Buford Street Ace Hardware in Charleston: What to Find and How to Shop There

What Buford Street Ace Hardware carries and where it is

Buford Street Ace Hardware is a locally owned store in Charleston's upper King Street neighborhood, stocked with tools, paint, plumbing supplies, electrical materials, lawn equipment, and seasonal items. The store occupies a traditional hardware-store footprint—narrow aisles, high shelves, and staff who work there regularly enough to know inventory by memory. It is the kind of place where you can walk in with a broken part, describe what broke, and leave with a solution instead of a guess.

The store sits at 1220 Buford Street, a few blocks north of downtown Charleston. Parking is street parking along Buford or in nearby residential lots; there is no dedicated lot. Hours vary by season, so calling ahead before a weekend trip is worth the thirty seconds.

Key Takeaways

• Buford Street Ace Hardware stocks paint, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, and lawn equipment for both small repairs and larger projects.
• The staff can often identify what you need based on a description of the problem, which saves time if you do not have the exact part number.
• The store is located on street parking only, with no dedicated lot, so plan for a few minutes to find a spot on busy days.
• Calling ahead during off-hours or before a weekend visit confirms current hours and whether a specific item is in stock.

Paint selection and color matching

The paint department carries interior and exterior paints, stains, primers, and brushes. The store mixes paint on-site, which means you can bring a paint chip, a fabric swatch, or even a photograph of a color you like and walk out with a matched gallon. Mixing takes a few minutes, so plan accordingly if you are on a tight schedule.

Staff can advise on sheen levels—flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss—and whether a primer is necessary for your surface. If you are repainting over a dark color or staining new drywall, they can point you toward the right primer rather than letting you waste paint on a second coat.

Tools and hardware for repair and building

The tool section includes hand tools (hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, saws), power tool accessories, fasteners (nails, screws, bolts), and hinges, locks, and brackets. The store does not sell large power tools like table saws or compressors, but it stocks bits, blades, and replacement parts for tools you already own.

If you need a specific fastener and do not know the size, bring the old one or the hole it fits into. Staff can match diameter and thread pitch without you having to decode a package label. This is especially useful for older homes in Charleston, where hardware sizes sometimes do not follow modern standards.

Plumbing and electrical supplies

The plumbing section carries PVC and copper fittings, valves, washers, and common replacement parts like toilet fill valves and faucet aerators. Pipe and tubing are available in standard sizes. The store stocks supplies for both simple fixes (a leaking faucet) and moderate projects (replacing a section of supply line).

Electrical supplies include wire, outlets, switches, breaker boxes, and light fixtures. If you are replacing a ceiling fan or outlet, staff can confirm what gauge wire you have and whether you need a new box or can work with the existing one. For anything beyond basic replacement, the store can point you toward a licensed electrician rather than guessing.

Lawn and outdoor equipment

Seasonal inventory includes grass seed, fertilizer, mulch, and small lawn tools like rakes, shovels, and pruners. The store carries replacement parts for common equipment—spark plugs and air filters for mowers, trimmer line, and chainsaw chains. In spring and early summer, stock is fuller; in winter, the selection narrows to what people actually use in Charleston's mild climate.

If you need a specific part for a mower or trimmer, bring the model number or a photo of the equipment. Staff can often order items that are not in stock and have them ready within a few days.

How to shop efficiently and when to call ahead

For small items or a quick errand, you can usually walk in and find what you need. For larger projects or specific parts, calling ahead saves a trip. The staff can tell you whether an item is in stock and sometimes hold it for you if you are coming back later that day.

Bring measurements, part numbers, or photos of what you are trying to fix. If you are unsure what you need, describing the problem works just as well—the staff has heard most home and yard issues before and can narrow down the options. Payment is cash or card; there is no online ordering through this location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get paint mixed to match a color I bring in?

Yes. Bring a paint chip, fabric swatch, or photograph, and staff will mix a matched gallon on-site. Mixing takes a few minutes. If you are matching an existing wall, a small chip from that wall works best.

Do you sell large power tools like saws or compressors?

No. The store stocks hand tools, bits, blades, and accessories for tools you already own, but not large equipment. Staff can recommend where to rent or buy if you need something outside their inventory.

What if I do not know the exact part I need?

Bring the old part, a photo, or a description of what is broken. Staff can identify what you need based on that information. For plumbing or electrical work beyond basic replacement, they can also recommend a licensed professional.

Is there parking at the store?

No dedicated lot. Parking is street parking along Buford Street or in nearby residential areas. Plan a few extra minutes to find a spot, especially on weekends.

Can you hold items if I call ahead?

Yes, staff can often hold items for you if you call and ask. This is especially helpful for specific parts or paint colors you want to confirm are in stock before making the trip.