Macon-Bibb County is served by a mix of big-box home improvement retailers and independent hardware stores that have been part of the community for decades. Karsten & Denson Hardware on Ingleside Avenue has been a neighborhood fixture, offering an old-school hardware store experience with key cutting, an extensive HVAC filter selection, and hard-to-find items that big chains do not carry. George Jackson’s Ace Hardware operation runs three Macon-area locations: Wesleyan Ace (opened 1989 on Forsyth Road), Riverside Ace (opened 2006 on Riverside Drive), and Rutland Ace (opened 2004 on Houston Road), each focused on personalized customer service.
The big-box segment includes Home Depot on Eisenhower Parkway and Lowe’s on Macon Tech Drive, both of which stock full lines of building materials, appliances, and tools. Macon’s housing stock, with a median build year around 1974, drives consistent demand for renovation supplies. Common projects in the area include foundation and moisture remediation due to clay soil, HVAC replacement in older systems, and kitchen and bathroom remodels. The presence of Robins Air Force Base nearby means a steady flow of military families moving in and out, many of whom undertake quick home improvement projects during PCS transitions. First Street Ace Hardware on First Street in downtown Macon also serves the growing number of residential renovation projects in the urban core.
Top-Rated Home Improvement Stores in Macon, Georgia
Karsten & Denson Hardware
Adres: 2323 Ingleside Avenue, Macon, GA 31204
Website: karstendenson.com
Karsten & Denson Hardware is an independent neighborhood hardware store on Ingleside Avenue in the heart of Macon’s Ingleside neighborhood. The store carries gardening supplies including flower and vegetable seeds and live plants, an extensive selection of fertilizers, pest control products for insect and rodent prevention, hand and power tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, and maintenance items. They offer key cutting services including replacement of old house keys, stock an extensive selection of economical HVAC filters, and are known for carrying unique and hard-to-find items.
Riverside Ace Hardware
Adres: 3600 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31210
Website: acehardware.com/store-details/14350
Riverside Ace Hardware is one of three locally owned Ace Hardware locations in the Macon area, operated by George Jackson since 2006. The store on Riverside Drive serves the North Macon and Zebulon Road corridor with hardware, grills, lawn and garden supplies, and tools. As part of the Ace cooperative, the store combines national brand availability with the personalized service of a locally owned business. The Jackson family’s mission emphasizes community support, including donations to local children’s homes and charities.
Lowe’s Home Improvement
Adres: 3190 Macon Tech Drive, Macon, GA 31206
Website: lowes.com/store/GA-Macon/0546
Lowe’s on Macon Tech Drive is a full-service home improvement retailer offering building materials, appliances, flooring, paint, plumbing, electrical, and outdoor living products. The store provides professional installation services for flooring, windows, fencing, and other home projects through licensed contractors. Carpet cleaner rental is available for DIY cleaning projects. Lowe’s offers contractor services for professional builders and a MyLowe’s Rewards program for frequent shoppers. (National chain with Macon location)
Home Improvement Stores in Macon: Common Questions
Are there locally owned hardware stores in Macon, GA?
Yes. Karsten & Denson Hardware on Ingleside Avenue is an independent store known for hard-to-find items and personalized service. George Jackson operates three Ace Hardware locations in the Macon area: Wesleyan Ace on Forsyth Road (since 1989), Rutland Ace on Houston Road (since 2004), and Riverside Ace on Riverside Drive (since 2006). First Street Ace Hardware at 672 First Street serves downtown Macon. These locally owned stores complement the big-box options and often provide more knowledgeable assistance for niche projects.
What are the most common home improvement projects in Macon, GA?
Macon’s older housing stock generates consistent demand for foundation repair and moisture remediation due to the area’s clay soil. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are popular in the mid-century ranch homes found throughout neighborhoods like Northwoods and Hartley Bridge. Roof replacement following severe storms, HVAC system upgrades in homes with aging units, and hardwood floor refinishing in historic district homes are also among the most frequent projects. Paint and pressure washing are common seasonal maintenance items.
How do Macon’s big-box stores compare on pricing and services?
Macon has both a Home Depot on Eisenhower Parkway and a Lowe’s on Macon Tech Drive. Both offer similar product lines at competitive prices. Lowe’s provides in-store professional installation services and carpet cleaner rental. Home Depot operates a Pro desk for contractors and offers its Path to Pro training program. Pricing is generally comparable between the two, though weekly promotions differ. For specialized or hard-to-find items, local stores like Karsten & Denson may have stock that big-box retailers do not carry.
Do Macon home improvement stores offer delivery services?
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s in Macon offer delivery for large purchases including appliances, lumber, and building materials. Ace Hardware locations also offer delivery on select items. For bulk materials like mulch, gravel, and topsoil, local garden centers and supply yards such as Beech Tree Landscapes & Supply may offer more competitive delivery rates for Macon-area customers. Delivery fees and minimum order requirements vary by store, so call ahead to confirm.
Can I rent tools and equipment at home improvement stores in Macon, GA?
Yes. Home Depot on Eisenhower Parkway operates a tool rental center with equipment including pressure washers, floor sanders, tile saws, and generators. Lowe’s on Macon Tech Drive offers Bissell carpet cleaner rentals. For heavier equipment like mini excavators and dumpsters, dedicated rental companies in the Macon area may offer broader selections. Rental rates and availability vary, so checking online or calling the store before visiting is recommended.