Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
Here are the top picks for Best home improvement store:
1. Home Depot
Multiple locations; homedepot.com
Last year, Home Depot committed $3 million to Southern California wildfire relief. In 2026, though, the home improvement megastore is expanding on its longtime support of natural disaster relief efforts and preparedness strategies.
In early June, the company announced that it has partnered with CAL Fire to put the spotlight on wildfire preparedness strategies. This includes highlighting home hardening projects, like weather stripping, as well as vent, window and rain gutter upgrades that home owners can either DIY or contact Home Depot’s installation services to handle. You’ll find signage directing shoppers to these products in locations throughout the state and wildfire preparedness content is available on the store’s website and the store has several on demand emergency prep webcasts, including on how to properly prepare your home for storms, floods, chemical spills and toxic releases.
Home Depot is also continuing its efforts on the sustainability front. The Eco Actions section of its website documents steps Home Depot is taking to reduce waste and promote safer products. You’ll also find sustainable products here, as well as guides for environmentally friendlier practices you can use at home. If you ever wanted to know how to get the mosquitos out of your yard without wrecking everything else, this is the place to start. More info and tips are available through their monthly Eco Actions newsletter.
Founded in 1979, Home Depot has grown to more than 2,000 stores nationwide, with 22 of them in Orange County. Throughout its history, the company has supported veterans by giving discounts to customers who served and hiring veterans to work in its stores. More than 35,000 veterans work for Home Depot through the U.S.
2. Lowe’s Home Improvement
Multiple locations; lowes.com
Maybe you thought you could handle the home improvement projects on your own, but, now you’re starting to think you could use some help. That’s where Lowe’s comes in handy.
While the hardware chain has plenty of tutorials and tools to help you get started on many DIY projects, it also boasts a substantial list of installation services. The exact services offered varies from location to location, but the list of options available is impressive. At the Tustin store, one of five Lowe’s locations in Orange County, you can find someone to help with smart home installations. Anaheim has home accessibility specialists to install aging-in-place upgrades. San Clemente and Rancho Santa Margarita can handle hardwood floor installations.
Even if you’re fairly certain that you can handle the job yourself, there’s a peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re able to connect with someone for help if it ends up being necessary.
3. Ace Hardware
Multiple locations; acehardware.com
If you prefer to shop at stores that retain a sense of individuality, then Ace Hardware might be the best option for your home improvement needs.
A little over a century go, Ace began with five individual retailers banding together and, today, it remains a retailers’ cooperative. Even though there are 5,000 stores spread out across 60 countries, most are independently owned, so you’re not getting a homogenized experience when you shop at any specific Ace. The 15 Ace-affiliated hardware stores in Orange County, such as Coast Hardware in Laguna Beach or Woodward’s Ace Hardware in Santa Ana, offer different services and may have varying stock and specialties.
The catch is that, while Ace has some programs that are available widely throughout the co-op, like a delivery partnership with DoorDash that launched last year, they might not be available at your local outpost. Since not all of the stores have a major web presence, it’s definitely a good idea to call and check beforehand.