The Home Depot is a force to be dealt with in the home improvement store competition. They are the largest home improvement specialty retailor with stores in all 50 states. The Home Depot is usually the first store on thinks of when they are going to do some work on their house. This store has helpful employees that will help you with your project the best they can.
Great Lakes Ace Hardward is more of a tool and supplies store but when you are thinking of doing a house project, you most likely need tools. They have excellent customer service because their workers are really trained in the products they sell. It helps being that they are a more smaller, specialized store. Affordable place to come buy and possibly rent tools for your work on your house.
Lowe's Home Improvement is a competitior of The Home Depot. They offer everything possible with you are improving you home, look at their name. Here you can get tools to work with, wood to make things with, garden supplies to grow things and more. Their workers are knowledgeable to help you with your project if you are feeling a little stuck. They will give you that idea you were trying to come up with.