Big Box Home Improvement Retailer Comparison

Well, there are sort of three big box stores.  There are Home Depot stores in the area, but we don’t typically shop at Home Depot.  They are farther away than either Lowe’s or Menards.  Since they are not as convenient, I don’t compare their prices or pay attention to their sales.

That leaves Menards and Lowe’s as the two major shopping choices in our area.  Menards is slightly more convenient {about 10 minutes closer}, but either is a local option.  {It should be noted that “local” here is relative – we only have one truly local option, Bear Hardware.  They’re super for supplies in a pinch, but are more expensive than the big box stores, which are each a 20-30 minute drive… small town life, y’all – totally worth it!}

I used to think of Lowe’s as a classier, higher quality option while Menards was the more cost-effective store.  However, as I shop at each store more I’ve found that’s not always true.

WHEN TO BUY AT LOWE’S:

-Lowe’s is our go-to store for lumber.  In our area, the lumber at Lowe’s far exceeds the quality at Menards.  There is minimal price difference between the stores, so this is really a no brainer.  We always, always go to Lowe’s for lumber.  Lowe’s will cut the lumber for you in store, which is super convenient {my Honda didn’t fit a 4’x8′ sheet of plywood very well, but by golly they happily cut it down to the sizes I requested}.  There are two Lowe’s stores within about 30 minutes of us.  One location will cut lumber for free, while the other makes one cut free then charges $.25 per cut after that.

-We recently scored an INCREDIBLE deal on a fridge and microwave at Lowe’s!  Their scratch and dent {or ding and dent to my husband} area is a great deal spot!  Menards has the occasional clearance appliance, but does not carry the selection that Lowe’s does {in regular or clearance options}.  I’ll share later how we got a nearly $900 fridge for only $450!

-Lowe’s customer service is fantastic!  I tried to find my husband a saw for his birthday.  The Lowe’s website had it on sale, but I didn’t get it purchased before the sale ended {the website had not listed an end date}.  I emailed the Lowe’s customer service team.  They price matched the previous internet price AND let me add my 10% mover’s coupon!

WHEN TO BUY AT MENARDS:

-If both Lowe’s and Menards have the same exact product, Menards is typically the less expensive option.  We’re currently shopping for paver stones to put behind our deck around the steps {right now there’s just dirt/mud}.  While the quality may vary slightly between the stores, the items are basically the same – 11″ x 13″ paver.  The Menards option is less than half the price of the Lowe’s option.  I think I’m going to use these on about a 8′ x 9′ area {approx 72 pavers}.  I’ll spend $71 at Menards vs. $214 at Lowe’s.  On some items, it’s worth it to pay extra for a higher quality item.  For me, this is not one of those times.  I haven’t looked at either one in person yet, but for something that’s going to be outside on the ground, I’ll gladly save $1.99 PER PAVER, thank you very much!

-Menards tends to run better sales in my experience.  For everyday items or long lists when I don’t have time to hunt for deals, I choose Menards.

-Menards customer service has also been great to us.  We purchased a new sink faucet, got it home and installed {and threw away the packaging}.  Within a week, the faucet wouldn’t work.  We took it back in a ziploc bag {I did have the receipt}.  Menards refunded our money without hesitation.

-Menards carries an expanded product line.  Lowe’s seems to have a greater selection in some departments, but Menards carries dog food, groceries and basic household supplies that I’ve never seen at Lowe’s.  It isn’t crucial that I buy my cereal and door knobs in the same transaction, but it sure is handy!

Overall, we have found fantastic deals and received great service at both Lowe’s and Menards.  The key to budget renovation is comparison shopping.  Most stores will now price match and honor competitor coupons.  Happy shopping!

Note: None of the companies discussed have sponsored this post.  Images and logos used are property of their respective owners.  Your experiences with your local store may vary from mine shared here.