Product sourcing in Austin

I get asked where I buy building materials quite a bit.  So I thought I would write a quick post about my go-to places for certain products.  So here goes:

I get most of my standard building supplies from Lowes and Home Depot.  I like to go to Lowes because I have a Lowes card that gives my 5% off but Home Depot is closer to the house we are remodeling.  I usually cruise their clearance sections and have found many good deals, especially special order items that have been returned.

I also get what I can from Costco.  I like their return policy so I feel a little safer ordering online from them.  Usually you can take things back to the store so you don't have to deal with shipping.  I have gotten a freestanding tub and bathroom vanity there, among other things.

For tile - hands down, Floor & Decor is my favorite source.  I have sometimes gotten tile from Home Depot or Lowes.  The Tile Guy has a really good selection also.  But in Austin I almost always find what I want at the best price at Floor & Decor.  However, I do not find that they have any better prices than the big boxes for tiling supplies like grout, mortar and tools.

For cabinets, it varies.  I have ordered unique items online from HomeDecorators.com, including several vanities and cabinets.  For matching sets of cabinets I have used a local cabinet maker and I have also bought cabinets from Lowes.  The cabinet maker gives you exactly what you want but you still have to finish them with paint or stain.  The special order cabinets have a factory finish which should last longer in theory.  If I can make things work with standard cabinet sizes I do.  Either way, always get plywood cabinets, never particleboard.  The difference in price is worth it!

For wood flooring I found a place called Hardwood Bargains.  They have good prices but, also important, they have a warehouse in Austin where they keep stock.  That gives me a comfort level that I can get extra if I need it.  I have also ordered both wood and cork floors online from ifloors.com.  I have been happy with those purchases but I tend to order more, just to make sure I have enough.

As for paint, I almost always use Behr.  I am sure that some of the other paints have improved over the years but I guess I am just a loyal Behr customer.

That's all for now, back to work!