You’re a savvy shopper, and you’ve come to the right place.
However, if you’ve got a home improvement project coming up and want to get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to know which box store has cheaper products – Lowe’s or Menards.
This article will cover everything you need to know to save a few bucks and score the finest home improvement gear on the market.
Lowe’s and Menards are North America’s largest home improvement retailers. Only Home Depot is larger.
The two competitors monitor each other’s prices, and it’s rare to find identical items that vary by more than a few percentage points. That means that the prices are typically comparable between the two stores.
However, there are ways to score additional savings at each retailer. For example, coupons and discount codes can garner significant savings.
It’s also worth keeping in mind a few other factors. For example, which store has better quality materials and tools could be a huge factor in which store you decide to purchase your goods from.
Customer experience, availability, selection, service, and time spent shopping are other meaningful factors that should be considered.
Often, the store with the best prices will depend on what you need and when you need it. So check their websites regularly to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Lowe’s and Menards are competitors and monitor each other’s prices heavily. However, there are still ways to snag great deals at each place. Quality and availability of tools and construction materials are another huge consideration.
How To Save Big Money at Lowe’s and Menards
Great, now the Menards theme song is stuck in my head. Save big money at Menards!
Just because the two stores monitor competitors’ pricing, there are ways to save at each location. So let’s dive deeper into how to save yourself some hard-earned money at each location.
1. Lowe’s Offers a Military Discount
Are you an active member of the U.S. armed forces or a veteran? Thank you for your service. Also, Lowe’s wants to thank you by offering you a 10% discount on eligible items.
The military discount applies to retired and active duty members of the armed forces and their spouses.
To get your military discount, you must verify your status as a military service member through ID.me. Then, you’ll need to sign into your MyLowe’s account.
From there, you need to confirm or provide your primary address, and you’re ready to enjoy 10% off eligible items daily.
2. Get a “Mover’s Coupon” From Lowe’s
If you’ve moved recently or know someone who has, you get many free coupons mailed to you. And one of these coupons is good to 10% off at Lowe’s on purchases of up to $500. So that’s a potential savings of $50.
If you haven’t moved or know anyone who has, you can scour the internet for a coupon. Sellers on sites like eBay offer them for purchase.
If you elect to purchase a coupon off the internet, be careful, as Lowe’s discourages this practice, and some sellers can attempt to unload fraudulent coupons.
3. Shop at Menards During Their 11% Off Promotion
Menards is famous for its 11% off promotion. When the sale is on, almost everything in the store qualifies. You’ll need to save your receipt and mail it to the Menards corporate office, and a few weeks later, you’ll receive a voucher for 11% of your total order.
So, if you spent $1,000, you’ll receive a voucher that can be redeemed for $110 worth of goods at Menards.
In addition to selling tools, hardware, and other home improvement goods, Menards sells groceries. So go grocery shopping at Menards during their 11% promotion, stock up on your pantry’s staples, and enjoy a steep discount on your grocery bill.
4. Apply for an In-Store Credit Card
Both Lowe’s and Menards issue their credit cards. When you sign up for one, your initial transaction will be discounted. The amount will vary depending on the time of year and each company’s promotion.
These credit card offers can often be stacked with other coupons and promotions, allowing you to maximize your savings.
While this article focuses on getting you huge savings at Lowe’s and Menards, it’s worth noting that you can save big at Home Depot, too.
Home Depot, much like Lowe’s and Menards, monitors the pricing of its competitors. And they stand behind their low pricing, offering a price match and 10% off the same item at one of their competitors.
Find some items at Home Depot priced slightly higher than other home improvement stores, and save.
Other Factors To Consider
Smart shoppers know that not everything comes down to price. For example, what good is a 2×4 if it’s warped beyond use? And you might have scored an incredibly cheap lithium-ion drill, but if the battery doesn’t hold a charge, you’ve purchased a worthless piece of junk.
Let’s explore some other factors you should consider before making your next home improvement purchase.
1. Quality of Goods
This is a big one. If you buy a gallon of paint for ten bucks, chances are you purchased a ten-dollar gallon of garbage. Straight lumber, quality plywood, name-brand fixtures, and high-end tools are superior to warped wood and cheap knockoffs.
The quality of items at each store varies. Menards, for example, is known for its massive outdoor lumberyard, where items like cedar, metal roofing, manufactured decking, siding, and more are. As a result, their selection is superior to Lowe’s and typically of higher quality.
When it comes to tools, Lowe’s has Menards beat. They offer high-quality, name-brand tools at an impressive selection that Menards doesn’t match.
Other items, such as common building materials like 2x4s and OSB, are generally nicer at Lowe’s but can vary from store to store.
And while Menards has a larger selection of lighting that is typically cheaper than Lowe’s, the quality and stylishness of Lowe’s lighting are superior to Menards.
Quality varies between the two stores from department to department, so inspect whatever item you’re considering purchasing at both stores, and make sure it’s top-notch.
2. Customer Experience
Have you ever been stuck in a store, waiting for a sales associate to come along and help you determine which package of nails works best for your project? Or waited endlessly for someone to come with a hi-lo and get something down from a high shelf.
Customer experience matters, and Lowe’s and Menards have their differences.
While Lowe’s generally has a reputation as having more employees (thus, more people to help you find what you’re looking for) and employees who are more knowledgeable about their department, this generalization can vary from store to store.
If you’ve spent any time in your local Lowe’s or Menards, you probably already know which box store provides better service in your area.
3. Selection
This is another key factor in which store you should shop at. Menards seemingly has everything – some stores are so massive that a satellite could see the store from outer space, much like the Great Wall of China.
Menards has a larger selection of almost everything than Lowe’s, while Lowe’s products are better quality.
Menards’ large selection may not be an asset depending on your circumstances.
If you’re looking for a quick trip to the hardware store to grab some spray paint, you might not want to meander past cartons of cereal and clothing to grab it. Lowe’s might be the better option for you if that’s the case.
But, if you want to grab the latest novel (Menards sells books, too) and some potato chips, then purchase a new ladder and hammer drill, Menards might be just the place to shop.
Lowe’s and Menards offer exclusive brands to each store, further complicating your bargain shopping.
Check the quality and pricing of exclusive brands, and make your purchases accordingly.
Save Some Money
It’s always smart to check pricing online at several retailers before purchasing. While Lowe’s and Menards offer products that are usually priced identically, scoring an item once it goes on sale is possible.
A discount such as a mover’s coupon or a military discount at Lowe’s is a great way to save 10% off your bill.
The 11% rebate program at Menards is another fantastic savings opportunity, although it can be a hassle to save your receipt, mail in the rebate form, and wait for your voucher to appear in the mail.
Saving money is great, but so is buying quality goods. Check both Lowe’s and Menards and see whose goods are better for the project you’re working on.
It’s worth noting that time is money – don’t go on endless quests between the two stores to save a couple of bucks. Your time is more valuable than that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Stack Rebates at Menards?
Yes, indeed, you can stack your rebates at Menards.
This means you’re 11% rebate voucher can be used again during their next 11% rebate sale, allowing you to maximize your savings. What a smart shopper you are.
