It sometimes feels like we only have a few choices Lowes Vs Home Depot Vs Menards. Select Home Depot or Lowe’s when it comes to home improvement.
However, if you’re lucky enough to live near one, the country’s third-largest home improvement retailer is a strong contender. Menards, which has been around longer than both large box retailers, is the one.
If you’ve never gone, you might be wondering how it compares to a Home Depot, one of the country’s largest general shops.
Home Depot vs. Menards is a fascinating duo from the same business with completely contrasting philosophies.

Menards Vs Home Depot
Home Depot was formed in the 1970s by four Georgia entrepreneurs who sought to open a home improvement emporium.
They succeeded, and Home Depot has grown to become one of the country’s largest merchants, not just in the home improvement industry.
Home Depot generates over $100 billion in annual revenue with over 2,000 locations in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Menards was created by John Menard Jr. in the 1960s and is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Menards is a privately held firm with 335 locations throughout 15 states; all focused in the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
Menards is now placed 31st on the list of largest private corporations in the United States, despite its limited reach (in comparison to Home Depot).
Menards generates roughly $10 billion in annual revenue.
Feature/Aspect | Home Depot | Menards | Lowe’s |
---|---|---|---|
Foundation Year | 1970s | 1960s | Not specified in the article |
Annual Revenue | Over $100 billion | Roughly $10 billion | Not specified in the article |
Number of Locations | Over 2,000 (in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico) | 335 (focused in the Midwest and Great Lakes region) | Not specified in the article |
Store Size | Approximately 105,000 square feet | Nearly 200,000 square feet | Not specified in the article |
Services | Tool rental, vehicle rental, home installation services | Tool rental, vehicle rental | Not specified in the article |
Customer Service | Varies by store and staff | Mixed reviews; some complaints about faulty products and lack of response | Not specified in the article |
Prices | Competitive; engages in price matching | Generally lower prices | Competitive with Home Depot |
Return Policy | Returns within 90 days of purchase with a receipt; refunds in original payment | Returns within 90 days with a receipt for full refund; after 90 days, in-store credit | Not specified in the article |
Product Quality | High-quality tools and materials | Ideal for DIY hobbyists and beginners; may not have the same high-quality items as Home Depot | Not specified in the article, but inferred to have quality products based on the comparison made |
Target Audience | Home DIYers and home renovation experts | DIY hobbyists and beginners | Not specified in the article |
Additional Features | Not specified in the article | Added groceries and home products, making shopping feel like a destination experience | Not specified in the article |
Overall Perception | Provides high-quality tools and materials | Stores are ideal for DIY hobbyists and beginners; feels more like a destination experience | Not specified in the article, but inferred to be a competitor to Home Depot |
Menards Vs Home Depot: Which Is Better?
Menards may be a smaller corporation, but their stores can be nearly twice the size of Home Depot!
That’s true; Menards debuted a new store format in 2013 with nearly 200,000 square feet of floor space.
Home Depot’s huge warehouse-style sites are roughly 105,000 square feet. Menards’ store interiors, despite their bigger size, have a less useful appearance than Home Depot’s.
Menards has a broader retail ambiance, but Home Depot maintains its primarily hardware/targeted-at-home-improvement-professionals feeling.
Menards Vs Home Depot: Services
Both Menards and Home Depot provide tool rental services for major activities like floor sanding or building.
Customers can also rent cars from both (like trucks and trailers for shoppers who only have a sedan).
Both companies provide home installation services, albeit it appears that you work with Home Depot, and they hire a professional.
Menards merely keeps a list of approved contractors who can provide installation services to customers.
I’m not sure how Menards vets its installation partners or if there is one.
Customer Service And Satisfaction At Home Depot And Menards
Menards has fewer locations and covers a smaller geographical region than Home Depot, but their customer service & satisfaction do not appear to be as good.
Many customers have complained about faulty products, contacted Menards for help, and never received a response.
This store offers just the worst customer service I have ever worked with, a client stated on one of their Google business sites.
Despite this, numerous reviewers praised the stores for their size and cleanliness and their interactions with salespeople.
The evaluations for Home Depot are all over the place, which is understandable given the company’s size and distribution.
I believe it boils down to individual stores and staffing at Home Depot.
Appreciate it if you have an excellent store with a helpful and cheerful staff!
Menards Vs Home Depot: Costs
Menards appears to have the better, lower prices in general. Let’s look at a handful of the most popular goods consumers buy at home improvement stores.
At Home Depot, 2-6 pressure-treated deck planks cost $7.18; meanwhile, they cost only $5.78 at Menards.
Next, consider the most affordable one-handle, pull-down kitchen sink taps. The Tuscany brand model costs $35.59 at Menards.
You won’t pay less than $42.51 (for a sale item) or $48.19 at the Home Depot (the cheapest non-sale faucet).
Finally, greater freezer storage space would be beneficial to everyone. I compared costs for Maytag’s 15.7 cu. ft. upright freezer.
While both Home Depot and Menards initially advertised the same price of $719, Menards offered it for $639.91, a savings of approximately $100.
Menards cannot compete in terms of location, but they can compete in pricing, undercutting Home Depot in many areas.
I should also highlight that, due to the intense competition between Home Depot and their primary competitor Lowe’s, Home Depot engages in price matching.
Because Menards looks to carry many private-label goods, I don’t find any overlap among products at Home Depot and Menards.
If you locate an exact match for less at Menards, you’ll certainly be able to negotiate a lower price at Home Depot.
Menards Vs Home Depot: Return Policy
Home Depot’s extensive return policy is predictable, allowing for the simplest returns within 90 days of purchase with a receipt.
Refunds will be issued using the initial form of payment if the items are new and unopened.
Many purchases at Menards can be returned for a full refund via the original mode of payment within 90 days with a receipt.
Menards will give you an in-store credit if you return something after 90 days. On the other hand,
Menards states on their website that customers who do not have a receipt and therefore do not bring any government-issued identification will not be refunded.
lowes vs home depot
Comparison Points | Lowe’s | Home Depot |
---|---|---|
Price Matching | Matches Home Depot and Amazon | Matches Lowe’s |
Truck Rental | $10 cheaper | Standard pricing |
Tool Rental | Generally cheaper, especially for longer projects | Standard pricing |
Appliances | Similar prices (offers price matching) | Similar prices (offers price matching) |
Exclusive Tool Brands | Standard brands | Cheaper exclusive brands |
Daily Deals | Daily Deal | Special Buy of the Day offers better deals |
Workshops | Offers $10 off $75 coupon for DIY-U Workshops | Standard workshops |
Coupons | Standard coupons | More readily available coupons |
Paint | Standard pricing | Slightly cheaper |
Flooring | Offers lower prices on various types | Standard pricing |
Wallpaper | Nearly $6 cheaper per roll | Standard pricing |
Batteries | Standard pricing | Cheaper AA and AAA batteries |
Credit Card Rewards | Better rewards | Standard rewards |
Free Services | Standard services | Offers more free services |
Kids’ Workshops | Free workshops | Free workshops and sells kits online |
Spring Sales | Better deals during spring sale | Standard spring sales |
Shipping and Delivery | Similar options | Similar options |
Subscription Services | 5% discount on auto-ship subscriptions | 5% discount on auto-ship subscriptions |
Military Discount | Better discount with no annual savings limit | Standard military discount |
Return Policy | Up to 90 days for most items | Up to 90 days for most items |
Lowe’s leads in several categories, making it a favorable choice in many aspects compared to Home Depot.
Lowe’s Vs Menards
Kitchen Countertops
If you need regular laminate countertops, Menards is the cheapest, and the quality is good.
If you’re searching for a solid surface like granite or quartz, you’ll get better pricing and service from a local provider.
Bathroom Vanities
This is a tough call; I go with whatever looks great and is on sale at Menards, Lowe’s, or one of the local retailers that accept big-box store returns.
I’ve had amazing prices from organizations that handle shop returns, getting 40-50 percent off retail when the item is in perfect condition.
Bathroom/Kitchen Faucets
I used to acquire all of them from Lowe’s or Menards, depending on what was on sale, but now I almost exclusively buy them on Amazon.
I’ve discovered several high-quality brands that are roughly half the price of store-bought brands.
Tile – I like Lowe’s styles and selection for backsplash and shower tile, but the cost is generally better if I can find something I like at Menards.
Tub/Shower Sets
I usually look at reviews and what’s on offer for these. There are several low-cost sets that I try to avoid.
When spending money to replace something as expensive as this, it’s critical to invest in quality and spend the extra money.
Lowe’s wins hands down over Menards regarding laminate and vinyl plank flooring.
I prefer the colors, styles, and overall quality.
Flooring is one area where you should not cut corners. Cheaper flooring is frequently difficult to install.
As vinyl plank’s popularity has grown in recent years, I’ve shifted my preference to it over laminate.
Local flooring stores are also good sources for high-quality vinyl plank, but I like Lowe’s because I already shop there for other items, and they will transport it for only $20 to Lowe’s credit cardholders.
I used to buy carpets from Lowe’s because of the low price and free installation (install is built into pricing).
I started looking for carpet installers after seeing prices continue to rise and lead times all over the place. I’ve used a local flooring store for the last 5-6 houses, and they’ve been fantastic to work with.
Better pricing better quality and nearly always able to install when I need it.
Electrical
I don’t buy much of this because I normally hire a contractor to handle my electrical needs. However, I prefer Lowe’s for basic plugs, switches, plug covers, switch covers, and other items because they appear to be of higher quality.
Plumbing is another area where I don’t handle much more than minimal repairs. Menards offers their brand of quick connects items like SharkBites that are less expensive, but I’m not sure how good they are.
I wouldn’t say I like employing low-cost plumbing materials in areas where a leak could cause significant damage.
The best prices for authentic SharkBite brand plumbing items can be found at a local plumbing supply company (where anyone can shop) and on Amazon.
In this category, I like Menards’ selection and cost. If I’m searching for something fancier for the kitchen, dining room, or ceiling fans, though, I prefer Lowe’s assortment.
Doors (int/ext)
Menards is cheaper, but this is an item I usually have contractors pick up, so it’s their preference. Paint varies depending on how much I require.
I normally grab it at Lowe’s if it’s only a gallon or less. Menards paints are something I’ve never tried before.
I purchase it from PPG or Sherwin Williams, which offers superior cost and paint quality if I require additional paint.
Appliances
I’ve been getting all of my appliances from Lowe’s since HHGregg closed down a few years ago.
I’ve done some comparison shopping at other places, and I’ve found that Lowe’s is usually always cheaper or comparable. It’s easier to get them while I’m already at Lowe’s, where they deliver for free.
Conclusion
I hope you will understand about Lowes Vs Home Depot Vs Menards. After reading the above information.
Menards will almost certainly never catch up to Home Depot in terms of company size, but I doubt that is their goal (as it may be for Lowe’s).
Home Depot excels at what it does best: providing high-quality tools and materials to home DIYers and home renovation experts.
Menards may not have the same high-quality items as Home Depot, but their stores are ideal for DIY hobbyists and beginners.
Plus, shopping at Menards feels more like a destination experience because of their added groceries and home products.
It all comes down to what you’re searching for when deciding between Home Depot and Menards!