My latest project was building a storage shed and chicken coop, which entailed numerous visits to our very close by Lowe's. I will go months with nary a hardware need, then when i start a project, i stop by the store nearly everyday because I constantly make construction mistakes. \n\nMy most dozen or so recent visits continue to leave me with a bad taste in my mouth for these giant hardware stores. Sure they're cheaper, but it is so disappointing because their employee assistance with projects is far from the commercials they air. \n\nWhich is why a weekender like me has to go back so many times because no one is ever around to help me find the part I'm looking for. And is why it is a great idea to research your project online prior to going in to Lowe's because basically, you more than likely will be left on your own to figure things out. When constructing the self-feeder for my chickens out of plumbing pipes, i stood there picking up things, trying to fit things together for at least 45 minutes....i walked around looking for an employee for advice....nada. Needless to say, i have had to return about half a dozen items and buy several more pieces. \n\nMost recently, i decided to tile my back patio. Low and behold, there was a flooring guy in the tile area. I told him my project and asked \""Any suggestions on thin-set or grout? Sanded, non-sanded?\"" He didn't answer at first, then I said \""excuse me, can i ask a question about tiling an outdoor patio?\"". He looked at me like i was a complete idiot and in huff says \""What? Well, sanded grout of course! You'll only have to do all the work over if you get non-sanded!\"" and basically ran away as if there were free donuts in the break room. \n\nArghhhh. but....yes....i will have to go back....to return this damn 4\"" pvc elbow joint when i should've gotten a 3\"".