Lowe’s, Home Depot or somewhere else?

[srick]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Coming from the industry, I must say that your statement isn't really entirely accurate. Lowes and Home Depot carry major brands and most of the same stuff the Supply Houses carry. Furthermore, the contractor supply houses stock and sell "price point" products of lower quality. They have to. Lots of contractors buy from Lowes and Home Depot as well as Wholesale Contractor Supply Houses...lots.
Having sold products to both Lowes and Depot as well as the Contractor Supply houses I can tell you that the "Big Box" retailers don't accept "second best" products,service or warranty from their vendors. The vendors are held to high standards as the buying power of these Giants is enormous and they are virtually everywhere. The products are as good and in most cases the same as the supply houses carry, maybe sold under a different "name", maybe not.
Incidentally, you can buy most anything the brick and mortar stores sell online as well from several major sources, sort of like guitars.
The one thing you are more likely to get from a Contractor Supply house is expertise and that is definitely an advantage if you're doing it yourself.

Interesting - my anecdotal evidence has been otherwise - but you have direct experience here. In particular, I have seen the difference in Andersen storm doors (better build quality compared with Home Depot) and fixtures\components (electrical and plumbing - this may be an apples to oranges situation). I likely paid more at the contractor for a better quality OR couldn't find a direct comparison of model number.

Rick

[Ozzy the dog]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Neither operate in the UK. So its B&Q or Homebase, and I prefer B&Q.

Don't know how it works in the US but, as Mr Moustache says, here in the UK we have Big DIY stores like B&Q and Homebase. Of the two, B&Q have a better choice.

However, these stores also have secondary stores like Screwfix - same company as B&Q selling exactly the same products but around 20% cheaper.

But if you really want best value you go to the independent specialist.

For example:- 2x3 inch planed all round pine in B&Q sells at £64.40 for pack of 6, 2.4m lengths. My local timber merchant sells the same timber at £3.29 each - and they will cut whatever you want for free.

Is there such a price difference in the US if you shop around?