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12 Things Retirees Should Avoid Getting at Menards

Get better quality items or keep some cash in your pocket by shopping somewhere else.

Menards store exterior
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Retirees worried about home repairs or updates may try to find home improvement options at Menards.

The store can be a good source of products to make fixes, start a new project, or update things in your home. Some items, though, just aren’t worth the cost.

So make sure you stop wasting money and skip these products the next time you go to Menards.

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Light bulbs

Kunlathida/Adobe woman hands changing light bulb

Menards has a wide selection of light bulbs for you to choose from that can match any number of light fixtures in your home.

But light bulbs are also a staple item that you can easily find online to match your needs. So, do some comparison shopping before you go to Menards to see if you can find a cheaper option somewhere else.

Major appliances

hedgehog94/Adobe Couple buying a new dishwasher

Major appliances can be a major hit to your wallet, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the best options.

It’s a good idea to check the cost of appliances like dishwashers online to compare prices, but you’ll also want to look over warranties and return policies. Menards, for example, has a stricter return policy on major appliances than a place like Costco.

Plants

Mediteraneo/Adobe elderly couple in flower shop

You may be tempted to buy plants and flowers from the Menards Garden Center, but that could lead to mistakes and a yard with dead plants and lackluster curb appeal.

Instead, consider your local nursery or plant store, which could have better options, such as plants specific to your climate.

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Wall decor

FollowTheFlow/Adobe Scandinavian design living room

You may be surprised to find that Menards carries wall decor you can use to decorate your home.

You may also be surprised to find that places like Target and Walmart or discount stores like HomeGoods offer more affordable options and a wider selection than Menards.

Kitchen countertops

brizmaker/Adobe countertop with green vintage kitchen

Retirees may have more time to tackle big projects like a kitchen renovation including adding new kitchen countertops.

But if you’re looking for something a little more high-end than a basic countertop, skip Menards and head to a local kitchen countertop store that may give you more options to review in person.

Bathroom faucets

Aksana/Adobe clean water

Another project you may want to take on is updating your bathrooms now that you can spend time making decisions about things like bathroom vanities and faucets.

Check out online options before you head to Menards. You may be surprised to find better choices at more affordable prices through websites like Amazon.

Basic hardware

pixelrobot/Adobe nuts and bolts

Sometimes, you need just a bolt or washer for a quick home project fix and might think Menards is a good option.

It’s a good idea, however, to try your local hardware store first. Local stores may have a better selection and someone who can help you find exactly what you need based on your particular project.

Furniture

Seventyfour/Adobe couple looking at furniture

It may be time to freshen up your living spaces now that you’re spending more time at home and Menards does have some choices for you.

But there may be better options online or at your local furniture store, so check around to see if you can find what you want before you go to Menards.

Kitchen cabinets

Iriana Shiyan/Adobe white kitchen design adobe

A complete remodel of your kitchen could mean pulling out your cabinets and replacing them with new ones, but you may not find a modern selection at Menards or perhaps not the right color or design for what you want.

Think about spending a little bit more at a store with a wider selection or try to find custom cabinetry that may cost more but will fit your specific space.

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Cleaning products

ColleenMichaels/Adobe cleaning products for sale

You may want to keep your home extra clean now that you’re spending more time there and have more time to focus on it.

But cleaning products at Menards are likely more expensive than you expect, and you may be able to find better deals at other retailers or online.

Paint

Pixel-Shot/Adobe happy couple with paint tools

It could be time to update your walls with a new coat of paint or experiment with textures.

So check out a local paint store before you go to Menards. Local stores may have a wider selection and can get you a better deal than a big-box store like Menards.

Batteries

New Africa/Adobe different types of batteries adobe

There are plenty of things in your home that need batteries, from your remote control for your television to any number of electronics.

It’s a good idea to search online for batteries before you pick some up at Menards. You can also check your local membership stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, which may offer bulk versions of batteries for a reduced rate per battery.

Bottom line

Joseph Hendrickson/Adobe Menards store front entrance

Everyone needs to do some home improvement, maintenance, or repair sometimes, and there are a number of stores to choose from to buy supplies. But those supplies can be pricey and it pays to be choosey about where you shop.

Menards can be a good option for some home improvement projects, and there are smart ways to save money when you shop there if you avoid items that can drain your wallet.

It’s a good idea to create a budget for any of your home improvement projects and comparison shop to find the best deals on the best options for what you need. You may be surprised to find that some options are better somewhere else than Menards.


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