Home improvement shopping can get expensive fast, so choosing where you buy your supplies can make a real difference. Home Depot and Lowe’s carry many of the same basic products, but some brands, deals, and product lines make one store a better choice for certain purchases.
Home Depot has more than 2,300 locations across the U.S. and carries several brands that are exclusive to the retailer. For DIYers, homeowners, and contractors, that can make it a convenient stop for everything from tools and lumber to paint and outdoor equipment.
According to Investopedia, Americans spent about $567 billion on home improvements in 2022. With that much money going into repairs and renovations, finding good products at fair prices matters. Here are 18 items worth checking at Home Depot before heading to Lowe’s.
Ryobi Tools
Ryobi has become a favorite among homeowners and DIYers because its tools offer a good mix of price and performance. Home Depot is the exclusive U.S. retailer for Ryobi, so it’s the place to shop if you want to build a collection around the brand.
The ONE+ system is especially useful because many of the cordless tools use the same battery platform. You can start with a drill and add saws, sanders, trimmers, and other tools later without buying a separate battery for every item.
With more than 125 cordless products in the ONE+ lineup, there are plenty of options for weekend projects, repairs, and routine work around the house.
Related: People Think Lowe’s Is Designed for Homeowners — While Home Depot Is Built for Contractors
Ridgid Tools
Ridgid is another brand closely associated with Home Depot. Its lineup includes power tools, plumbing equipment, and other gear aimed at homeowners and professional tradespeople.
Many Ridgid tools come with strong warranty coverage, which can be appealing if you expect to use them regularly. The brand also offers cordless equipment for people who want to build a matching battery system.
If you’re replacing an old tool or putting together a new toolbox, Ridgid is worth checking before you shop elsewhere.
Electrical Supplies
Home Depot has a large selection of electrical supplies, including wire, outlets, switches, breakers, electrical boxes, conduit, and related hardware.
For a small repair, having plenty of options in one aisle can save a trip to another store. Larger projects can also benefit from the range of sizes and components available.
Electrical work can be dangerous, so products should always be installed according to local codes and manufacturer instructions. For work that requires a licensed electrician, hiring one is the safer choice.
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Husky Hand Tools
Husky has been making hand tools since 1924, and Home Depot carries the brand throughout its stores and online.
The lineup includes socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, utility knives, and mechanic tool kits. Many Husky hand tools also come with a lifetime warranty, giving buyers another reason to keep the brand in mind.
For someone building a basic home toolbox, Husky sets can be a practical way to get several useful tools in one purchase without spending a fortune.
Gardening Supplies
Home Depot’s garden centers carry plenty of supplies for both beginners and experienced gardeners. You’ll find potting soil, fertilizer, planters, garden tools, seeds, outdoor plants, and other seasonal products.
The retailer also works with brands such as Bonnie Plants, giving shoppers access to a wide selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Inventory varies by location and season, so the selection at your local store may differ from what another Home Depot carries.
Milwaukee Tools
Lowe’s also sells Milwaukee products, but Home Depot has long been a major retailer for the brand and frequently runs Milwaukee promotions.
Tool kits are particularly worth watching during sales events. A bundled kit can include several tools, batteries, and a charger for less than buying each piece separately.
Milwaukee is popular with contractors and serious DIYers, especially those who need cordless tools for frequent or demanding projects.
Related: 15 Items From Costco That Make Sense to Buy in Larger Quantities
Rental Equipment
Buying a piece of equipment for one weekend project can be a waste of money. Home Depot’s rental department offers another option.
Depending on the location, you can rent equipment such as pressure washers, concrete mixers, floor sanders, trailers, and other specialty tools.
Rental availability varies by store, so checking ahead can save you a trip. For a project that requires a specialized machine only once, renting can make much more sense than finding room to store it afterward.
Lumber
Lumber is one of those purchases where looking through the boards yourself can pay off. Home Depot carries framing lumber, plywood, trim boards, pressure-treated wood, and other materials for construction and DIY projects.
For projects such as shelving, fences, decks, and furniture, shoppers can compare boards and pick pieces that are straight and free from excessive knots or damage.
Prices and quality can vary by location and shipment, so it’s still worth inspecting each board before putting it in your cart.
Flooring
Home Depot carries laminate, vinyl plank, tile, hardwood, and other flooring options in a wide range of styles.
LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is one of the better-known options in the store. It is popular with homeowners who want a flooring material that is relatively easy to install and suited to busy parts of the house.
For larger projects, buying several boxes at once can also make it easier to keep the flooring from different production batches as consistent as possible.
Concrete Mix and Supplies
For patios, walkways, fence posts, repairs, and other outdoor projects, Home Depot carries concrete mixes from brands such as Quikrete.
You can also find the tools needed to mix and work with concrete, including buckets, mixing tubs, trowels, floats, forms, and reinforcing materials.
Having the mix and accessories in the same store can make a project much easier to organize, particularly if you’re tackling a repair that requires several different supplies.
Outdoor Power Equipment
Home Depot carries a broad selection of lawn and yard equipment, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and other outdoor tools.
Brands such as Toro, DeWalt, and Makita are available through the retailer, although selection varies by store.
If you already own cordless tools from a particular battery system, check the compatible outdoor equipment before buying another brand. Sticking with one battery platform can save money on chargers and extra batteries.
Plumbing Supplies
Home Depot is also a popular stop for plumbing supplies. Its selection includes pipes, fittings, valves, faucets, drain components, repair kits, and plumbing tools.
For a basic household repair, having the right fitting or replacement part available locally can save you from waiting for an online order.
If you’re unsure which part you need, bring the old component or take clear measurements and photos before shopping. That can make finding a match much easier.
Light Fixtures
Replacing a dated light fixture can change the look of a room without requiring a major renovation. Home Depot carries ceiling lights, vanity fixtures, pendant lights, chandeliers, outdoor lighting, and more.
The Hampton Bay line is one of the store’s familiar lighting brands, with styles ranging from traditional to modern.
Before buying a fixture, check its dimensions, bulb requirements, mounting method, and electrical specifications to make sure it will work in your space.
Adhesives and Sealants
A good adhesive or sealant can make a big difference in a repair. Home Depot carries construction adhesives, wood glue, silicone caulk, polyurethane sealants, and products made for specific materials and conditions.
The right product depends on what you’re joining or sealing. A bathroom caulk, for example, has different requirements from an adhesive used for woodworking.
Read the label before buying and check whether the product is intended for indoor or outdoor use, waterproofing, high temperatures, or a particular surface.
Decking Materials
Planning a new deck or replacing an old one requires more than just picking attractive boards. Home Depot carries pressure-treated lumber, composite decking, railings, posts, fasteners, and other deck-building supplies.
Composite materials can cost more upfront but may require less routine maintenance than traditional wood. Pressure-treated lumber remains a popular choice for homeowners who want a more budget-friendly option.
The store also offers project-planning assistance and installation services in some locations, which can be useful for larger jobs.
Holiday Decor
Home Depot gets plenty of attention during the holiday season. Its seasonal selection includes Christmas lights, artificial trees, inflatables, Halloween decorations, outdoor displays, and other festive items.
The retailer has also released collections in partnership with designers and popular brands. Its Halloween offerings, for example, have become particularly recognizable.
Better Homes & Gardens ranked Home Depot as its top retailer for holiday decorations in one of its seasonal features.
Since popular decorations can sell out early, shopping before the busiest part of the season can give you more choices.
Appliances During Promotions
Major appliances are another category worth watching at Home Depot, particularly during large sales events such as Black Friday and holiday promotions.
Refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, washers, and dryers are often included in package deals, rebates, or special financing offers. Buying several matching appliances at once can sometimes bring the total cost down.
Delivery and installation options can also make a difference, especially for heavy appliances. According to Course Sidekick, shoppers also value Home Depot’s pricing and delivery services.
Before buying, compare the full price, delivery charges, installation fees, haul-away costs, and warranty coverage rather than looking at the sticker price alone.
Behr Paint
Behr Paint is one of Home Depot’s best-known exclusive brands. The selection includes interior and exterior paints in a large range of colors and finishes.
Behr Premium Plus and Marquee are among the brand’s better-known lines, with options for different rooms and surfaces. The Marquee line is marketed for coverage and durability, while Premium Plus offers a more budget-friendly option for many projects.
Good Housekeeping has included Behr products in its paint evaluations, giving shoppers another resource for comparing paint before starting a room makeover.
For the best result, choose paint based on the surface, room conditions, finish, and amount of wear the area receives. A little preparation before painting can also make a noticeable difference in the finished wall.
