You probably know Uber Eats for late-night pizza and grocery runs. But here’s something that might surprise you: you can now order power tools, paint, and garden supplies through the same app. In April 2026, Ace Hardware announced that 3,700 of its locally owned locations are now available for delivery through Uber Eats nationwide.

This isn’t a one-off experiment. It’s the latest move in a broader transformation that’s turning food delivery apps into full-service retail platforms. And for DIYers and homeowners, it could change how you tackle projects.

The news that changed everything

Ace Hardware’s Uber Eats partnership caps a busy year for the hardware cooperative. Just seven months earlier, in September 2025, Ace had already partnered with DoorDash to make over 4,000 locations available for on-demand delivery. The addition of Uber Eats means most Ace stores nationwide are now accessible through at least one major delivery platform.

The company isn’t alone. Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, made its own delivery platform moves in January 2025. More than 2,000 Home Depot stores now offer delivery through both Uber Eats and DoorDash, supplementing the retailer’s existing same-day and next-day delivery options on homedepot.com.

What’s driving this? According to Hashim Amin, head of North American grocery and retail delivery at Uber Eats, “consumers are turning to the company for more than just meals.” He notes that shoppers now rely on the platform for “paint supplies, mulch for the garden, and the tools needed to kick off a weekend yard cleanup.”

For Ace Hardware, the partnerships align with a broader digital strategy. Bill Kiss, head of digital at Ace, explained that the company wants to “meet our customers wherever they are.” With over 8,800 locally owned stores globally, including more than 5,200 in the U.S. alone, that strategy increasingly means showing up on the apps customers already use.

The bigger trend: delivery apps want to be everything stores

Ace and Home Depot aren’t anomalies. They’re part of a systematic expansion that’s turning delivery platforms from restaurant services into general-purpose shopping apps.

The evolution has happened in stages. First came prepared food. Then groceries. Then essentials and convenience items. Now it’s hardware and home improvement. Each step builds on the infrastructure and user base established in the previous category.

The numbers tell the story. In 2025 alone, Uber Eats added more than 50,000 retail locations in the U.S. to its platform, along with over 1,000 new retailers globally. That’s not a side project. It’s a core business strategy.

Consumer behavior is pushing this shift. According to data from Brick Meets Click, online grocery platforms (both first- and third-party) accounted for 19% of total grocery spending in 2025. That’s a 430 basis point increase from the previous year. Even during periods of economic uncertainty, consumers are choosing convenience.

As Audi Rowe, EY Americas AI experience consulting leader, told the Food Institute, “We’re seeing a shift from big weekly shops to near real-time purchases through delivery platforms.” Instead of planning a major shopping trip, consumers increasingly add essentials to existing orders as needs arise.

The competition between Uber Eats and DoorDash is driving rapid expansion into new categories. Both platforms have added diverse retail partners recently: Spirit Halloween, Michaels, Rite Aid, Five Below, David’s Bridal, and Sports Basement, among others. Each new category makes the apps more sticky and increases order frequency.

Why hardware retailers are joining the delivery revolution

For hardware stores, partnering with delivery platforms isn’t about replacing their existing e-commerce operations. It’s about expanding reach and meeting customers where they already shop.

Home Depot’s approach illustrates this. The retailer already offers same-day and next-day delivery through its own website. Adding Uber Eats and DoorDash gives customers more options without cannibalizing existing services. As Jordan Broggi, executive vice president of customer experience at Home Depot, put it: “By complementing our current same-day and next-day delivery services on homedepot.com with Uber Eats’ speedy and user-friendly platform, we’re offering more options to serve our customers however they prefer to shop.”

The use cases for hardware delivery are surprisingly practical. Think about the weekend DIY enthusiast who starts a project Saturday morning only to realize they’re missing a crucial drill bit. Or the professional contractor on a tight deadline who needs materials delivered directly to a job site. Or the homeowner dealing with an emergency repair who can’t leave the house.

Mike Goldblatt, vice president of new verticals partnerships at DoorDash, captured this scenario perfectly: “Amidst a project and out of nails, screw heads or drill bits, on-demand delivery from DoorDash can save time and any added stress.”

Ace Hardware’s locally owned store model also fits well with the delivery platform approach. Because each Ace store is independently operated, the partnership allows local business owners to reach new customers in their communities without building their own delivery infrastructure.

The financial opportunity is significant. Digital Commerce 360 projects Home Depot’s online sales will reach $23.97 billion in 2025. Capturing even a fraction of those sales through delivery platforms represents meaningful revenue.

What you can actually get delivered

So what exactly shows up at your door when you order hardware through a delivery app? The short answer: most of what you’d find in the front half of a hardware store.

Product categories available through both Ace Hardware and Home Depot on delivery platforms include:

• Hand tools and power tools

• Building materials and lumber (smaller pieces)

• Gardening supplies and outdoor equipment

• Paint and painting supplies

• Hardware (nails, screws, bolts, fasteners)

• Electrical and plumbing supplies

• Cleaning and maintenance products

The experience works similarly to ordering food. You browse the retailer’s storefront within the Uber Eats or DoorDash app, add items to your cart, and choose between on-demand delivery (typically under two hours) or scheduled delivery (up to seven days in advance). Real-time tracking lets you follow your delivery from store to door.

Of course, there are limitations. You’re not getting a sheet of plywood or a load of mulch delivered on a scooter. The model works best for smaller items that fit in a car trunk. Large appliances, major power equipment, and bulk building materials still require traditional delivery methods.

The sweet spot is those mid-project emergencies. Forgotten drill bits. Unexpected plumbing repairs. Last-minute paint for a room that needs to be finished before guests arrive. For these scenarios, paying a delivery fee beats stopping work, driving to the store, waiting in line, and losing momentum.

What this means for DIYers and homeowners

If you’re a regular DIYer, this trend could meaningfully change how you approach projects. Here’s what to consider.

The convenience factor is real. No more stopping mid-project because you’re missing a crucial part. No more abandoning a half-finished room to run to the store. The ability to have supplies delivered within hours keeps projects moving and reduces the mental overhead of planning.

But delivery fees add up. While convenient, delivery app prices typically include markup plus delivery fees. For a $5 bag of screws, a $3.99 delivery fee plus tip changes the math. The model makes most sense for urgent needs or when your time is genuinely worth more than the delivery cost.

Selection is curated, not comprehensive. Delivery apps show a subset of what’s available in-store. If you need something specialized or uncommon, you’ll still need to visit the store or order from the retailer’s website.

The local angle matters. When you order from Ace Hardware through a delivery app, your order typically goes to the nearest locally owned store and is fulfilled by local staff. So you’re supporting neighborhood businesses even when using a global platform.

Looking ahead, it’s easy to imagine delivery platforms expanding further into home improvement. Furniture retailers are already experimenting with same-day delivery. Appliance stores could follow. The infrastructure exists. It’s just a matter of which categories make economic sense for the model.

The future of home improvement shopping

Where is this all headed? If current trends continue, delivery apps becoming “everything stores” seems inevitable. The question isn’t whether they’ll expand into new categories, but how quickly and which ones.

For retailers, the benefits are clear: expanded reach, new customer acquisition, and valuable data on purchasing patterns. For platforms, each new category increases user engagement and order frequency. For consumers, it means more convenience but also more decisions about whether that convenience is worth the premium.

The home improvement sector is particularly interesting because it combines planned purchases (the materials for a weekend project) with urgent needs (the part you didn’t know was broken until you started). Delivery platforms excel at the urgent category. As they improve their capabilities, they may capture more of the planned spending too.

Keep an eye on Lowe’s. The Home Depot competitor already partners with DoorDash for same-day delivery, and its presence on delivery platforms will likely expand as the model proves itself.

Integration features are also evolving. Expect to see tighter connections between delivery apps and retailer loyalty programs, in-app promotions tied to your purchase history, and eventually seamless returns processes. The goal is to make ordering through an app as convenient as shopping in-store, if not more so.

Getting your next project delivered

Ready to try it? Getting started is straightforward. Download Uber Eats or DoorDash, enter your address, and search for hardware stores in your area. Ace Hardware and Home Depot locations should appear if they’re available for delivery in your market.

A few tips for the best experience:

• Check delivery times before starting your project. Some stores have limited delivery hours.

• Verify product availability. Inventory shown in the app may not be real-time.

• Understand the fee structure. Delivery fees, service fees, and tips add up.

• Start small. Test the service with a low-stakes order before relying on it for urgent needs.

At Hardware Huddle, we’re tracking how technology is changing home improvement. Whether you prefer shopping in-store, online, or through delivery apps, the goal is the same: getting the right tools and materials to complete your projects successfully.

The transformation of delivery apps from food services to everything stores is just getting started. For DIYers, that means more options, more convenience, and more ways to keep projects on track. The next time you’re mid-project and realize you’re missing something, the solution might already be on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get same-day delivery on Uber Eats hardware orders?

Yes. Both Uber Eats and DoorDash offer on-demand delivery from participating Ace Hardware and Home Depot locations, typically arriving within two hours. You can also schedule deliveries up to seven days in advance.

Is Uber Eats hardware delivery available everywhere?

Availability varies by location. Uber Eats hardware delivery is currently available in markets with participating Ace Hardware (3,700+ locations) and Home Depot (2,000+ stores) locations. Check the app to see what’s available in your area.

How does Uber Eats hardware delivery pricing compare to in-store prices?

Prices on delivery apps may include markup compared to in-store pricing, plus delivery fees, service fees, and tips. For urgent needs or convenience, the premium may be worthwhile, but for larger purchases, compare prices with the retailer’s website or in-store options.

What hardware items can I get delivered through Uber Eats?

Available items include hand tools, power tools, painting supplies, gardening equipment, hardware (nails, screws, bolts), and smaller building materials. Large items like major appliances, sheet goods, and bulk materials typically aren’t available through delivery apps.

Can professional contractors use Uber Eats for job site delivery?

Yes. Both Uber Eats and DoorDash position their hardware delivery services as useful for professional contractors needing quick access to supplies at job sites. Scheduled delivery options allow you to coordinate arrival times with your work schedule.