name brand counterparts
While browsing Ace Hardware or its online selection, you might be tempted by low-priced plumbing goods from lesser-known brands.
However, Kelly Russum, owner of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning, warns against this. “Non-branded, subpar plumbing parts like faucets, connectors, and pipe fittings should be avoided at Ace Hardware. Though they save you a few bucks now, they don’t last and need replacement soon.”
Plumbing issues due to low-quality parts can lead to costly problems like leaks, floods, and mold. Instead of buying no-name plumbing essentials at Ace, Russum advises investing more initially for quality products that reduce future plumbing risks.
Ace Hardware does carry reputable brands like Moen and Delta for kitchen and bathroom faucets. However, research unfamiliar brands before purchasing.
The paint and stain selection at Ace Hardware might not be sufficient for your needs
If you’re planning to repaint or stain, Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, suggests avoiding Ace Hardware for paints, stains, and painting supplies. “Ace, like other general home improvement stores, often lacks the best range of options.” Choosing the wrong paint or stain can force you into an unsatisfactory color choice.
Unless you’re certain of your desired brand, color, and finish — and have confirmed Ace Hardware has it in stock — Lanphier recommends seeking a paint-specific store. “A Sherwin-Williams store or another local paint retailer can provide a broader selection and specialized guidance,” he suggests.
Specialized paint stores offer a vast array of colors. Sherwin-Williams, for instance, has over 1,700 colors, and Benjamin Moore offers more than 3,500. Browsing samples and consulting knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect paint shade.
Purchasing low-price tile adhesives and sealants could end up being a costly mistake
Ace Hardware is known for competitive prices, but picking up cheap tile adhesive or sealant there might later prove costly. Mark Lumpkin, sales director at STR Cribs, warns: “Cheaper options like low-cost tile adhesive might seem appealing, but they often fail over time, especially in moist areas, compromising your installation and incurring high repair costs.”
When buying tile adhesive, sealant, or other flooring supplies, Lumpkin advises choosing a reliable, top-rated brand. “For critical projects, the long-term benefits of premium supplies are worth the investment,” he explains.
Quality adhesive is crucial for ensuring a firm and lasting bond between tiles and surfaces. Without it, tiles may loosen, crack, or chip, affecting both safety and aesthetics.
Soils and mulches might seem cheaper, but they often work out to be more expensive per cubic foot
For garden soil or mulch, Eduard Negodenko, managing director of Avanti Landscaping, advises against sourcing from Ace Hardware. “Bulk landscaping materials like mulch, gravel, and soil are far more expensive per cubic foot at Ace compared to purchasing in bulk from a landscaping supplier or garden center.”
Negodenko recommends using a local landscaping supplier or garden center for mulch and soil. Getting delivery from these businesses could cost as little as $30 per cubic yard. At Ace Hardware, a 2-cubic-foot bag might cost between $5 and $7, making bulk purchases significantly cheaper.
An added benefit of sourcing locally is fresher, higher quality materials, as they are sourced locally rather than stored in warehouses for extended periods.
Look elsewhere if you want to find a good selection of outdoor furniture for a reasonable price
When purchasing outdoor furniture, it’s essential to choose the right retailer. Michael Clarke, founder of Pulled Inc and Yardwork, states that Ace Hardware isn’t the best choice. “Ace offers less variety, and prices tend to be higher than those at dedicated outdoor retailers or larger chains specializing in outdoor living items.”
A quick comparison with other retailers shows Ace Hardware’s limited selection. For instance, applying a filter for 5-piece outdoor table and chair sets on Ace’s website yields just over 30 options. In contrast, The Home Depot and Wayfair each offer several hundred options with similar filters. Furthermore, Ace’s least expensive option exceeds $800, while The Home Depot and Wayfair have options under $200. Clarke suggests starting at a local outdoor furniture retailer, but if unavailable, larger retailers like The Home Depot and Wayfair offer better choices.
Don’t spend more to purchase seasonal outdoor decor from Ace Hardware
If you enjoy seasonal home decor, you might find attractive items at Ace Hardware. However, for budget-friendly holiday decorating, consider shopping elsewhere. “Items like Halloween decorations, Christmas lights, and seasonal outdoor décor are often pricier at Ace than at discount stores like Target, Walmart, or even Big Lots,” says Clarke.
Research before purchasing to find the best deals. Many retailers offer sales on decor items, so keep an eye out.
For deep discounts, consider buying decorations after a holiday for the following year, though this won’t help with current-season decorating.
Ultimately, consider your budget, desired decor items, and the selection and pricing at Ace Hardware and other retailers.
