The Home Depot is one of the best-known home improvement retailers in North America, serving homeowners, do-it-yourself shoppers, contractors and other professionals. The company sells products ranging from lumber and building materials to appliances, tools, paint, flooring, plumbing supplies, lawn and garden equipment, and home décor. It also provides services such as installation, delivery, pickup, and tool and equipment rental.
The business began in 1978, with its first stores opening in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 22, 1979. Today, The Home Depot operates more than 2,300 stores across the United States, Canada and Mexico, supported by a large e-commerce operation.
For shoppers, the main attraction is convenience: a single retailer can cover many stages of a renovation, repair or construction project.
What Can You Buy at The Home Depot?
The Home Depot’s product range is broad enough to support small repairs as well as major renovation projects. Its merchandise includes construction materials, hardware, electrical products, plumbing supplies, paint, flooring, kitchen products, bathroom fixtures, appliances, tools and outdoor products.
Homeowners can also find seasonal merchandise, storage solutions, lighting, cleaning products and décor. Professional customers have access to building materials and services designed around larger and recurring projects.
The online store adds another layer of choice. According to the company’s corporate information, its e-commerce business offers more than one million products, giving customers an alternative when a particular item is unavailable or difficult to find locally.
| Shopping Need | What The Home Depot Offers | Useful For |
|---|---|---|
| Home repairs | Hardware, plumbing, electrical and repair supplies | DIY maintenance |
| Renovation | Flooring, cabinets, paint, lighting and fixtures | Remodeling projects |
| Construction | Lumber, building materials and jobsite supplies | Contractors and builders |
| Outdoor projects | Lawn, garden, patio and landscaping products | Exterior improvements |
| Equipment | Tool and equipment rental | Short-term projects |
| Professional services | Installation, delivery and Pro-focused services | Larger or specialized jobs |
Shopping Online or In Store
Choosing between online and in-store shopping depends on the project. A physical store can be useful when you want to compare materials, inspect dimensions or speak with an associate. Online shopping is often more convenient for researching specifications, comparing products and checking whether an item is available for pickup or delivery.
Inventory can vary by location, and the retailer states that displayed availability is not guaranteed. Checking the selected store before traveling can therefore prevent an unnecessary trip.
💡 Pro Tip:
For a project involving several materials, make a complete shopping list before ordering. Check product dimensions, quantities, compatible accessories and local availability together rather than buying individual items as problems arise.
Services That Make Projects Easier
A major reason customers use The Home Depot is that the retailer goes beyond selling products. Depending on the project and location, customers can use delivery, installation, tool rental, pickup options and other project-related services.
Installation can be particularly useful for customers who need professional help with certain home improvement jobs. Tool and equipment rental can also make sense when purchasing expensive equipment would not be practical for a one-time project.
The company also maintains resources for DIY customers, including project ideas and educational material. Its website provides access to customer service, order tracking, returns information, project resources and rental services.
For contractors, the company has developed a broader professional ecosystem. In 2026, The Home Depot said its Pro network included more than 2,360 stores, 1,300 branches, 325 customer-facing warehouses and approximately 16,000 delivery assets.
The Home Depot for DIY Shoppers and Professionals
The retailer serves two important groups: people completing projects themselves and professionals purchasing materials for customers or jobsites.
DIY shoppers may value product variety, project information, rental options and the ability to combine several categories in one purchase. Professionals generally have different priorities, including dependable material availability, delivery, jobsite logistics, account services and efficient purchasing.
That distinction helps explain why the company continues investing in its professional business while also expanding its interconnected shopping experience.
The Home Depot reported fiscal 2025 sales of $164.7 billion and operated 2,359 stores at the end of that fiscal year. Its workforce numbered approximately 472,400 associates.
📌 Key Takeaway:
The strongest reason to shop at The Home Depot is not simply product selection. Its combination of stores, online ordering, project services, rentals, delivery and professional resources can make a complicated home improvement project easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Home Depot only for professional contractors?
No. The retailer serves both DIY customers and professional contractors. Homeowners can purchase individual repair supplies, appliances, tools, paint and outdoor products, while professionals can use specialized purchasing, delivery and Pro-focused services. The company’s stated strategy specifically recognizes both DIY and professional customers.
Does The Home Depot offer installation services?
Yes. Installation is among the services offered by the company, although available services depend on the product, location and project. Customers should review the applicable installation information before purchasing because requirements, scheduling and service details can differ between projects.
Can I order products online and pick them up at a store?
Yes. The retailer provides pickup as one of its shopping and fulfillment options. Before placing an order, select the appropriate store and review the item’s availability. Because inventory can change, the company advises that displayed stock levels are not guaranteed.
Does The Home Depot rent tools and equipment?
Yes. Tool and equipment rental is one of the services listed by the retailer. Rental can be useful when a project requires specialized equipment that you do not expect to use regularly. Availability and rental terms can vary by location and equipment type.
Is The Home Depot publicly traded?
Yes. The Home Depot, Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HD. The company is also included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.
Final Thoughts
The Home Depot has grown from a pair of Atlanta stores into a major home improvement retailer serving customers throughout North America. Its appeal comes from the breadth of its merchandise combined with services such as installation, delivery, pickup, rentals and online shopping.
For a homeowner, the retailer can be a practical source for everything from a minor repair to a larger renovation. Professionals can benefit from its expanding Pro ecosystem and fulfillment capabilities. The best shopping experience comes from planning the project carefully, checking product specifications and confirming local availability before making the trip.
Sources: Official company and SEC information were used to verify company history, store count, services and recent business figures.
