Chicago provides a wealth of shopping options, especially for remodeling supplies. Home improvement stores can be broken down into three categories: large home improvement retailers, old-fashioned hardware stores, and contractor stores.
Large home improvement retailers include the well-known names like Home Depot, Menards, and Lowe's. These big-box retailers have numerous locations in the Chicago area, and are very consumer-friendly. You can find most of your remodeling needs at these stores, though most items are stock, and prices are generally good. Home Owners Bargain Outlet is another great resource for remodeling supplies.
Some homeowners prefer old-fashioned hardware stores to the major retailers. These include Ace Hardware, True Value, Crafty Beaver, Do It Best, or family-owned stores like Kabbe's Hardware. These stores are vital for more serious remodelers and normally lack the traffic that the major retailers have. They offer a more extensive selection of hard-to-find parts, as well as raw lumber for construction, but prices may run a little higher.
Those in the construction business, like contractors, have home improvement stores that they frequent. These places are normally not as consumer-friendly, and include the likes of GSC Supply, Clark & Barlow Decorative Hardware, or Bracing Systems, Inc. These stores are often run by those in the business, so staff knowledge will surpass that of representatives at other stores. Price often depends on volume.
The type of store that you shop at will depend on your individual project. It is not uncommon to have to tap numerous resources to get all the supplies that you require.
Directory of Chicago Home Improvement Stores & Retailers with websites, phone numbers, addresses. Find Chicago local Home Improvement Warehouse locations.
