5 of the Most Underrated Things at Costco
Costco’s vast selection of items has been well-documented, and anyone who’s a fan of the discount megastore knows it sells more than half-gallon tubs of mayo and toilet paper in bulk. While some of its more… unusual… offerings (think: caskets) get lots of attention from media outlets, the store stocks a whole host of housewares and home improvement items that rival what you’d find in a Home Depot or Lowe’s. Sure, they’re not as flashy as an eight-foot teddy bear, but discount-priced tile, appliances, and other remodeling supplies are a major deal to anyone starting a renovation or DIY project. Even better, all these items are available at Costco.com—so in most cases, you don’t even need a membership card to buy them. Check out our favorite picks below.
Kitchen Cabinets
We recently wrote a story about one kitchen makeover that was based entirely around Costco’s wood cabinets. The store offers two options: semi-custom by All Wood and fully custom by Tuscan Hills. All Wood is the cheaper option, starting at around $3,000 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot kitchen, which seems a pretty good deal considering they’re made with—you guessed it—solid wood. Both companies also have a decent number of door styles and finishes, from simple white shaker to rustic weathered wood.
Light Bulbs
Costco sells nearly two dozen types of bulbs. True, most are LEDs, but these days, are you really buying anything else for most of your fixtures? Nearly every shape, size, and wattage is available, including “smart” WiFi-enabled bulbs, and most are rated at least four out of five stars by customers. LEDs generally last 50,000 hours, so if you buy the 40-pack—a bargain at $58.99—you’ll likely be able to illuminate your house through the next few decades.
Wood Accent Walls
I was downright shocked that Costco carries two versions of wood wall planks, meant for creating a trendy accent wall. The self-adhesive planks are made from vinyl, not solid wood, but they have realistic graining and stylish weathered finishes. You get 20 square feet of planks for $50, which is enough to trim out most mudrooms or create a cool DIY headboard.
Custom Curtains and Shades
Window coverings can take a huge bite out of your budget, especially if you buy them custom and factor in the installation cost. Like with cabinets, Costco teamed up with two different companies: Bali, which does affordable cellular shades, wood blinds, and more (and is currently offering a 10 percent discount!), and Graber, which offers custom drapes in addition to various types of shades and blinds.
Tools
Costco’s selection of hand and power tools is admittedly limited, but what it does sell is the good stuff: Dewalt 20-volt drills and battery packs, a Porter Cable shop vacuum, and a rugged Kelvin.23 multitool. Did I mention the prices generally rival the Black Friday deals you’d find at a typical home improvement store? If you need to beef up your tool arsenal (or need a gift), you can’t do better.