Vendors honored for excellence

The Golden Hammer Awards have evolved since 1985, when The Stanley Works earned a “Judge’s Trophy” Golden Hammer for best TV campaign by a manufacturer. The selection criteria have changed, but one constant remains through the three decades of home improvement awards: the program’s focus on recognizing the best of the best.



In 2014, HCN’s presentation of the new crop of Golden Hammer vendor honorees recognizes excellence across 31 product categories — from pool supplies to power tools.



The selection process was straightforward. Retailers, wholesalers and distributors responded to email ballots distributed early in the year. They voted on one company per category, based on its commitment to four business principles: category management, inventory management, new product innovation and quality control.



The results are displayed here on this page and, more importantly, in stores around the country.

LBM & Durables

Bathroom Vanities: Kohler

Building Materials: Quikrete

Insulation Housewrap: DuPont Tyvek

Caulking & Sealants: DAP

Doors: Therma-Tru

Lumber & Plywood: Boise

Windows: Andersen

Outdoor Living

Barbecue: Weber

Decorative Landscaping: Oldcastle

Garden Accessories: Akro-Mils

Lawn & Garden Organics/Chemicals: Scotts

Lawn & Garden Tools & Irrigation: Fiskars

Outdoor Power Equipment: Stihl

Pool Supplies: Little Giant

Hardware, Tools & Supplies

Cleaning Supplies: 3M

Electrical Supplies: Leviton

Fasteners: Hillman

Floor Care: Shop-Vac

Hand Tools: Stanley

Gloves & Apparel: Wells Lamont

Home Security & Safety: First Alert

Paint Supplies & Tools: Wooster

Plumbing Supplies & Equipment: Fluidmaster

Power Tools: DeWalt

Home Decor

Decorative Hardware & Locksets: Kwikset

Decorative Lighting & Fixtures: Hunter Fan

Plumbing Fixtures & Fashion: Moen

Home Organization: ClosetMaid

Major Appliances: GE

Paint: Wall Treatments & Stains: Valspar

Small Appliances: KitchenAid