Menards

[Rob K.]

A Menards just opened in my area. I've heard about this store for years, but never had the chance to go inside one. They've been mailing out flyers like crazy and seem to have good deals on stuff. I currently buy most everything at Home Depot - except paint, lumber, appliances, plumbing supplies, and roofing supplies. I'm not a fan of Lowes at all.

Just wondering what those of you who shop at Menards usually buy there? Do they have contractor discounts? Better selection? Is there anything you like from there that's better/cheaper than HD? Anything you like better at HD?

My cousin lives in a depressed area of Ohio and has a Menards there. Home Depot closed. He has been raving about Menards and said they will have sales on American made products. I think that's a great idea.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Brian Feltz]

I like Menards. They definitely are lower priced than HD. I would say you will find higher end items at HD and Lowes versus Menards. But if it is for a rental or a fix and flip nice low end items will work! Their lumber is cheap, but not always the greatest quality. Menard actually began his store by buying all the materials other companies rejected and offering them at a discount. The Menards store obviously grew from there. They do offer a lot of American made items and are proud of that. I typically buy all my tools from there, I am not a contractor so Im not using the tools every single day. I do not need the quality and durability of a DeWalt since they cost $100s more than a similar tool at Menards. I have a tool shop brand framing nailer I bought for $78 last year. I have used it to remodel 2 basements and it works great!
If you are looking for high end fixture HD and Lowes will offer a better selection than Menards, but Menards has a great selection of low and mid end everythign else. I will always stop at Menards first before HD or Lowes. Just my preference. And just like Kyle Hipp, I have all 3 within a mile of each other so it is not a matter of convenience.