Modern Supply in Chattanooga: Full-Service Kitchen and Bath Showroom with Materials and Installation Referrals
Modern Supply operates as a full-service kitchen and bath materials showroom in Chattanooga, stocking cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and hardware alongside design consultation and contractor referrals for homeowners and builders undertaking renovations.
What Modern Supply actually is
Modern Supply functions as both a retail showroom and a consultation hub rather than a general hardware store. The business carries mid-range to premium product lines across cabinets, countertops in laminate, solid surface, and quartz, ceramic and porcelain tile, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. Unlike big-box retailers that stock basic options, Modern Supply curates deeper inventories within each category, allowing customers to see and compare finishes in person. The showroom also maintains relationships with local contractors and can refer licensed installers, though installation is not performed on-site.
Product categories and pricing
Cabinetry ranges from stock and semi-custom lines starting around $3,000 to $5,000 for a modest kitchen layout (typical 10-by-12-foot space) up to full custom designs at $10,000 and above. Quartz countertops run $50 to $80 per linear foot installed (material and labor combined through referral contractors), while solid-surface options cost $35 to $55 per linear foot. Laminate countertops begin at $20 to $30 per linear foot, a meaningful price difference for budget-conscious renovations. Tile pricing depends heavily on origin and finish: basic domestic ceramic starts at $2 to $4 per square foot, while imported porcelain and specialty tiles reach $8 to $15 per square foot or higher.
Plumbing fixtures (faucets, sinks, toilets) span price tiers from builder-grade around $100 to $200 for basic faucets up to designer and specialty models at $400 to $800+. Modern Supply stocks mid-tier brands (Moen, Delta, Kohler) prominently alongside premium lines, making side-by-side comparison possible before purchase.
Confirm current pricing by phone or visit, as material costs fluctuate quarterly.
How Modern Supply compares to other Chattanooga options
Modern Supply differs from Home Depot and Lowe's by offering deeper design consultation: customers can sit with a staff member to discuss layout, material compatibility, and finishes rather than selecting from aisle displays alone. Home Depot and Lowe's excel for quick, commodity purchases (paint, basic hardware, budget cabinets) and cover a broader range of non-kitchen categories, making them faster for a single-item errand.
Local independent plumbing supply houses (such as those in the Northgate area) typically focus on trade contractors and stock fewer consumer-facing display options, though they often carry specialty and commercial-grade items Modern Supply does not. For a homeowner doing a complete bathroom overhaul who wants to see multiple cabinet styles and countertop samples in one visit, Modern Supply's showroom layout is more efficient than calling multiple suppliers.
Ferguson, a national bath-and-kitchen distributor with a Chattanooga location, also serves homeowners and offers comparable product depth and contractor networks. Modern Supply's local presence and showroom design typically appeal to homeowners managing their own selections; Ferguson historically tilts toward professional contractors, though the distinction has narrowed in recent years.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Modern Supply suits homeowners undertaking a moderate to significant kitchen or bathroom renovation who want to see product samples and talk through design decisions before committing to materials. Budget renovators (under $5,000 total) may find the mid-to-premium product mix and consultation-focused model less cost-effective than sourcing from big-box retailers or online discount suppliers.
The showroom works well for customers who already have contractor recommendations or are willing to accept referrals; it does not suit buyers seeking one-stop shopping that includes installation labor. It is not a design-build firm (which would manage the entire project) or a general contractor (which would coordinate all trades).
What the first visit involves
Most visitors walk in with a room sketch or measurements and browse the showroom's displays. Staff typically ask about the scope (full remodel or partial refresh), timeline, and budget, then direct attention to relevant sections. Many customers spend 30 minutes to an hour comparing options and taking samples home (tile swatches, cabinet door finishes, countertop chips). Modern Supply can facilitate a more detailed design consultation if requested, though this may be offered as a paid service or built into a materials package. The business does not charge for general browsing or initial guidance.
Once materials are selected, Modern Supply provides a materials list and invoice; the customer is then responsible for hiring a contractor to install, though staff can provide referrals to local licensed installers.
Hours, parking, and location logistics
Modern Supply operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited or no Saturday hours. Call to confirm current Saturday availability, as this has changed seasonally. The showroom is located in Chattanooga's Northgate area and offers on-site parking. The location is accessible by car; public transit options are limited. Most customers drive.
Modern Supply's showroom model and local installer network make it a practical stop for homeowners planning a kitchen or bathroom project in the Chattanooga area who want to evaluate products before ordering, avoiding the impersonal scale of national chains and the trade-focused pressure of distributor supply houses.
