Home Depot and Lowe’s are pretty similar stores. They carry many of the same brands, sell a lot of the same basic supplies, and often have prices that are close enough that it can be hard to tell where you should shop.
Still, anyone who spends a lot of time doing home projects probably has a few favorite aisles.
Some brands are only sold at one store. Certain products are easier to find at one location. And depending on what you’re working on, having a bigger selection can save you from making several trips to different stores.
If you’re already planning a Lowe’s run, it doesn’t hurt to check Home Depot first for these home improvement items.
Ryobi Tools
If Ryobi is your go-to tool brand, Home Depot is the place to shop. Ryobi products are sold through Home Depot, and the ONE+ system has a huge selection of tools that all work with the same battery platform.
That’s a big deal if you’re slowly building up a collection of cordless tools. You can start with a drill and add a sander, leaf blower, jigsaw, or other tools later without needing a different battery system for every purchase. For DIY homeowners who don’t want to spend a fortune on professional-grade tools, Ryobi is a popular option.
Related: 12 Things You Should Never Buy at Home Depot
Ridgid Tools
Ridgid is another brand you’ll find at Home Depot. The brand makes power tools, plumbing equipment, wet/dry vacuums, and other gear aimed at serious DIYers and tradespeople. Many Ridgid tools also come with a lifetime service agreement, provided the product and registration meet the program’s requirements.
If you’re already a Ridgid fan, Home Depot makes shopping for the brand pretty straightforward.
Behr Paint
Behr is sold at Home Depot, so this one is an easy choice if you’ve already decided on the brand. The paint line includes options for interior walls, cabinets, trim, and exterior projects. Behr’s Marquee and Premium Plus lines are popular with homeowners who want good coverage without moving into the most expensive paint options.
And if you’ve got a very particular Behr color in mind, there’s no reason to make a trip to Lowe’s looking for it.
Husky Hand Tools
Husky is Home Depot’s house tool brand, and it’s a popular choice for basic hand tools. You’ll find everything from socket sets and wrenches to screwdrivers, tool bags, and storage systems. Many Husky hand tools also come with a lifetime warranty.
For someone who needs a reliable set of tools around the house but doesn’t want to spend a fortune, Husky can be worth checking out.
Related: Lowe’s or Home Depot? Shoppers Can’t Agree on the Better Home Improvement Store
Milwaukee Tool Bundles
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s sell Milwaukee tools, so this isn’t a case of having to visit Home Depot to find the brand. The reason Home Depot is worth checking is the selection of kits and special promotions. Home Depot frequently puts together Milwaukee bundles that include a tool or two with batteries and a charger.
Those bundles can be a better deal than buying everything separately, especially around major shopping periods like Black Friday and Father’s Day.
Tool Rental Equipment
Not every home project requires buying a tool you’ll use once. Home Depot has a large tool and equipment rental program with options that can include tile saws, floor sanders, mixers, trenchers, and other equipment, depending on the store. That’s useful for projects where buying the equipment would cost far more than renting it for a day or a weekend.
Before spending hundreds of dollars on a tool that’s going to sit in the garage afterward, check the rental counter.
Related: 8 Stores Where You May Find Better Deals Than Home Depot
Lumber Selection
Lumber can vary quite a bit from one store to another, even within the same chain. Many contractors prefer to look through the actual boards before buying because straightness, moisture, knots, and other issues can make a difference during a project.
Home Depot carries a large selection of framing lumber, plywood, boards, and other building materials. For a bigger project, it can be worth checking your local Home Depot’s stock before you head out.
Concrete and Masonry Supplies
If you’re working on a patio, walkway, driveway, retaining wall, or another masonry project, Home Depot has a wide selection of concrete mixes and related supplies. Quikrete and other familiar brands are available, along with forms, trowels, mixing supplies, and other things you might need for the job.
Having most of the supplies in one place can save you from making several trips while you’re in the middle of a project.
Related: Why I Stopped Buying Plants From Home Depot After Years of Gardening
Electrical Supplies
Home Depot carries a large selection of electrical supplies for both small repairs and bigger projects. You’ll find wire, outlets, switches, breakers, electrical boxes, conduit, and other components. The exact selection varies by store, but larger locations often have plenty of options for common electrical jobs.
For major electrical work, always follow local codes and know when a licensed electrician is required. A well-stocked aisle doesn’t make a complicated electrical project a DIY job.
Plumbing Supplies
Plumbing projects have a way of turning into unexpected trips to the hardware store. You start with one repair, discover that the fitting you need is a slightly different size, and suddenly you’re making another trip.
Home Depot carries a wide range of pipes, fittings, valves, connectors, repair kits, and specialty plumbing parts. For larger repairs or older plumbing systems, having more choices in one place can be especially helpful.
Flooring, Especially LifeProof
LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is a Home Depot favorite, especially among people tackling their own flooring projects. It’s made to be waterproof and is available in a variety of colors and wood-look finishes. The click-lock installation also makes it approachable for homeowners who want to handle the installation themselves.
For rental properties, busy households, or anyone looking for flooring that can handle everyday wear, it’s a line worth checking out.
Outdoor Power Equipment
Home Depot carries outdoor equipment from brands such as Toro, Makita, and DeWalt. Depending on the season, you may also find package deals, battery promotions, or discounts on equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other yard tools.
If you already own cordless tools from one of these brands, check whether the outdoor equipment uses the same battery system. That can save you from buying another set of batteries and chargers.
Decking Materials
Planning a deck means buying a lot of material at once, so price and availability matter. Home Depot carries pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, railings, posts, hardware, and other deck-building supplies. For a larger project, having the materials available at one store can make shopping a lot easier.
Home Depot also has project guides and planning resources that can be useful if you’re building a deck for the first time.
Holiday Decor
Home Depot has become especially well known for its oversized Halloween decorations and large Christmas displays. The giant skeletons, animated decorations, and other seasonal pieces have become popular enough that certain items can sell out quickly.
If you’re the person who starts thinking about Halloween in July, Home Depot’s seasonal section is probably already on your radar.
Appliances During Major Sales
Both Home Depot and Lowe’s run appliance sales, so it’s worth comparing prices before buying. Home Depot often has promotions around major holiday weekends and Black Friday, with discounts on appliance packages, delivery offers, rebates, and other deals.
If you’re replacing several appliances at once, compare the total package price rather than looking only at the individual sticker price. Delivery and installation fees can change the final cost quite a bit.
Garden Plants and Bonnie Plants
Home Depot carries Bonnie Plants in many of its garden centers, giving shoppers access to vegetable and herb starts during the growing season. For newer gardeners, the plant labels can make it easier to figure out what you’re buying and how much sun and water it needs.
Stock depends heavily on the season and location, but it’s a convenient place to pick up plants while you’re already shopping for soil, pots, fertilizer, and other garden supplies.
Adhesives and Sealants
A small tube of adhesive or sealant can turn into a frustrating problem if you don’t have the right product for the job. Home Depot carries brands and products for everything from construction adhesive and caulk to specialty sealants. Contractor-size packages are also available for larger projects.
If you’re halfway through a project and realize you need another tube, having a nearby store with a large selection can save a lot of time.
Aluminum Wiring Retrofits and Specialty Parts
Older homes can come with some very specific repair needs, especially when you’re dealing with older electrical systems. Home Depot carries various electrical connectors, devices, and specialty parts that may be useful for certain retrofit projects. What you’ll find depends on the store, so it’s worth checking inventory before making the trip.
If you’re dealing with aluminum wiring or another older electrical system, get advice from a qualified electrician before choosing replacement parts. The right product depends on the existing wiring and the requirements of the repair.
