I've been a McLendon shopper since my folks took me there before I could tie shoes. I like a hardware store that has staff that make me feel like a total absolute novice that I am. I go in and ask for a "fat knife looking thingy you use on the weeds and for planting bulbs" and they say "cultivators -- aisle X" instead of the blank puzzled stare and subliminal "don't bug me, I'm new" I get in some department store mega hardware warehouses with staff that make me feel like Bob Villa + Ty Pennington + Bob the Builder. McL's new expanded store at the former K-Mart site in Renton (on Rainier Avenue South between South 3rd Place and South 4th Place -- across from Renton Center Fred Meyer) has many new additions, such as an expanded cabinets, lighting, and plumbing areas. Plus, I found out they can pretty much order anything you'd want if it isn't on the shelves. Try getting a special order right at one of those mega chains! McLendon's isn't just a store, it's an institution... and it now offers a variety of adult education evening and weekend courses (via a partnership with Renton Technical College) for a variety of useful topics -- such as tile setting, installation of vinyl floors, etc. I took a couple classes and had fun a learned a lot. The classes cost about $19 each but the knowledge you pick-up from the class could save you hundreds. I'd give them 5 stars, but their hours are not as late as I would hope. It seems they shut down around six or seven most nights. On a home project weekend in the 11th hour, sometimes that's a source of frustration if you absolutely cannot wait until the next morning. read more

Ahh, thank God for McLendon's. So many times I have been unable to find something at the Lowe's by my house, and then sure enough, it is in stock at McLendon's. Love too that the lines at checkout are never long. read more

I've come to Mcclendons since it was a small store by the Cedar River. The prices have been slightly higher but the customer service and the extent of products have been worth every penny. Last time I was at the Renton store their lumber department had been cut significantly and they only offered a few options of very expensive wood. What got me though is i stood there 30 minutes waiting to get a piece cut with three other people. This time the lady in the paint department refused to make my paint because they didn't sell the brand I originally used. She claimed she wouldn't be able to match it. I have matched thousands of gallons of paint at Mcclendons from all sorts of brands and I've never heard this. So disappointing in so many ways. read more

Every time we have gone here (and we go often for everything from plumbing to gardening) we have had excellent customer service from the folks in the individual departments to the cashiers. People complain about their prices and yes, some times they are higher than at Lowes, and Home Depot. But I'd rather pay extra for a smaller business with great customer service than support the big box stores or Amazon who are squeezing their employees with low wages and little or no benefits. It's not like I have money to blow either as I am a senior with limited income. But at some point customers need to prioritize their values. I will continue to give these guys my business! read more

This is a solid hardware store. Great staff, lovely people, real neighborhood vibes. I love how close it is and they have everything and more that the bigger stores have. read more

Just got my car keys copied twice expertly friendly service with a smile from Sam in Hardware.keys icon in that store and they started correct fit when tested in the parking lot, not a wasted trip. Guys like Sam earned that great MCL excellence in customer service focus far better than the other box stores. Store looked immaculate faced no holes on the shelves and not one dust ball to be found on the floor under the shelves, anywhere. A doctor could operate on the floors of this MCL store. Cheers! read more

I popped into McClendon's to buy a gallon of Killz primer and was treated like absolute caca by the woman in the paint department. I'm not familiar with the store and I wanted to know if I needed to buy the paint at her register or up front. I tried to get her attention by saying 'excuse me' and she ignored me. I'm wearing a mask due to covid so I thought maybe she couldn't hear me. After about the third time she snapped at me that she was in the middle of something. I paid $3 more for my paint to get treated like scum. Next time I'll go to Home Depot even though it's farther away. read more

The worker really rude they don't know what is customer service I like to go to Seattle they more nice there it looks like the employees don't like their job read more

Mother of Pearl, McLendon's is EXPENSIVE. Check almost anywhere else before you go to McLendon's. The employees are generally friendly but not always; I've often felt like they've got something better to do, and there's no guarantee they can help you. I have found this place is at least 20-30% more expensive than other places. But sometimes they have what you need that Fred Meyers doesn't, so, I do appreciate it. I just don't get why they have such bougie prices :( read more

This is a 5 star review exclusively for the houseplants section, which is PHENOMENAL. If you're in the Southendnof Seattle, and you're thinking about getting plants, this is the best place to go for both the price, and the quality. I've bought enormous plants here for a very small amount of money. I got a spider plant here that was so full of babies that I supplied ALL of my Buy Nothing Group with its babies for $12. I got 2 5 foot tall cat palms for $15, an incredibly large bird of paradise for $45, and my last purchase was a Marble Pothos for $20 in a hanging pot that is dripping with vines. There is a woman there that knows her plants, and can talk to you about their needs and...I've caught her getting nerdy with me on more than one occasion. No, they do not have the "collector" plants (unless you get them before they're "cool"), but their selection is substantial, phenomenally priced, and very healthy. The rest of the hardware store is a giant Meh from me, as a professional trades person--youre much better off going to home depot. Christmas decorations are overpriced...but, to return to the plus side--there are some good snacks here too. read more

This store sucks. Everything is 10-20% more expensive than Home Depot. The employees have awful customer service and they don't have a return policy like HD or Lowe's. If you can, go to a different hardware store read more

It's a good, basic hardware store and I chose to go to McLendon over the big chain closer to my house but I was disappointed and horrified that carts were not being wiped down, there were no supplies to wipe our own carts and no hand sanitizer available at all. Many customers were not wearing masks and were crowding other shoppers. We are still in a pandemic, social distancing and good hygiene works to protect all of our health. read more

I was strongly dissatisfied with my experience here. I was looking to buy a bunch of trigger style clamps in bulk, I had been to 2 other stores that all seemed to be out, so before I came here I called in advance. I was on hold for a few minutes before a lady answered and told me that sounds like it would be in lumber. Put on hold again, guy picks up from lumber, I explain what I'm looking for, and he seems confused - he tells me its either automotive or tools, and puts me on hold again. I connect with ANOTHER person (in tools or automotive? He didnt specify where he sent me). I explain what I'm looking for, trigger style clamps... and he says "okay lemme look". He puts the phone down, but does not hang up, and I legit hear him say WHILE IM STILL ON THE CALL "Anyways so back to what I was saying, I was ****ing her from behind -" And PROCEEDED TO HAVE A DISGUSTING CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER EMPLOYEE while I was still on the line. I kept saying "hello?" Because it sounded like he was just standing by the phone chatting it up with his co worker, and this went on FOR 6 MINUTES (I kept track of the time on the line) I started saying hello louder, trying to get his attention because I still needed help, and THEN HE PUT ME BACK ON HOLD. This was an awful experience and I ended up just driving to the store to find what I was looking for, they HAD it and the 3 people on the phone lines could not bother to look for it. i'm so disgusted by this experience and I cannot believe this is the kind of employee base this company accepts. Never shop here, these people are disgusting and terrible with customer service read more

McLendon Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Renton, Washington

So with the whole covid thing things have been crazy and I just really appreciate how everyone at mclendons has been nothing but good natured. I have ordered with them and been pleased before but so impressed with how they are doing business now. I had an order which I inadvertently kind of screwed up the pickup for...totally, but innocently, my fault. Everyone at every point was just really nice and focused on being helpful and providing me with the service I needed. It even seems to have caused an ongoing weird thing in their system, and again at no point did anyone get frustrated with me or I make me feel unappreciated as a customer or like I was in the wrong. Everything is so stressful right now I am just pathetically grateful to mclendons for being generally awesome and kind people read more

Two stars for location. Stopped by yesterday and the two employees in the tools department have no (poor) customer service. Save your time and go to Lowe's or Home Depot. read more

This store is more expensive than its competitors, however there was a time when the store had outstanding customer service which made it worth going to anyway.... NOT ANYMORE. I was just in the store and probably had the worst customer service experience ever. I was looking for several items and could not get any help. I would ask somebody they would wander off and I would never see them again. I got fed up with it and as I walked past the cashiers and customer service I was completely ignored, so I said quite loudly "I guess nobody here wants my business so I'm going to Lowe's." The kid at customer service replied in a very snide tone "Good, have a nice day." When I ask to speak to a manager one of the other clerks asked what the problem was. And I said "His attitude." That clerk also started getting snide. I've spent thousands dollars at McLendon's in the past. THIS TIME I WALKED AWAY, AND IM NOT COMING BACK. McClenden's just lost a long time customer read more

Awesome customer service. I was trying to find a place that sold some polyethylene tubing by the foot and I found it here. Neither Lowe's nor Home Depot sold it by the foot. Anyway, the guy that helped us (I was with my dad and brother) literally walked us all the way up to the cashier and asked if he could help with anything else. 5 star service! Genuinely nice guy! read more

We saw employees walking around, yet nobody made eye contact or offered any assistance. I finally approached someone who said they would get us some help. After 15 more minutes of waiting, with other employees sauntering by and no greetings or offers of help, a very old, extremely disagreeable man approached. He obviously didn't want to be there and he very grudgingly answered our questions with no elaborations or explanations. I have never experienced such rude behavior from a store clerk. Hopefully this old guy gets put out to pasture soon. He's far too old and crotchety to be working with the public. Horrible service at this Renton location, don't go. read more

This is my favorite home store/hardware store/plant store. Why? Decent plant selections, and very one I've purchased has been healthy. Good selection of hardscape paving items, and easy to get help loading them into my car. Best reason? The staff at McLendon's is the BEST. Every time I've gone in needing help, or advice, the staff points me in the right direction, or gives me detailed explanations. I've gone to the plumbing dept. several times for help with gas grill connection questions and hose valve questions. The guys there always take the time to provide top notch service. AND they know what they're doing. My most recent visit, on 7/15, was for help on a hose bib. Bill in plumbing assisted us. He went out of his way to fix the issue, and the resolution was MUCH cheaper than we expected. I so appreciated him taking time and extra effort to resolve the issue instead of selling us an unnecessary part or sending us elsewhere. I have to say at other local big box home stores I've been treated like a "dumb woman" and brushed off, or sold items that didn't work when we got home, which resulted in more trips back and forth. Not here. They take the time to really help you. Customer for life. read more

Being that Americans are for the most part staying at home these days, we are left to be creative for the most part. I have some small plants that needed repotting so I headed over to McLendon to pick up some larger pots and potting soil. They had exactly what I needed. It was nice to get out of the house a bit. read more

I recently drove into McLendon's in the Renton area even though my usual haunts are Lowes and Home Depot in Bellevue. I was greeted in the lumber department by Ben and had some questions about buying cedar planks for a raised vegetable garden. It turns out that Ben is one of the managers and he treated my wife and I like we were the store's first customers. The same thing occurred the next day when I called and reached the operator because Ben wasn't in yet. This McLendon's store has customer service like where your grandfather used to shop, and I can't think of a reason why I would return to my closer hardware stores. Also, their prices seem to be very competitive with the national chains, but you get small town service. I'm all in with McElendon's. read more

They carry Black Gold Potting Soil Mixes, which I needed. I checked their houseplant section inside the store and I would say it's a hit or miss. Reasonable prices for the plants, however I wouldn't suggest getting something you are really set on having from here - it may or may not be in the healthiest place. Ideally, getting the plant before it's sitting in the store for too long is probably the best scenario. I picked up 2 peace lily pups (4 inch), 1 moonshine sanseveria (6 inch), and 4 small maranta leuconera (prayer plant) (4 inches). When I was at the store, the peace lilies and moonshine sanseveria definitely looked fine because they weren't overwatered yet. Prayer plants seemed alright, but it's been about 2-3 weeks and 2 of them have died I'm guessing either from root rot (from being overwatered) or spider mite infestation. It was hard to tell because spider mites can cause chlorosis so I just threw them out as it wasn't worth saving. Of the two left, one is starting to decline and I suspect it will die soon too. Hopefully the last one lives. The other peace lilies and sanseveria seem to be doing fine. So just make sure you check your plant before purchasing. UPDATE: The potting soil I purchased had gnats, unfortunately. I hear this is a common thing, so not necessarily related to the store. The last prayer plant I had is still alive but probably recovering from the overwatering treatment ... it's not looking great but it's not getting worse. I would say - only buy houseplants if they haven't been sitting in the nursery for too long.. I feel like you can tell based on how soaked the soil is. Everything is likely overwatered which is similar to other big box stores. For myself, I wouldn't recommend getting a houseplant from any type of big box store again. It's a headache to recover plants. I'd rather pay the premium from a local nursery. read more

I went to McLendon today looking for perlite. Unfortunately they were out, but a huge thanks to the women working by the houseplants. She took the extra step and looked to see if there was more in stock. But I did walk out with a monstera ... the plants are beautiful and healthy! read more

Horrible experience. I went to this store to pick up batteries last night at 6:30. I walked over to the electronics front desk and heard the rep yelling at a customer that asked him a question about plumbing. He kept repeating I don't know anything about plumbing and didn't even point them to the right direction. They left and I approached with my kid. I asked where I could find a 2025 cr battery. He stated I don't know anything about batteries but we have batteries there and against the wall other side in an angry condescending voice. So naturally I checked the closer stand. A few minutes later the gentleman yelled at me stating "what you doing they're on the wall". And I responded that's what I asked you and you pointed here first. As I walked away he called me a POS in front of my kid. If my son wasn't there I would have started something but he was and I was wearing a company shirt and it wouldn't look good. He definitely didn't know anything about plumbing and definitely don't know anything about electronics, time for him to find another job. As an electrician I like to support smaller companies when I buy tools and not just go to home depot but definitely blacking this store out and I have already told my fellow electricians about my experience here. read more

The best big box hardware store around. You can tell it's a good place to work, because a lot of their employees have been there forever. Have a plumbing problem? they have someone who can help. Drywall? Carpentry? Where on earth do I find laundry bags? Honestly, this place feels like family.. read more

Friendly, helpful staff especially in the tools and plumbing department! Has some old style parts not available in Lowe's or Home Depot hardware stores! Great location across from Renton's Fred Meyer store and the Feast Buffet! I really wished McLendon Hardware was in South King County! read more

Driving through Renton and running errands, my boyfriend and I spotted the McLendon nursery setup right out front. We dove in to check out house plants and were really hoping to find a nice tree or large plant for our living room. Sadly we didn't find any ficus trees but we did see a lot of variety otherwise. In addition to the large selection just outside the main entrance, there were more plants inside the entrance as well as in a patio area just to the exterior of one of the side entrances. There were fruit trees, veggies, seeds, potted plants, outdoor plants, and even just pots and accessories galore! Much like other big box stores, McClendon has it all. Not finding exactly what we wanted, we were on our merry way. But I did appreciate and notice how clean the store was, how well organized it was, and how it had a more local feel to it than a Home Depot. Even though it was just as large, the layout was nicer and offerings were much the same. It's not often I'm in Renton but now that I know this store is here, I might come back more often when running errands between home (Seattle) and Renton/Tukwila. read more

A McClendon short story: I bought a small ceramic shelf at Second Use. (The exact shade of green of my linoleum.) It had no mounting hardware. The Second Use clerk didn't bat an eye--"They'll help you figure it out at McClendon's" (sic) It's true. They did. Every time I need actual help with a project, I make the trek to McClendon. I wish I could go there for every home improvement need, but Lowe's is less than a mile away and I can't justify driving 20 miles for a paintbrush. The staff at McClendon know what they're doing, or know who to ask. They carry stuff that works and take back stuff that doesn't. The prices are reasonable. They're locally owned. There's a donut shop next door. Go there. read more

Love these guys. Not the cheapest. Not the widest selection. Still the best hardware store in the Greater Seattle Area. A perfect mix of the right items in the store, friendly and knowledgeable staff and decent prices. Great garden department fer sure. read more

Their store credits expire in 90 days. Who does that? Businesses that don't want you to spend your entire credit, that's who. I just noticed that my credit expired 7 days ago.. So I called the store and they said "Sorry, it's expired." Great customer service, right? This is another reason biz box stores like Lowes and HD are winning. read more

McLendon Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Renton, Washington

After reading the reviews here it seems that part of the employment process is the new employee must write a positive review of the business. At least that's how it appears to me. I've been to this place, and I can't get anyone to answer a simple question about anything prior to the cash wrap. What gives? If I'm in your section, and I ask you a question, DO NOT walk away. Sure, I found what I need, and they have a ton of things I can't even think of a use for, but if I'm looking for good customer service, it just isn't here. read more

In a country where everyone thinks they can do any task formerly reserved for a tradesman, Mclendons is the place to help you tread water maybe even float for a while. Please don't try to tell me Home Despot or Lowes (less of everything) has knowledgeable people. They don't have the selection of older parts, let alone the age tested help to know what most widgets are for. Mclendons does and then some. I needed to replace a stem washer and packing on my 1930s American Standard shower. The big box stores - no luck, no help, no way. Mclendons plumbing counter knew what part I needed when I was 10 feet away. (That's an old part you got there sonny and he was my age!) They had the parts in stock for a fair price. Fan belt for my blower finally shreds who else but Mclendons has them in stock. New broiler element for my oven (1990s) they had them and at a fair price. My extent of plumbing is water runs downhill, pay day is on Friday and don't lick your fingers. When I needed a real low flow toilet the woman at McClendons spent 15 minutes with me till even I understood which model I wanted and how to level it. (Maybe it's a gender insecurity thing, but some guys can't handle women plumbers. Me, I can't stand the waste part of DWV plumbing.) Great selection on new products and repair parts, true old world staff that can help, fair prices and free popcorn on select days. Between Hardwicks and Mclendons we are truly blessed. read more

We have been trying to order a glass cover for our coffee table since December. We have had to put in four separate orders and they still cant seem to get this right. The staff has no idea who has done what with our order. Its April first and we are still waiting to get our glass ordered, we had to call them to find out its almost ready. I would not shop here again, and i would not recommend them ever. read more

There has been and still is only one hardware store Renton, WA, to hit if you have no time for a different place to not have your part, to know the significance of trying to get you the exact part (not one that will just fit) and that will never make you feel as though they only have 30 seconds to spend with you. Frankly, I was afraid that when their store moved from their original home that it would lose it's culture and end up just another giant hardware store. I'm happy to report that while perhaps losing some of it's quaintness and a bit of the coolness of a store that had that "well used" feel like a properly worn in baseball mitt, the heart and soul of the store was successfully transplanted into of all things an old K-Mart. I, personally, have never once been thwarted with not finding my part (no matter how old or seemingly oddball it may be), never been made to feel like my little issue was unimportant, or experienced the worst answer one can hear when your project is half through: "I don't know." McLendon's is full of friendly, dare I say "family" feeling employees that have never failed to treat me like I deserve far better than I truthfully feel I deserve after dealing with so many modern businesses that don't understand that if they don't take care of their customers, someone else will. This includes all stores whom cheap yet expensive decals you'll see slapped on a laughable NASCAR clone mobile (clown mobile)? If your choice is between McLendon's and a store who you've seen whored out on a race car, do yourself a favor and go home town. It is an odd interpretation, being that they are on opposite ends of the spectrum but McLendon's is the Apple Store of hardware stores. It's an inexplicable feeling of welcome and belonging along with a deserved reputation for me leaving the store happy regardless of how incredibly poor I may have formulated my visit or question. For this reason, McLendon's has earned a place that is rare and difficult one to reach in my heart - the place I know I will be taken care of. The loyalty was earned on their end and now I repay that loyalty and excellence with visit after visit. It is a reputation that cannot be earned through slick marketing alone - in the end it must simply deliver. Take the extra drive to get yourself to a McLendon's if your visit is anything rating higher than just needing batteries or duct tape. That being said, even if you only need sundries - visit them for the great feeling you will have after observing their operation and being added to the family. A true Renton classic. read more

I've probably been at this McLendons (and the old location) nearly 100 times since childhood. They still maintain their oldschool quality; however the prices may not be the lowest locally. + Selection + * McLendons has a selection that dwarfs Loews and Home Depot. * The hardware section is impressive: if there is a little replacement part you need, McLendons might have it. * For the most part, they don't sell cheap quality items. + Customer Service + * Loews and Home Depot can't touch the quality of knowledge and courtesy that the department specialists at McLendons delivers. If I'm interested in tips/advice on hardware purchases then this is the place. * This is one of the few stores where I have never felt ignored. - Prices - * According to my purchases, many but not all items are a bit more than Loews or Home Depot. * On small items the prices are about the same. When it comes to hardware or building supplies, you can waste a lot of time at stores with poor customer service that set you up with the wrong stuff. I always expect knowledgeable staff at this McLendons site, to help me get the job done the 1st time. Highly recommended for browsing unfamiliar - or hard to find - home hardware/items. BTW: Contractor accounts get a discount off the total purchase. read more

I confess, I sometimes come to the big McLendon's in Renton just for fun. And Brown & Haley Mountain Bars, because it's one of the few places that sells them. I finally gave up on the McBox Chain Home Improvement Warehouses several years ago after I called around to a few of their local stores to check to see if they had something in stock. More than half the time, I was handed off to someone who barely spoke English and had no idea what I was talking about, despite the fact that I provided the full make and model name. That's it! I'm done! No more! McLendon's not only hires English-speaking, legal Americans who understand what the @#$% you're asking about, they hire people who know home improvement. They sell the brands of paint I prefer, Benjamin Moore and Devine. When you go to the Tools department and ask which one would work for the job you're doing, they ask you what's the job, then direct you to the right tool for the job. And by "the right tool for the job," I mean they do not steer you to the most expensive industrial-strength cordless drill when all you're trying to do is put in a couple of shelves. If you show one of the associates a bolt or screw and tell them you're looking for more like it, you will be amazed. The associate will go straight to the cubby wherein the bolt is stored. I mean they know their inventory up, down, backwards and forwards. I once bought some dowels from their "scrap wood" bin to wedge in my window frames as added security. A couple of the dowels were just a tad bit too long for the windows. The guy in the McLendon's lumber department cut them to the perfect size for me, even though they were scraps and were already selling for dirt cheap (less than a buck apiece). No charge for the extra service. read more

This place is like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting. The ladies and gentlement serving througout the store have the knowledge and wisdom about their products that only comes with age and lots of experience. Yeah, prices are higher than a big box store, but I'll bet you that if you consult an employee on a project you are undertaking and follow their recommendations, you won't need to go back to exchange something or pick up parts you missed on the 1st try. If I'm buying a commodity type item like a roll of Teflon or Duct tape, I'll stop by Home Depot or Lowe's, but for anything even slightly technical, I'll hit McLendon's. read more

The house we bought has a very unusual outdoor light fixture installed in a hard to reach place. After butchering a miniature rosebush and precariously fetching the bulb and the fixture info, I headed to my neighborhood chain home store (rhymes with "blows"), it took me forever to find someone to who knew enough to tell me, "We don't have it and we can't get it." I went to McLendon's and found the bulb I needed, and was offered assistance (instead of having to hunt for it). Even though the new bulb was slightly different shaped, I was assured it would work as it had the same mount. Next time McLendon will be the 1st stop. I would give them 5 stars if they were a union employer, as I always prefer to spend my money with companies where workers have a collective voice. (Come on employees, organize!) read more

Lost your 10mm bolts for your Honda Civic like I did? Well stop into here and get some replacements!! Yes! they have the flange bolts and nuts too. McLendon's has everything other hardware stores do and then some. I don't see the same type of sales as Lowes or Home Depot, but I never come here to buy appliances. Their friendly staff, who actually have been working for McLendon's for years, are very helpful and knowledgeable. If I can just describe what I need, they'll walk me to it. Tools and misc bolts along with key cutting makes McLendon my store to shop at. I'm glad they took over the old K-Mart location. They've filled the entire store nicely and makes it a lot easier to shop at. Their old location was a bit too tight!! read more

Came shopping for a backup snow shovel for the car. Found a square classic; not heavy and good grip. The gal in that section wasn't as helpful as I'd expected, but decent nonetheless. read more