Hey everyone! I'm a new homeowner, and while I'm not the best at DIY yet, I really want to learn more and tackle projects myself. I've recently replaced the carpets and installed LVP flooring in my living room and kitchen. Now, I'm ready to transition from the carpet in the hallway to the living room, plus I need to put up trim and quarter round. I'm wondering which home improvement store is the most helpful for beginners when it comes to answering my questions? I've checked out Lowe's, but I often feel like the staff talks down to me, which is frustrating because I'm just trying to learn. What experiences do you all have with Ace, Home Depot, Menards, or any other options? Any advice on where to find the best guidance would be great—thanks!
4 Answers
Congrats on the new house! I've had a mix of experiences. Personally, I lean towards Menards for most materials, Home Depot for lighting and tools, and Lowe's usually depends on who’s working. Try to avoid busy hours if you can because you’ll get more detailed answers when the staff isn’t rushed. Each store’s quality can really vary, so try a few and see who helps you best.
It really depends on the person you get when you visit the stores. In my experience, going during the daytime is best; you’re more likely to encounter staff who are knowledgeable and have time to help answer your questions. Building a rapport with an employee can also go a long way—so if you find someone who can help, definitely go back to them in the future!
You might get better luck asking your questions online instead of just debating which store to visit. I've learned a lot from forums and videos, but for transitioning from carpet to LVP, a T-molding transition piece usually does the trick!
From my experience, Ace is the most helpful with friendly staff, followed by Home Depot and then Lowe's. Menards might have good prices, but their staff can be hit or miss. I’ve found that the staff at Ace often consists of retired tradespeople, so they really know their stuff. When it comes to flooring, I usually go to Lowe's for tile and flooring supplies. But honestly, the quality of help can differ from store to store based on who is working at that time.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll look into the T-molding piece more. I appreciate the input!