6 Off-The-Radar Arkansas Hardware Stores With Unique Finds
Hidden across Arkansas are hardware stores that offer much more than just nuts and bolts. These family-owned gems combine old-fashioned service with unexpected treasures you won’t find at big box retailers.
From vintage tools to locally crafted items, these six under-the-radar hardware havens prove that sometimes the best discoveries happen in the most unexpected places.
1. Leonard’s Hardware Inc – Russellville’s Time Capsule
Step through the wooden doors at Leonard’s and breathe in that unmistakable mix of sawdust and history. Since 1952, locals have relied on this family-operated treasure trove for everything from rare fasteners to handcrafted birdhouses.
2. Fuller And Son Hardware – Little Rock’s Problem-Solving Paradise
“Bring us your toughest home project” might as well be the unofficial motto at Fuller and Son. This multi-generational business stands out for its staff who can diagnose plumbing issues just from your description.
Their unique color-matching system for historic Little Rock homes has saved countless restoration projects.
3. Nelson Hardware & Supply – Cave Springs’ Unexpected Treasure Chest
Farmers whisper about Nelson’s like it’s a secret club. Behind the unassuming facade lies a wonderland of impossible-to-find parts for antique farm equipment and specialty gardening tools.
What truly sets Nelson’s apart is their collection of locally forged iron goods made by Ozark blacksmiths.
4. The Hardware Store – Fayetteville’s Eco-Friendly Innovator
Don’t let the straightforward name fool you. This Fayetteville fixture pioneered sustainability in Arkansas hardware retail long before it was trendy.
Their reclaimed materials section features architectural salvage from historic Ozark buildings. University students flock here for the basement makerspace where old-timers teach everything from knife sharpening to chair caning.
5. Hardman Lumber Company – Arkadelphia’s One-Stop Wonder
Crossing the threshold at Hardman’s feels like traveling back to when they first opened.
Their claim to fame? A space that has quietly built a reputation over generations, attracting loyal visitors from near and far. From the street, you’d never know what’s waiting inside.
6. Kraftco Hardware – Little Rock’s Urban Garden Sanctuary
Hardware meets horticulture at this Little Rock neighborhood gem.
What began as a traditional nuts-and-bolts shop has evolved into a haven for urban gardeners and community builders alike. Under thoughtful ownership, the space has grown into much more than a store; it’s a place where knowledge is shared, traditions are honored, and a love for the land continues to thrive.
