9 Home Depot Problems No One Talks About Enough

When it comes to home improvement, few names are as iconic as Home Depot. With more than 2,300 stores nationwide, it has long been the go-to destination for DIYers and contractors alike.

If you're planning home improvements or need a few household items, Home Depot might be one of the first places that comes to mind. It's known for offering a wide selection of products. However, if you want to make a smart move as a homeowner, it's worth taking a closer look before you load up your cart.

Here are nine issues with Home Depot that are not getting enough attention.

One concern among customers is the quality of Home Depot products. The RYOBI 40-volt brushless lawnmower has more than 250 one-star reviews, with some complaining that the mower's battery dies rather quickly.

That isn't to say that the product has multiple five-star reviews. For shoppers, however, it can be frustrating — and costly — to purchase a product that has been widely reported as faulty.

Another issue customers have with Home Depot is that the store layouts aren't all the same. This means that if you have to visit another location to find an item, you might waste time searching for it simply because it's in a different spot.

Inconsistent layouts can also be a headache for contractors who need to send individuals to pick up supplies, as they may not be familiar with the exact location.

Being "green" is at the forefront of many people's minds these days, and it can be particularly unsettling when you find out a brand might not be making the most environmentally friendly decisions. A 2024 report showed that some timber sold at Home Depot originated from illegal sources. More specifically, the investigation revealed that Home Depot had sold illegally sourced tropical wood from the Congo Basin for over a decade.

This likely raises questions on ethics and the provenance of other products in the store.

Many of Home Depot's products are large and require delivery. Issues experienced by customers include being given a delivery time only to experience significant delays or no delivery that day.

Beyond delays, some consumers complain about how the brand markets its delivery. "Fast free delivery" isn't always the case, depending on the size and cost of your order, so be sure to double-check before committing to having your items delivered to your front door.

Browsing online before you buy is the norm these days, and it can be frustrating when you discover that the image online isn't exactly what's available in-store or delivered. One customer complained that they received flooring darker than the image online.

While many products feature clear photos, it's worth checking the product before making a purchase and also reviewing Home Depot's return policy.

Home Depot offers a Pro Xtra Loyalty program. The problem? It's limited to contractors and professionals within the field. Competitors like Lowe's offer loyalty programs that include everyday DIYers, so it's something to think about when you decide where you want to buy your supplies.

It's common to research products online before visiting a store. Home Depot customers find that items listed as in stock online often do not appear to be available when they arrive at the store, which is frustrating. The online ordering system also has problems, such as canceling orders or long wait times.

Some customers have reported a poor attitude from staff when trying to find supplies or attempting to learn more about a specific product. Others have reported that staff lack basic knowledge of products and are unwilling to seek help from others. When you're looking for home items, it's helpful to have staff who can provide advice.

Home Depot offers installation for everything from floors to large appliances. However, they don't have their own full-time installation team and outsource installers, meaning you never really know who you're going to get. Some customers have complained that items were installed incorrectly, while others mentioned an installer didn't show up at all.

While Home Depot remains a go-to store for aspiring home improvement enthusiasts and professionals alike, there are some drawbacks that can make you question your next trip. Issues like inconsistent product quality, limited in-store support, and lackluster customer service can turn a simple project into a frustrating experience.

If you have the time, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices at other hardware stores. Making the effort to do a bit of extra research is a smart homeowner money move that can save you both time and cash in the long run.