The Inside Scoop

Huntsville is home to a lot of great hardware stores. Some of them have been opened since the late 1800’s. I’m one who doesn’t know too much about “fixing” things around the house, (my hubby always has a long to-do-list and knows about tools), while I need a lot of help when it comes to shopping for the right hardware tool or supply. I find the smaller and family owned stores are so much more helpful than the big box stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. If you ever get a chance, it will be worth your while to check out the top three hardware stores on my list. They are not only fun to visit but they also express a big part of history to the Huntsville area.

Top Hardware Stores in Huntsville

Lewter hardware store

Located in Downtown Huntsville, this old-fashion hardware store was established in 1928. It has the look and feel as some of the old hardware stores that still exist up in the New England area. It is the same type of hardware store your grandpa probably told you about. Friendly customer service, knowledgeable staff and a wealth of interesting and hard to find hardware items. They specialize in unique household items such as belts, gadgets and fasteners that you cannot find in the big box stores. They still sell bolt and nails by the pound, repro screws to fix your antiques and old plumbing fixtures that are hard to come by.

When we built our house, we had a well put in. They were the only store in town that carried well equipment. They even offered to install it for a reasonable price. This store still operates by a bunch of older gentlemen and they know just about anything and everything to fix in your house. Lewter is a fun place to shop whether you looking for a unique hardware item or just needing something fast to buy.

Website: Lewter

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Harrison Brothers Hardware

Harrison Brothers was established in 1894 by the Daniel Harrison who converted it from an old tobacco shop to a hardware store. It is the oldest standing and operating hardware store in Alabama and in many ways still has the look and feel of an old-timely store. Today, not only do they sell hardware items but they sell a bit of different and unique gift items, some of which are made by local craftsmen and artisans. They also pride themselves as selling mainly “American made” items. While they do not have the inventory as Lewter Hardware, they still sell nails by the pound and keep a good stock of old vintage fixtures and hard to find hardware items. It is a fun place to visit with a good selection of novelty gifts, books, toys and unique gadgets. The Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable to work with. Come by and check out an old piece of Huntsville’s history.

Website: Harrison Brothers

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Huntsville Hardware and Building Supply

Huntsville Hardware and Building Supply has been in business since 1934. They are located in the historic West Huntsville district and are still family owned. They carry a complete line of hardware and building materials. While they do not carry all the unique and hard to find items such as Lewter or Harrison Brothers, they do have the latest collection of modern screws, nuts, bolts, plumbing supplies, PVC, steel pipes and hardware tools. They also offer many home improvement products such as customized crown molding, doors, windows and gutters. Like the big box stores they also have a wide selection lumber, sand, gravel and other bulk items. They offer special delivery, blade sharpening, pipe threading and custom cut for your wood pieces.

Website: Huntsville Hardware and Building Supply

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Weathers Ace Hardware of Madison

Before big box stores, Ace Hardware ruled the industry. Most of them have shut down across the nation, but the few that still stand are fun to visit. Perhaps I am a bit bias, but I still love supporting these small stores, many of which still carry those unique and hard to find items. A few years ago, I found a nice collection of purple colored mason jars and nice 1-gallon glass measuring cup. You won’t find these items at the big box stores. While they do not carry the usual and old timely items like Lewter and Harrison Brothers, they still carry a nice inventory of hard to find stuff.

Website: Weathers Ace Hardware of Madison

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Lowe's Home Improvement

Not much to say here. Lowe’s and Home Depot rules the hardware market with their huge selection and inventory. If you are looking for quality brands, your general house hold items or outdoor equipment, this is the place to come. The only reason I put Lowe’s over Home Depot is the fact of my hubby being a veteran and it is much easier to get a veteran’s discount than with Home Depot.

The Home Depot

I view Home Depot more of a masculine store as Lowe’s seem to have a better selection for home décor that I enjoy. While my husband usually buys his supplies at Lowe’s, he does prefer to buy his power tools at Home Depot. He just prefers Home Depot’s Ridgit brand over Lowe’s.

Harbor Freight Tools

For inexpensive hand tools and hardware supplies, you just can’t beat Harbor Freight prices. My husband always carries a few 20% discount coupons in his wallet just in case he needs to pick up a quick item. Many shoppers, such as my husband generally stays away from their power tools vs. big name brands due to their quality, but in my opinion, if you need a tool that will be barely used why not buy it for ½ the cost? I must admit, almost everything in the store is made in China and the quality is okay at best, but if you need some cheap items such as glue, tape, fasteners, rope, gloves, sandpaper, paint brushes, drill bits or a small tool, you can save a lot of money buying them here.

Website: #

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Northern Tool + Equipment

Nice small tool store similar to Harbor Freights but with higher quality products. Prices are fair but not as cheap as Harbor Freights. They do offer veterans a 10% discount

Website: Northern Tool + Equipment

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Park Supply

Nice small plumbing store that offers all the best fixtures. They’re prices are good and their selection for your bathrooms and kitchen needs are excellent. They probably will have what you’re looking for when it comes to new construction to remodeling, basic plumbing supplies or that difficult to find repair pieces. When my husband and I built our house, we shopped at this store quite often.

Website: Park Supply

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Wilson Lumber

A good store to shop if you are remodeling or building a new house. Prices are fair and they do have a good selection to order if you want a custom built item. We bought our front door here when we were building our house. I wouldn’t consider this a cost savor over the big box stores but I heard you can get a decent discount if are a contractor or agree to buy all your building supplies while building a new home.

Website: Wilson Lumber

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City Lumber Home Center

City Lumber Home Center is Similar to Wilson Lumber. Great place if you building a new house or remodeling one. Helpful and knowledgeable friendly staff.

Website: City Lumber Home Center

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Baker's True Value Hardware

Baker’s is a small but nice hardware store if you live too far out from the big box stores and need something quick. My parents once lived in Owen Cross roads, not too far from this hardware store, and when they needed to do a small plumbing or electrical project they carried 80% of what they needed.

Website: Baker's True Value Hardware

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Any question or need further information? Send me a note.