Home Depot for me. I quickly realized that Lowes fails on multiple fronts For instance, the free samples of hardwood at home depot cost $0.25 each at lowes. They gave me the wrong paint and I had to prove to them that it was their mistake. Once I did, they gave me replacement paint on the cheap, but it was a pain. I also bought a worklight that failed 4 times before I finally got one that did work. Rob K, I stole your comment from another thread about naming it "Blowes" and it has spread like wildfire throughout my network. Thanks for the priceless comment!

I use both and don't really care where I buy it from as long as they have the color and style that I like. Costco has some nice glass mosaic for $5/sq.ft. They make great liners and backsplash. Costco has some nice laminate for cheap occasionally.

I prefer Menard's over both Home Depot and Lowe's because Menard's is cheaper overall. I hate the lighting at Home Depot because it's all cheap stuff from China and I have had 3 times gotten defective product. No more! Lowe's has really good lighting but they are expensive. Overall Lowe's is the most expensive out of the 3, but I will shop there if something is on sale. For rentals, one store I use that some people overlook is the Habitat Restore. They sell used anything that can be taken out of a house. I've gotten doors from there for $5 or $7 ... these were solid wood doors. I've gotten a bathroom sink for $20, light fixtures for $5, paint brushes for 10 cents, 4x4 tile for 5 cents each (brand new), light switches for 10 cents (even a dimmer switch for 50 cents), drawer knobs and pulls for 25 cents each, and so on and so on. It's great for rentals because you don't have to get brand new stuff, as long as it looks good. It saves me a bunch of money and helps keep that stuff out of the landfills.

Lowes is closest to most of my houses so thats usually where I go. But sometime end up going to Homedepot or Menards when Lowes plumbing section is picked over. I need to find a plumbing supply house in my area.

If it's for a repair, I run to whichever is nearest, as the price differences are usually minor, but driving time and gas can cost more by being "loyal" to one over the other.

I think both are good. We take advantage of their sales to stock some inventory at amazing prices.

Pat L. How much do you pay for your granite? Not just the granite itself but everthing including install and cuts, etc. I am paying 28 sqft and $100 to add an undermount sink. The granite looks great.

Homedepot. i've found better service and more knowledgeable/helpful staff.

LOL must be your local than because I been to both here in OK and Lowes doesn't seem fruity to me.

I flip between both. Lowes does have some nicer finishes in my area. I generally use them for a quick repair. For improvements I have accounts setup with plumbing, hvac, electrical supply houses. Generally get better quality and lower price. I never buy "mechanicals" like water heaters, furnaces, etc... from HD or Lowes. Just get better deals at supply houses.