Buyer's Guides
RONA's buying guides are the reference when it comes to selecting tools. Terminology, parts and components, most important features; everything is covered so you can make a well-informed purchase according to your renovation needs.
Doors and Windows
But though the range of styles and finishes is practically endless, the actual number of basic models is fairly limited, and these must meet certain standards, which makes the choice somewhat easier.
In addition to style and look, there are other important aspects to take into consideration, such as ergonomics, ease of installation, quality and, of course, security.
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For your renovation or construction project to succeed, it’s important for you to understand exterior door-related terminology and standards. This buyer’s guide will help you make an informed choice by explaining the vocabulary used by door experts and outlining the standards to be followed.
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Taking measurements is an important and essential step. It’s also not very hard to do. New construction or renovation; both will impact how you take your measurements, as will the type of exterior cladding on the house.
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Keep practical considerations in mind when you choose your door, but the ambiance you want to create is also important. In the past, most doors were made of wood; now, however, you have a variety of materials to choose from.
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Taking measurements is an important and essential step. It’s also not very hard to do. New construction or renovation; both will impact how you take your measurements, as will the type of exterior cladding on the house.
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For your construction or renovation project to succeed, it’s important you’re familiar with window terminology and standards. This buyer’s guide will help you understand window manufacturing standards and the vocabulary used by window experts so can make a truly informed choice.
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Flooring and Ceramic Tile
It is important to know and recognize the features of carpets sold today, most of which are made with synthetic fibres, in order to choose the material that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
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This introduction to our flooring Buyer's Guides is designed to help you select the most suitable type of floor covering for each room, be it the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom or basement. The comparison chart lets you compare various factors: price, maintenance, and ease of installation.
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Tile has intrinsic beauty, as well as being hard-wearing and easy to clean. These qualities, and the fact that it can be installed over in-floor heating, have changed people's attitude to tile and have led it to become an increasingly popular choice in today's homes.
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Easier to lay and, if need be, to replace, vinyl tiles and planks now join the traditional supple vinyl sheet to offer new formats and laying techniques. We have every room covered!
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House Construction
The purpose of this buying guide is to help you select the most appropriate shingles for your roof. You should consider the following criteria: slope, appearance (if your roof is visible from the street), wind-resistance, water-resistance, durability, and warrantee.
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While appearance remains a prime consideration, technical features are also important. Before you make your choice, learn as much as you can about various basin vanities, types of installation, materials to prioritize and the many options available to you. This Buyer’s Guide will enable you to familiarize yourself with the soon-to-be centrepiece of your new bathroom design.
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The vanity unit has also come a long way. Bathroom vanities and cabinets are now available in many different styles and with diverse countertop options. There's one to suit every room size and decor.
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Bathtubs come in various styles, including alcove tubs, platform tubs built into a casing, and freestanding tubs, including the ever-popular clawfoot tub. In this guide we present the main types of bathtub and important factors to consider when remodelling your existing bathroom or designing a new one.
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Fans come in all shapes and sizes: with or without a lighting fixture, and with three, four, five or even six blades. Learn about the criteria you should consider before making an informed decision.
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Cement board panels are the ideal choice for rooms with high humidity levels or where a fire-resistant wall is required.
For each type of board – gypsum or cement – various types of panels are available to suit every type of project. The tools and installation methods vary.
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Here is an overview of the benefits and drawbacks associated with the most popular cladding options.
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PVC gutters are composed of several parts (hangers, elbows, connectors, downspouts, etc.) that must be assembled properly to prevent any future problems.
This guide presents the various models of gutters available, to help you decide which will be best for your home.
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By virtue of its function, the staircase must be safe and secure. Steps and risers are designed so that stairs aren’t too steep. Children, adults and seniors should all be able to use the stairs with relative ease. Vocabulary and standards to understand before building a staircase.
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This guide presents the various materials and latest designs in interior wall cladding.
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Since new cabinets represent a sizeable expense, it is important to understand their various types and features. While the look and style of your cabinets is of course an essential aspect, it is not the only point to consider. Materials and construction methods are also very important factors. This buyer's guide is designed to help you choose the kitchen cabinets best suited to your needs and style preferences.
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You need to look carefully at the characteristics of all your options, including appearance. It’s important to know what is available in terms of countertops: the materials, features, sizes, edging, and accessories associated with each one. This buying guide will enable you to familiarize yourself with the various work surfaces that are such essential elements in the kitchen.
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Ducted hoods draw smoke, moisture and odours outside the house, whereas ductless or recirculating hoods include filters to recycle air which is returned to the kitchen.
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The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of the various features, benefits and drawbacks of each roof covering, and thus help you make an informed and durable choice.
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This guide gives an overview of the features and components to review before buying a residential toilet.
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Outdoor and Garden
There are several models to choose from, so your choice should be based on your family’s eating preferences, how often you’ll use your barbecue, and the number of guests you plan to entertain. Before finalizing your purchase, check if existing municipal bylaws or co-ownership rules will be a factor.
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Water gardens are not a passing fad—they have been around for centuries since people first started designing gardens. In recent years, these aquatic sanctuaries have become quite popular as homeowners begin to appreciate their virtues. This increased interest has pushed companies to adapt technology for the cooler climate and to make products and accessories more readily available.
After adding a water garden to your landscape design, you’ll feel as if you’re visiting a botanical garden or a wildlife preserve every time you step out your back door!
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Given that these stones will form a permanent landscaping feature, it's important when choosing to consider not only your own preferences but also the style of neighbouring homes and the surrounding area.
Pavers, blocks and paving slabs are available in a variety of materials, but this guide focuses on products made of concrete.
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There is a large range of shelters to choose from to help you take full advantage of the warm weather. Gazebos, pergolas, umbrellas and awnings: each one will enable you to enjoy your outdoor activities without worrying about over-exposure to the sun. Before you decide, find out as much as you can about the models available and their various features; this buying guide will help you on your way.
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Paint, Moulding and Wallpaper
When it comes to mouldings, the vast assortment of options available can be a bit overwhelming. Let this guide help you navigate between the different names and materials used for today’s mouldings, and soon you’ll see why a simple DIY project can transform the look and feel of your home. Implement a finished and refined look in your home today—find out how, now!
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Choose a high quality paint that will cover more easily and last, keeping you enjoying your freshly painted walls (or other surface!) longer.
Preparing the surface and choosing the right primer are two key steps in the painting process. You'll want to read these tips on surface preparation, paint selection, paint application and safety before you begin. You are sure to produce professional looking results in no time!
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Each application has specific applicators to assist the painter and ensure a quality job. In fact, most applications will likely require the use of several different applicators for the highest quality finish.
Browse the available painting accessories to help your painting project run more efficiently and smoothly. Don't skimp on the proper painting tools--the finished results will likely show whether you have cut corners or not!
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With a typical lifespan of 15 years, unlimited looks for every taste, and an easy way to add depth to flat walls (or cover up flawed walls!), it’s no wonder wallpaper has become so popular.
Before you get started, there are a few rules of thumb you need to know and several tips and tricks you don’t want to miss!
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Storage
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We’ll show you what to consider when you choose a building site for a small to medium-sized backyard shed and how to work with your local building department to streamline the permitting process. Here’s where to start.
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Woodworking and Furniture
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With the right accessories and a skilled hand, a circular saw offers a level of precision that rivals table saws and mitre saws.
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Drill bits consist of two distinct parts: the shank and the cutting section called the bit. This buyer's guide outlines the kind of details you’ll need to be familiar with in order to select the appropriate tip for the tool shank of your drill and the type of material to be drilled.
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The electric or corded drill, on the other hand, is the best mate you can have for big jobs. Screwing is no problem, but its power was intended for drilling.
The power screwdriver and the hammer drill are variations, the first specialized in general screwing and the second in drilling through concrete.
The reverse function on these tools and the large selection of accessories available makes them extremely versatile.
These drilling and screwing tools are essentials for do-it-yourself hobbies, construction projects and jobs around the house.
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Despite its “indestructible” reputation, the claw hammer is less durable when used on metal surfaces. For this kind of work (i.e. freeing rusty pieces, shaping metal) the ball-peen hammer would be a better choice; it’s made with softer metal and has better shock-absorption.
To each task its hammer!
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Find out how the different features affect the power and performance of the tool, whether corded or cordless.
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This versatile and powerful tool, can, depending on the model, cut through studs, cut mouldings at various angles and create bevelled edges.
Since it is portable, its use is not limited to the workshop. It’s useful for jobs around the house or on a building site.
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These tools make craft and construction projects considerably simpler and a lot faster, resulting in increased productivity with less effort and strain.
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Yet the hardware aisle is a bewildering array of nail sizes, designs, materials, and finishes. There are common nails for framing and carpentry, finishing nails for trim, and nails made specifically for roofing, drywall, upholstery, metal, vinyl, masonry, hardwood flooring, and more.
No matter what the project, you want a nail that will drive easily and hold fast. You simply have to choose the right nail type and size. Here’s how to do it.
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To accomplish these tasks, all sanders have a motor which drives a sheet of sandpaper in a rotary or reciprocal movement.
Each type of sander has its own specialized use, determined by a combination of its shape, size and operating principle.
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It is used primarily to carve out irregular shapes from thin materials, such as drywall and plywood.
A variety of accessories and attachments greatly increase the versatility of this tool.
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Its high rotational speed, manoeuvrability, and the vast array of bits and attachments available, makes it a highly versatile tool.
All these features make rotary tools extremely useful in a wide range of household and workshop applications.
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With a fixed or "plunge" base, hand held or attached to a router table, the router is an extremely versatile and useful tool, as much for the occasional do-it-yourselfer as for the professional cabinetmaker.
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Bear in mind, therefore, that a blade designed specifically for a table saw may not be safe to use on a mitre saw, even if both tools can be fitted with blades of the same size.
For a given saw type, your choice of blade will depend on the material to be cut, the direction of cut, the desired finish and the cutting speed.
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It's tempting to fish though and grab the first one that looks like it'll do the job at hand. But if you want a sturdy, lasting hold, take time to review your options.
From wood screws and self-tapping sheet-metal screws to screws made for concrete, drywall, decks, and other materials, each type of screw is designed for a specific use. Here’s how to choose the right one.
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Learn about the saw's various features and how these can affect performance and user satisfaction.
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