4 Summer Outdoor Items You Should Avoid Buying at Home Depot
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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If you are looking to do some home repairs, get a new appliance or do some industrial cleaning, Home Depot is usually a great place to pick up all the tools and materials to get the job done. However, there are some items where you might be better off spending your money at another retailer.
Here are four summer outdoor items you should avoid buying at Home Depot, according to experts.
Outdoor Furniture
According to Michael Clarke, founder of Yardwork, outdoor furniture is not great to buy at Home Depot because while the hardware megastore offers a range of patio furniture, some of its budget options are made from low-quality materials that won’t hold up well over time.
“They tend to lack comfort, durability or weather resistance, especially for the price,” Clarke explained. “One of the items I don’t recommend is the Joyoung Gray 7-Piece Wicker Patio Rectangle Fire Pit Conversation Set with Denim Blue Cushions and Swivel Chairs.”
For a different shopping option, Clarke recommended Wayfair and Lowe’s, which tend to have better options with a wider variety of high-quality patio furniture.
Pool Cleaning Supplies
It is often a good idea to buy pool cleaning supplies somewhere other than Home Depot, according to Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Cabana.
“At the very least, make sure to compare prices if you are shopping at Home Depot to see if another store sells the item you are looking for for a lower price,” Yamaguchi said. “It is not uncommon for Home Depot’s prices to be higher.”
Yamaguchi found a stainless steel bristle swimming pool brush for algae removal on Home Depot’s website for $16.98. However, the same product is on The Cleaning Supply Mart’s website for less than $7.
Gas Grills
Another do-not-buy at Home Depot are gas grills for barbecuing outdoors, according to Clarke.
“Many of the models they stock tend to be low- to mid-tier brands that don’t have the best performance or longevity and offer limited features for the price,” Clarke said, pointing to the Nexgrill four-burner propane gas grill.
“I’ve personally experienced this grill breaking down quickly and not performing well over time,” Clarke said. “Lowe’s and Ace Hardware are better for premium grills at better price points. Costco is also known for offering higher-end models at competitive prices.”
Gardening Tools
“Garden tools at Home Depot should also not be purchased because they don’t hold up well over time,” Clarke said. “They may break or bend after a few uses, making them a poor investment in the long run.”
Clarke has personally experienced issues with the Home Depot’s Anvil carbon steel digging shovel.
“The tip of the metal will bend when digging and it doesn’t carry much weight,” Clarke explained. “For high-quality garden tools, I recommend Gardener’s Supply Company or Tractor Supply Co.”
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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