The Difference Between Home Supply Box Stores and Landscape Suppliers

Given the prevalence of big box stores, we often end up shopping at them without stopping to compare our options. If you are purchasing materials for a basic do-it-yourself landscape project, there is a good chance that a big box home improvement store will have some or all of the products you need. However, it may not be your best choice, for both quality & service (and sometimes even price).

Don’t ever neglect your locally owned landscape supplies center. Here’s why:

Product Inventory

Most big box stores have very few options in their outdoor products sections. They are likely to have only one color of brick, one or two shapes of concrete interlocking pavers, limited options of bagged mulch and topsoil and few, if any, landscape rocks and boulders. When you are designing home landscape improvements, it is important to have different materials options to choose from. Colour, size, shape and style are all important.

A company that specializes in landscape supplies is going to have many more choices, probably some that you had not thought of; some that nobody else on your street has. For any project that involves large stone, flagstone or boulders, working with a landscape supply center is an absolute must.

Knowledge, Information and Experience

Even if you have considerable experience with home landscape projects, it’s always good to talk with an expert before you begin work. Your local landscape supplier specializes in this type of work. They will know much more about their products than the employees at a home improvement store who are expected to know a little bit about everything. Many landscape supply store employees have considerable landscaping experience themselves.

A landscape supply store can give you reliable advice about the best materials for your project, help you figure out the quantities you need and provide information to make your installation work go easier.

Supporting Local Businesses

Stores that are based in your city or region are invested in the local economy to a much greater extent than a box store with locations across the country and continent. Unfortunately, in general, the commitment of box stores and their (often part-time) employees is not going to be the same as someone that grew up in town and has been working with the same group of vendors, contractors and neighbors for many years.

It may surprise you, but prices are often better at your local landscape supply center. Many products that you have to buy by the bag at box stores are available in larger bulk quantities from a landscape supplier. The cost is usually significantly less. Your local landscape supplier also realizes they need to be cost competitive to stay in business. They are looking for repeat business from customers that value their service.

If you just need a bag of mulch while you are also shopping for light bulbs and plumbing fixtures, a big box store may be your easiest option. For most other situations, stop and think twice. Big boxes specialize in volume; landscape suppliers specialize in variety, quality and service.

If you want to explore your landscaping supply options, visit one of our 4 locations today.